The Porn Phenomenon: Survey Reveals Differences in Views of Porn Between Covenant Eyes Clients and General Population
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This document summarizes the findings of a survey on pornography use among teens, adults, pastors and youth pastors in the United States. Some key findings include: - Covenant Eyes clients have a more conservative view of what constitutes pornography compared to the general population. - Most teens and young adults talk about pornography in an accepting way with friends, while Covenant Eyes clients view it more negatively. - Regular pornography viewing is less common among Covenant Eyes clients than the general population. - The majority of pastors and youth pastors who currently use pornography are trying to stop and feel guilt about their use.
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The Porn Phenomenon: Survey Reveals Differences in Views of Porn Between Covenant Eyes Clients and General Population
- 1. The Porn Phenomenon Survey of U.S. Teens & Adults Covenant Eyes Comparisons January 19, 2016
- 2. Table of Contents Research Design...........……………………………………………………………………..…… 3 Findings…………………….…….…….……...……….………..…………………….…………….. 5 Pastors…………………….…….…….……...……….………..…………….………………………. 23 The Church’s Need for Resources…………………………………………….……………. 31 2
- 3. RESEARCH DESIGN The Porn Phenomenon 3
- 4. Who Was Surveyed in the Study? Note: colors correspond to graphs throughout this report * Small sample size – interpret with caution All participants completed an online survey, and data for the general population and pastors is weighted to be nationally representative. Audience Definition Sample Size TEENS 13 – 17 303 YOUNG ADULTS 18 – 24 510 COVENANT EYES TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS 13 – 24 47* ADULTS 25 + 1,188 COVENANT EYES ADULTS 25+ 470 PASTORS Senior Pastor 432 YOUTH PASTORS Youth Pastor 338 4
- 5. FINDINGS – COVENANT EYES The Porn Phenomenon 5
- 6. Is that Porn? 10% 10% 21% 7% 19% 28% 25% 50% 39% 53% 24% 41% 64% 54% 78% 69% 83% 53% 91% 86% 80% 57% 58% 68% 63% 89% 89% 87% 90% 87% 85% 79% 93% 96% 95% TEENS YOUNG ADULTSCOVENANT EYES TEENS & YOUNG ADULTSADULTS COVENANT EYES ADULTS YOUTH PASTORS PASTORS a partially nude image a fully nude image a fully nude image that is sexually arousing an image of a sexual act that is not intercourse an image of sexual intercourse Which of these things would you consider to be “porn”? Sexual intercourse is the most common defining factor for considering an image porn— sexual arousal also plays a large part in people viewing an image as porn. 6
- 7. Is that Porn? 37% 33% 43% 80% 80% 79% TOTAL ADULTS TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS % males who think porn is ‘fully nude image that’s sexually arousing’ AND ‘image of sexual act that is not intercourse’ AND ‘image of sexual intercourse’ General Population Covenant Eyes Cohort Which of these things would you consider to be “porn”? Especially among males, Covenant Eyes clients are more than twice as likely than the general population to have a more conservative view of what defines pornography 7
- 8. What is ‘Definitely Porn?’ What of these things would you definitely consider porn? Among those who currently use porn. 46% 32% 61% 71% 71% 50% 82% 82% 79% 100% 31% 14% 18% 41% 46% 23% 47% 55% 70% 83% TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS CE TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS 84% 66% 61% 32% 32% 26% 30% 11% 9% 22% 98% 96% 90% 90% 83% 81% 80% 75% 52% 44% ADULTS CE ADULTS Teens & Young Adults generally consider more types of images to be pornography, compared to Adults. partially nude still pictures sex scenes that are a short part of a broader story in a movie/video/TV chatting/texting about sexual acts with someone you do not know personally partially nude show or dance fully nude still pictures sex scenes described in a written story (no pictures) still pictures of sexual acts close-up still pictures of genitals fully nude show or dance sex scenes that make up most or all of a video, with very little story 8
- 9. Situations that Define Porn 70% 60% 53% 40% 39% 48% 27% 25% 30% 23% 17% 93% 82% 82% 79% 68% 61% 50% 50% 43% 43% 43% If you watch/listen/read it specifically for the purpose of sexual arousal If you masturbate while viewing/reading If you pay for an image that is sexual in nature If you get sexual images for free If the image is NOT personal - of someone you don’t know If you interact with someone or something sexual in nature If you watch/listen/read it alone If the image is personal - of someone you know If you watch/listen/read with a romantic partner If the nude person is yourself If you watch/listen/read with friends TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS CE TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS Which of these situations could make an image or words porn? The context of seeing an image – for sexual arousal especially – is important in determining whether something is porn or not. 9
