The Dark Side of Desire: Violent Pornography, Problematic Sexual Internet Use and Their Associations with the Dark Tetrad

Abstract

The internet plays a essential role in modern life, but its problematic use, especially involving sexual content, can lead to serious psychosocial issues. Violent pornography is particularly concerning for its potential to desensitize users to aggression and reinforce antisocial behaviors. This study investigated the relationship between violent pornography consumption, problematic sexual internet use, and Dark Tetrad personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism). A total of 795 participants, mostly female and recruited via social media, completed an online survey measuring these variables. The findings revealed significant associations, with psychopathy and sadism showing the strongest links to problematic sexual use of the internet. Structural equation modeling, controlling for the sex of the participants, confirmed that time spent viewing violent pornography and problematic sexual internet use are associated to the Dark Tetrad traits. These results suggest a reinforcing cycle, where individuals high in psychopathy and sadism are drawn to violent sexual content, which may further entrench these traits and normalize aggressive or antisocial behaviors. The study underscores the importance of addressing the psychological factors behind problematic sexual internet use.