Porn A Possible Factor in Dropping American Marriage Rate. It’s no secret marriage rates in the United States have been falling for some time. Many things have been attributed to the decline. A team of American researchers recently published a study that finds another potential influence may be readily available free internet pornography.
A Consistent Trend
According to information in a September 2014 report by the Pew Research Center (a non-partisan organization recognized for their polling, research and analysis), there are approximately 42 million people in United States over the age of 25 that have never married. This is 20 percent of that total age group and is a 9 percent increase from 1960. The trend has been a constant for years. Each generation since 1970 has been less likely to marry than the one before it. While couples are also generally marrying later in life, many individuals are making the choice to not marry at all.
The Impact of Free Online Porn
The study focused on data from 2000–2004. It examined internet usage of 1,500 male participants that were 18 to 35 years old. Specific attention was paid to how much time subjects spent online and what types of websites they visited. In general, the more time they browsed the less likely they were to be married. Subjects who regularly viewed internet pornography had a greater likelihood of being single than those who frequented other types of websites including sports, finance and news ones. Conversely, the more participants viewed religious websites the greater the probability they were married.
Digging Deeper
Some may claim the study proves the obvious: Married males watch less porn because they have a partner. The researchers argue that while it may be true married men are less likely to look at porn, they don’t feel it tells the whole story. Another idea proposed in the findings suggests pornography may be an alternative form of sexual gratification. It may fulfill a void that marriage often does, particularly for younger males.
The authors of the study were mindful to point out their research was not indisputable. However, they do believe there is a link between how often men watch porn online and whether or not they are married.
Statistics on Pornography
There have been numerous studies on different porn. Here are some statistics that may provide additional context on general pornography viewing habits.
- According to a 2013 article in the Huffington Post, pornographic websites get more total monthly visitors than Amazon, Netflix and Twitter together.
- Human resource professionals report they have discovered pornography on two-thirds of employees’ work computers
- The average viewer visits pornographic websites 7.5 times a month and stays there for approximately 12 minutes.
Other Reasons for the Dropping American Marriage Rate
There are numerous factors believed to contribute to falling marriage rates.
Economics
Growing socioeconomic disparity is one of the main reasons cited for fewer people marrying. The Pew Research Center found better-educated, wealthier individuals continue to marry at above average rates and are also more likely to stay married.
Due to college debt and difficulty finding jobs, a growing number of young people have been moving back home. This trend may also impact the likelihood of developing relationships that lead to marriage.
Many people in their 20s and 30s who don’t live at home choose to cohabitate rather than marry.
Changing Gender Roles
Changing gender roles are also believed to be an influence. Traditionally men made the money and women stayed home and took care of children and the household. Career opportunities were much more limited for females and they relied on their husbands for financial support. This is no longer the case.
There are many reasons fewer couples are choosing to tie the knot. Easily accessible free internet porn is definitely an interesting one to ponder.