- 10. What Is Wrong With the World? Different people have different ideas about what is right and wrong in our world today. Take a look at this list. For each one, what do you think about it? Is it… • Taking something that belongs to someone else • Having a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse • Saying something that isn’t true • Not recycling • Viewing pornographic images • Thinking negatively about someone with a different point of view • Reading erotic or pornographic content (no pictures) • Watching sexually explicit scenes on TV or in a movie • Wanting something that belongs to someone else • Overeating • Significant consumption of electricity or water • Taking something that belongs to someone else • Having a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse • Saying something that isn’t true • Viewing pornographic images • Wanting something that belongs to someone else • Reading erotic or pornographic content (no pictures) • Watching sexually explicit scenes on TV or in a movie • Thinking negatively about someone with a different point of view • Not recycling • Overeating • Significant consumption of electricity or water Teens & Young Adults Adults Teens & Young Adults consider not recycling more immoral than viewing porn. + R A N K - 10
- 11. What Is Wrong With the World? Different people have different ideas about what is right and wrong in our world today. Take a look at this list. For each one, what do you think about it? Is it… • Viewing pornographic images • Having a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse • Taking something that belongs to someone else • Reading erotic or pornographic content (no pictures) • Watching sexually explicit scenes on TV or in a movie • Saying something that isn’t true • Thinking negatively about someone with a different point of view • Wanting something that belongs to someone else • Overeating • Not recycling • Significant consumption of electricity or water • Having a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse • Viewing pornographic images • Taking something that belongs to someone else • Reading erotic or pornographic content (no pictures) • Watching sexually explicit scenes on TV or in a movie • Saying something that isn’t true • Wanting something that belongs to someone else • Overeating • Thinking negatively about someone with a different point of view • Not recycling • Significant consumption of electricity or water CE Teens & Young Adults CE Adults+ R A N K - 11 Covenant Eyes clients have a much more negative relative perspective on pornography, with the vast majority believing most forms are “always wrong.”
- 12. Is Porn Good or Bad for Society? Overall, do you think that porn is a good or bad thing for our society? Young Adults (18-24) are the least likely age group to say porn is bad for society 27% 14% 30% 24% 37% 59% 16% 17% 21% 20% 22% 22% 47% 48% 32% 44% 36% 19% 9% 14% 13% 10% 5% 2% 8% 4% 2% 13-17 18-24 25-30 31-49 51-69 70+ it is very bad for our society it is somewhat bad for our society it is neither good nor bad it is somewhat good for our society It is very good for society 12 GENERALPOPULATION
- 13. Is Porn Good or Bad for Society? Overall, do you think that porn is a good or bad thing for our society? Nearly all Covenant Eyes clients say porn is bad for society 85% 98% 97% 99% 9% 3% 1% 4% 2% 2%13-24 25-30 31-49 51-69 it is very bad for our society it is somewhat bad for our society it is neither good nor bad it is somewhat good for our society It is very good for society 13 COVENANTEYES
- 14. When Friends Talk about Porn, Context Is… When you and your friends talk about pornography, is it most often in a way that’s disagreeable, neutral, accepting, or encouraging? More than half of teens and young adults talk about porn in a way that is completely accepting. Only a small minority talk about it in a way that is disagreeable. 13% 40% 37% 11% 17% 43% 36% 5% 3% 11% 14% 73% Encouraging - we talk about pornography in a positive, even lighthearted way; no one is ashamed of viewing it Accepting - it’s just assumed we all look at porn sometimes Neutral - we don’t really discuss the morality of it Disagreeable - my friends think viewing pornography is a bad thing Gen Pop age 13- 17 Gen Pop age 18- 24 CE Teens & Young Adults 14
