Overall Interactivity in Online Pornography Use in an Adult German Online Population

Abstract: Objective: Online pornography use (OPU) is a prevalent behavior that can lead to problematic pornography use (PPU) in up to 4 % of the adult population. According to the current models on addiction, reinforcing characteristics of addictive behaviors, e. g., online gaming or social network use, may increase the risk of developing a behavioral addiction. Previous studies, however, neglected the general level of interactivity of use (LIU) in OPU as a reinforcing factor when testing for associations between OPU characteristics and PPU. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey of German-speaking adults aged 18–71, self-report questionnaires on current frequency and duration of OPU, LIU, as well as PPU were administered. N = 818 OP users were analyzed using a linear regression framework, including mediation analysis. Results: LIU was associated each with OPU frequency, OPU duration, and the PPU score (all p < .001). Furthermore, LIU mediated the association between OPU frequency and PPU ( p < .001, R 2 = .116) as well as the association between OPU duration and PPU ( p < .001, R 2 = .165). Discussion: The results provide initial evidence of relationships between the interactive OPU and PPU. Future studies should further differentiate between interactive and passive forms of use. Open questions remain regarding possible causal directions and the replicability of these findings.