Characteristics of Online Pornography and Interventions Against its Negative Effects in Young People: Results from an International Delphi Panel

Online pornography represents a complex experience. The identification of determinant characteristics of this experience may allow to reduce its negative effects and improve the preventive interventions in young people. This study aimed to identify, among expert opinions, the main pornography features, the type of effects related to its consumption, and the most appropriate interventions to face the negative consequences of this consumption in adolescents and young people. We invited an international multidisciplinary group of experts in pornography and sex education to be part of this study. A two-round electronic Delphi panel was undertaken with 30 experts. The used questionnaire asked about pornography definition, features, and effects, as well as interventions against the negative consequences of its consumption in adolescents. The main pornography features identified were: easy access, violent content, and changes in perception and attitudes regarding gender equality and sexuality. Some of the interventions against the negative consequences of pornography consumption were: social support in the maturation process, education of emotions, affections, and sexuality, as well as regulations in the access system to online pornography. On the one hand, the main pornography characteristics identified in this study might be one of the first steps to understand and analyze the actual state and impact of this huge phenomenon. On the other hand, the expert’s opinion regarding interventions might contribute to the development or improvement of strategies to prevent or minimize the negative effects of pornography consumption/exposition in adolescents and young people.