- 15. Sexual Images That Are ‘Always Wrong’ What sexual images that involve any of these things are considered always wrong? Among those who currently use porn. Only child pornography, non-consensual, and painful sex are considered “always wrong” by the majority of people. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Children under the age of 12 Depictions of sexual acts that are not consensual (one or more of the people did not agree to the act or to sharing it with others) Sexual acts that may be forced or painful Someone being depicted in a demeaning way Teens Sexual acts between two people of the same gender Sexual acts involving more than two people at once Gen Pop Teens & Young Adults Gen Pop Adults CE Teens & Young Adults CE Adults 15
- 16. In Search of Porn How often do you actively seek out porn? Filtered by: Does your personal electronics equipment have pornography-blocking filters installed? Regular pornography viewing is only somewhat less common among CE adults in the general audience. However, when the general population is filtered by those who have pornography- blocking filters installed on their personal electronics (comparable to Covenant Eyes clients), porn-seeking behavior is more common in the general population than Covenant Eyes clients. 16 Adults 5% 11% 2% 11% 16% 7% 13% 22% 15% 18% 51% 38% 54% 37% Gen Pop Gen Pop filtered Covenant Eyes daily weekly once or twice a month less often never
- 17. In Search of Porn How often do you actively seek out porn? Filtered by: Do any of these apply to your personal experience with pornography? You are currently trying to stop using porn When the general population is filtered by those who are currently trying to stop using porn (comparable to Covenant Eyes clients), porn-seeking behavior is more common in the general population than Covenant Eyes clients. 5% 8% 2% 11% 13% 7% 13% 18% 15% 18% 60% 38% 54% 37% Gen Pop Gen Pop filtered Covenant Eyes daily weekly once or twice a month less often never Adults 17
- 18. In Search of Porn How often do you actively seek out porn? Regular pornography viewing is much less common among Covenant Eyes teens, even without adding any filters to the general population. 10% 2% 23% 11% 16% 13% 19% 36% 32% 38% Gen Pop Covenant Eyes daily weekly once or twice a month less often never Teens & Young Adults 18
- 19. Possibility of Addiction Do you believe it is possible to be addicted to pornography? Covenant Eyes adults who use porn nearly unanimously agree that it is addicting. Only about half the general population thinks so. 49% 62% 60% 69% 94% 38% 22% 22% 21% 4% 7% 9% 11% 4% married all single never married ever divorced CE Adults 55%30% 8% 6% Definitely Possibly Definitely not Not sure Prefer not to answer 94% Gen Pop Adults who use porn Covenant Eyes Adults who use porn 19
- 20. Social Porn and ‘Sexting’ Has anyone ever sent you a nude image, via text, email, social media, or app? Have you ever sent a nude image—of yourself or anyone—via text, email, social media, or app? Two-thirds of Teens and Young Adults have received a sexually explicit image, usually from their boy/girlfriend or friend. Received a nude image? Sent a nude image? yes 63% no 37% Yes 39% No 61% Teens&YoungAdultsCovenantEyes 20 yes 41% no 59% Yes 14% No 86%
- 21. Accountability Do you have anyone in your life who is helping you avoid pornography? Both Teens & Young Adults and Adults rely mainly on their significant other (boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/partner) to help them avoid porn. yes 13% no 87% yes 21% no 79% Gen Pop Teens & Young Adults Gen Pop Adults Do you have anyone in your life who is helping you avoid pornography? 21 yes 84% no 16% yes 90% no 10% CE Teens & Young Adults CE Adults
- 22. Covenant Eyes 22 Age Percentage N=47 13 – 17 38% 18 – 24 62% Age Percentage N=47 25-30 11% 31-50 57% 51+ 32% Faith Segment Percentage N=47 Evangelical 45% Born Again (Non- evangelical) 45% Notional Christian 2% Other Faith 2% None / no faith 6% Faith Segment Percentage N=470 Evangelical 66% Born Again (Non- evangelical) 30% Notional Christian 3% Other Faith 1% None / no faith 0% Teens & Young Adults Adults
