Sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents: a network analysis

Abstract Pornography use is a common practice in adolescents and has been observed to be more prevalent in boys. There are different consequences associated with pornography use and problematic use that may present differently among boys and girls. This study presents a network analysis to understand relationships among different variables associated with pornography use (victimization, sexual double standard, loneliness, family relationships and sexual risk behaviors) and differences between boys and girls in a Spanish sample of N = 650 adolescents. The results show a higher frequency of problematic use of pornography in boys and more conservative models of sexuality. Girls show higher levels of online victimization and loneliness associated with pornography use. Some clinical implications of the study are discussed.