"Pornography is destroying intimate relationships."

"Pornographic actors have been forced to become modern-day slaves."

"Pornographic content can cause permanent damage and disrupt the brain's arousal response."

Conduct a quick online search for research on pornographic content, and you will find that the majority of the articles are about its destructive, unhealthy characteristics and potential negative side effects.

Although I agree that everything in life, if forced upon us (including exercise, healthy diet, and managing emotions), could potentially cause harm or be unhealthy, I do not agree with the notion that everything is either black or white.

Pornographic works have received a lot of criticism... Some of it is deserved, while some is undeserved.

I view pornography in the same way as I view most recreational drugs... Intentionally using it can expand your thinking, but if you become overly addicted and use it blindly, it might ruin part of your life. I believe the same principle applies to consuming sugar, watching evening news, or following celebrity gossip.

Do pornographic films set unrealistic expectations for sex? Of course they do, but this is also the case with the vast majority of the television, movies and marketing we encounter every day.

Do people have the ability to use pornographic content as a form of compulsive behavior to numb themselves, or even develop a mild addiction? Sure. However, the same is true for consuming sugar, browsing Facebook, or watching Netflix.

Do pornographic films set unrealistic expectations regarding body image or sexual performance? Yes, but then again... What are the unrealistic expectations? Just look at the advertisements... Look! Unrealistic expectations can be seen everywhere.

Although numerous studies have pointed out the drawbacks of excessive viewing of pornographic content, I believe that pornographic films occupy a very healthy (and sometimes necessary) position in our lives.

Here are the three benefits of pornographic films that no one talks about.

Sexual self-exploration

If you have never been exposed to anything other than the heterosexual/missionary position and the dim-light sexual act that are often advocated in Western society, then it's very difficult for you to know what kind of sex you are interested in.

If you have never been exposed to the things you have been told are inappropriate, then it will be very difficult for you to accept or regulate those parts of your sexual self/ fantasies.

Sexual orientation is not black and white. There are countless different sexual preferences in the world. Each of us has our own unique sexual orientation, which deserves our appreciation and exploration (rather than being buried and ignored).

I personally know many people. Had they not come into contact with pornographic materials, they would never have realized that they were gay, bisexual or "sexual deviants".

This does not mean that they will ultimately not discover their sexual orientation through other forms of self-reflection on sexuality... But if trying other forms of pornographic content can help them avoid being unaware of their sexual orientation core for many years, then why not accelerate this process?

Self-pleasure is beneficial to your relationship.

All the best lovers will masturbate.

One of the best ways to take personal responsibility for your sexual satisfaction is to engage in regular self-stimulation. This way, your body will be cared for independently of your partner's actions.

You will become more aware of your own preferences, no longer relying so much on your partner's sexual activities. Moreover, (regardless of gender) you are likely to be able to better control when, if, and for how long you reach orgasm, because you have become closely connected with your own arousal curve. For men, this usually means you can better control the timing of orgasm; for women, it means you can reach orgasm more quickly and more frequently.

Although I wouldn't recommend masturbating solely to pornographic materials (because it's an external arousal stimulus for you, and it might soon make you dependent on being awakened by something outside your own body rather than by your own physical contact), it is indeed a very useful tool.

Occasionally watching pornographic films together with your partner can be beneficial to your relationship.

Occasionally watching pornographic films together with your significant other has many benefits.

— It ensures that you both reach an agreement on sex (because both of you want to enjoy the pornographic films we watch together).

— This can be a great way to introduce new ideas, new hobbies or sexual fantasies into your bedroom. Show your partner a segment that you like, and perhaps it will enable them to learn about one of your many interests that they might not have been aware of before.

— That's really interesting. Many pornographic films are simply absurd to the extreme. Laughter is a natural aphrodisiac, so before you start showing off your sexy figure, laughter can be a light-hearted and enjoyable way to go.

Let me say this again: I'm not suggesting that you should become dependent on it, and that you need to have pornographic films in the room before having sex (you should still feel that your partner is attractive enough and doesn't need external sexual stimulation)... But if you find some pornographic content that perfectly matches your sexual connection with your partner, then occasionally watching others having sex together might be a nice way to enjoy yourself.

Pornography is not the devil.

If you like this article and want to read more related content, I suggest you check out the following:

The 5 types of sex toys every couple should have (seriously)

Reduce stress, increase testosterone levels, and enjoy a better sex life

3 Super Effective Male Sexual Practices

How to stay in bed for a longer time (9 simple exercises)

How to fall in love with masturbation

Pornography is ruining your sex life.

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