- 24. The Pastor’s Experience on Porn Which of the following would you say are true of your personal experience using pornography? For these items, please rate them according to whether each is true of your personal experience using pornography. BASE: Pastors Who Currently Use Porn 86% 86% 71% 51% 41% 4% 3% 62% 56% 70% 39% 21% 5% 6% mostly view pornography online deleted browsing history on my computer to hide my activity mostly view pornography at home started viewing pornography before puberty mostly view pornography on phone mostly view pornography at work sometimes pay for porn YOUTH PASTOR PASTOR 41% 45% 30% 5% 36% 38% 21% 17% It sometimes hurts my relationships It negatively affects my sex life Porn hurts my productivity (e.g., at work) It positively affects my sex life 94% 86% 1% 5% YOUTH PASTOR PASTOR I feel a sense of guilt when I use porn It doesn't really bother me to use it 83% 68% 71% 54% I am currently trying to stop using porn I have tried to stop using it, but have been unable to (or started again) View on Porn History & Avenues Effects of Porn Stop Use 24
- 25. Porn’s Impact on Ministry For these items, please rate them according to whether each is true of your personal experience using pornography. 7% 9% 12% 30% 27% 20% 55% 41% YOUTH PASTOR PASTOR very true somewhat true not really true not at all true 44% 18% 31% 46% 14% 27% 12% 9% YOUTH PASTOR PASTOR very true somewhat true not really true not at all true The nature of my job makes it easier to use pornography secretly The use of porn negatively impacted my ministry BASE: Pastors Who Currently Use Porn 25
- 26. Youth Pastors who Currently Struggle with Porn 68 out of 321 Youth Pastors currently struggle with porn use. 95% of Youth Pastors who use porn feel a great sense of shame about it while 3% feel empowered after using porn and 15% are becoming increasingly bold in seeking it out. 62% 22% 18% 4% 32% 22% 38% 11% 3% 3% 12% 27% 28% 24% 3% 45% 18% 57% 73% I feel a great sense of shame about my pornography use Pornography provides a sense of escape from the pressures of my role I live in constant fear of being discovered I have become increasingly bold in seeking out pornography I feel empowered after using pornography very true somewhat true not really true not at all true 75% 72% 46% 36% 14% 22% 29% 52% 64% 80% trusted friends spouse other pastors girlfriend/boyfriend elders or deacons at your church no yes Youth Pastors feel... Who knows about your porn use? 26
- 27. Pastors who Currently Struggle with Porn 56 out of 412 Pastors currently struggle with porn use. 87% of Pastors who use porn feel a great sense of shame about it while 10% feel empowered after using porn and 8% are becoming increasingly bold in seek it out. 59% 17% 16% 28% 38% 37% 10% 8% 9% 35% 18% 8% 23% 4% 10% 29% 82% 69% I feel a great sense of shame about my pornography use I live in constant fear of being discovered Pornography provides a sense of escape from the pressures of being a pastor I feel empowered after using pornography I became increasingly bold in seeking out pornography very true somewhat true not really true not at all true 58% 54% 30% 10% 8% 0% 37% 43% 65% 86% 88% 94% spouse trusted friends other pastors a few people in your congregation elders or deacons at your church most of your congregation no yes Pastors feel... Who knows about your porn use? 27
- 28. Recommended Resources Which of these resources have you used or recommended as you work with those who struggle with pornography? Does your church electronics equipment have pornography-blocking filters installed? Many churches do not have porn-blocking filters installed on their electronics equipment, even though 59% pastors recommend them as a resource for those struggling with porn. 7% 15% 24% 45% 52% 59% 71% personal counseling internet monitoring / filtering accountability groups mentors topic-specific Bible study groups none other yes, 33% no, 42% not sure, 26%yes, 38% no, 49% not sure, 13% Pastor Recommended Resources for those who struggle with Porn Does your church electronics equipment have pornography-blocking filters installed? Pastors Youth Pastors 28
- 29. Do Leaders Feel Equipped? Would you say that leaders in your church are well-equipped to help those who struggle with porn? Pastors feel fairly well equipped to help someone struggling with pornography. However, Christian Adults aren’t as sure pastors are equipped. 15% 58% 25% 3% very well equipped somewhat equipped not really well equipped not at all equipped How equipped Do Pastors Feel? 10% 33% 45% 13% very well equipped somewhat equipped not really well equipped not at all equipped How equipped Do Christians think Pastors are? 29
- 30. Effectiveness of Resources How effective are the following strategies for teens who are struggling with porn? Which of these resources have you used or recommended? Youth Pastors find 1-on-1 activities such as mentoring and personal counseling to be a more effective strategy than group activities and filtering devices, although they frequently recommend the latter. 65% 46% 38% 25% 8% 32% 49% 51% 50% 56% 3% 5% 9% 24% 34% 2% 2% 3% mentors personal counseling accountability groups internet monitoring / filtering topic-specific Bible study very effective somewhat effective not too effective not at all effective 82% 79% 76% 72% 45% 11% mentors internet monitoring / filtering personal counseling accountability groups topic-specific Bible study… other How effective are the following strategies for teens who are struggling with porn? Which of these resources have you used or recommended? 30
- 31. THE CHURCH’S NEED FOR RESOURCES Appendix 31
- 32. Porn Use as a Problem in the Church Below is a list of challenges some pastors say their congregation wrestles with. For each one, would you say this is a bigger or smaller problem for your congregation compared to pornography. While Pastors believe there are many problems bigger than porn use, 39% of Pastors see porn use as a significant or major problem in the church. 81% 74% 71% 71% 68% 50% 49% 37% 36% spiritual immaturity lack of biblical knowledge hedonism / self indulgence pride lack of involvement with the church anger tithing / generosity drug and alcohol addiction sexual promiscuity 3% 35% 50% 12% major problem significant problem minor problem not really a problem Are these a bigger problem than porn use? How big of a problem is porn use in your congregation? 32
- 33. 6% 10% 2% 8% 15% 20% 2% 2% 10% 15% 6% 2% 5% 3% 21% 23% 21% 11% 7% 15% 61% 42% 43% 87% 84% 81% daily weekly once or twice a month less often never Who is struggling at Church? 59% 36% 33% 29% 5% 5% 4% married men single men teenage boys none of these married women single women teenage girls Pastors: Congregation members who sought my help How often do Practicing Christians Actively Seek Out Porn Men of all ages and stages, but especially married men, are coming to Pastors for help with pornography struggles.
- 34. Church Programs for Porn Use Does your church currently run a program specifically designed to assist those struggling with porn? Has your church EVER had such a program? If you used to have a program, why did the church discontinue it? Most churches have not ever had programs specifically designed to assist those struggling with porn use, and those who did discontinued for “lack of interest.” yes, 7% no, 93% NO Pastors: 6% 88% 6% yes no not sure 54% 24% 19% 13% 9% lack of interest other lack of leaders lack of resources lack of need Does your church currently run a program specifically designed to assist those struggling with porn? (excluding “not sure”) Has your church EVER had such a program? If you used to have a program, why did the church discontinue it? 34 YES 50% 45% 43% 39% 9% group counseling small groups / Bible studies individual counseling providing specific content (books, etc.) other
- 35. Church Programs for Porn Use Most churches do not have programs specifically designed to assist those struggling with porn use. 9% 44% 47% yes no not sure Does your church currently run a program specifically designed to assist those struggling with porn? 35 Adults:
- 36. Effective Solutions How effective do you think each of the following strategies are for Christians who are struggling with pornography? Both Adults and Pastors think solutions that are 1-on-1 are most effective 45% 43% 36% 30% 12% 46% 45% 56% 45% 51% 7% 11% 7% 20% 33% 4% 4% mentors accountability groups personal counseling internet monitoring / filtering topic-specific Bible study… very effective somewhat effective not too effective not at all effective 41% 40% 37% 32% 32% 49% 46% 47% 52% 39% 9% 13% 16% 14% 24% 6% personal counseling mentors accountability groups topic-specific Bible study… internet monitoring/filtering very effective somewhat effective not very effective not at all effective What Adults Think... What Pastors Think... 36
- 37. 14% 53% 27% 6% Youth Pastors: Problem Among Teens? To the best of your knowledge, how big of a problem is the use of pornography among the youth in your church? Are these a bigger or smaller problem than porn use? Youth Pastors believe porn use is a much less significant problem among church teens than teens in the general population. 79% 71% 63% 59% 50% 42% 34% 29% spiritual immaturity lack of biblical knowledge hedonism / self indulgence pride lack of involvement with the church sexual promiscuity drug and alcohol addiction anger 55% 40% 3% 1% a major problem a significant problem a minor problem not really a problem Among Teens Among Church Teens Which of these are a bigger problem than porn use? 37