This thread could have easily been put up in the "Orientation Forum" as in this one. I'm going to be upfront and honest here; I've first experienced porn (at first, with actually slight nudity) when I was 14(2 1/2 years ago.) After while, it progressed to constantly watching porn every other day, and to watching full on videos. I've watched all gender combinations of porn, straight/lesbian/gay. But I'd specifically be more aroused by gay porn, and have watched it far more frequently. I've read everything under the sun of why Porn is bad, and why it is good. I've heard people say that it could create ED, how it doesn't really give you much insight on your sexuality, and how it's bad for relationships, etc. etc. So the past 4 months, I've reduced how much I've watched porn to 2-3 days per week, and each day ranges from watching it for roughly 10-15 mins 1-3 times. But the thing with me here is, I've never really experienced problems getting aroused or difficulty with ED, (without porn) especially thinking about being with a male. (Granted, I'm a virgin). I also believe sexuality is fluid not only on physical bases, but emotional as well. With that said, I've never been in an official relationship with someone before. (I made a thread called Relationships, Sexuality, and School) So is it weird that I feel as though I lean towards being gay when I haven't had experience myself? But I've stated that for a long time(even before I started watching porn) I've had small signs of being physically (and can be) emotionally attracted to a male. From having fantasies to usually being a male partner, to just a lot of other stuff going on in particular. I also state that I am a Bisexual, but I lean gay; I am attracted to females, but males are the more prominent preference. With all of this said; is porn truly a bad source for me? Specifically for me to watch and release? Even if I haven't had experience myself, but I am somewhat certain of my sexuality? I know porn isn't really how things go in the real world, but it's something that I feel is what kind of helps me see and find out some of my erotic interests? Hopefully I don't sound silly or conceited. I just fear that with ALL of the controversy and debate around porn, sexuality, and in general what "sex" is, I just fear that I'm doing something wrong, or I'm setting myself up to harm myself mentally and/or sexually. (This is also in terms of health.)
The only thing I would watch out for is over-fantasizing sex. What I mean by that is that "porn sex" and "real sex" can be very different. So if you go into the situation assuming that you'll be getting what you saw the porn stars get, you'll be sorely disappointed. Other than that, it's a healthy habit especially for someone your age. I wouldn't worry too much about it as long as you realize that it's just porn and not real life. Also, if it ever starts to interfere with work/school or relationships, then it may be time to cut back. Hope this helps some.
I'm a veteran when it comes to porn; been watching it for a solid 8 years. Just relapsed today, and I just realized why I keep watching porn. It's because I'm lonely, all to myself. You see, I've been chatting and meeting with men for a while now, and so therefore my porn usage has significantly decreased. As Toaddy has explained, porn and real life sex is very different. So porn in itself is not bad as long as you aren't dependent on it. I like guys in real life but I like watching straight porn more than gay porn. Why is this? I don't know, but it doesn't change the fact that I like guys. I'd suggest get to know people in the real world, because in porn it's two bodies making each other feel good (physically), when in reality it's much much more than that.
It's not bad if you're not overusing it. As Jax12 said, being dependent on it is a problem, like not being able to be turned on without watching porn. And of course it sets unrealistic expectations... It does give you insight on your sexuality. I mean if you're a guy and you're watching gay porn a lot and you're getting off to it, then it's dumb to say you don't have any attraction towards males. I think it's just a good excuse for "straight" guys who get caught watching gay porn.
@Toaddy Yeah, I've already cut back a bit since I wouldn't want to become so dependent on it. X3 I do know, and can see how real life sex is different from porn; so I usually differentiate from the two when I have fantasies. (At times where I'm too busy otherwise to release myself, or when that day isn't a 'porn day') @Jax12 Ah, well; My relationship position is explained in the thread I created, but I do need to meet more guys which I've been working on. XP I am single, so I guess that plays a major role into my porn usage. I cut back to certain days a week so I wouldn't be so dependent on it. I also did it so I could generally just get off to my own fantasies, without straight up porn. So, I guess I'm doing alright for now. O: In terms of porn usage @HunGuy I think I might have some unrealistic expectations, but I don't believe I've overused porn. I mean, I've never had much experience with relationships or sex at all because of my age... So that's kind of two-folded. However in any case, I don't think the unrealistic expectations are plentiful, nor too extreme. But I do like feeling as though I have clarity about my sexuality, it does make sense that it's a sign I am attracted to men if I watch gay porn quite often. >>>>> Thank all of you guys for your input, I feel like I can relax a little bit more about this. XD (Meaning, I think I'm doing, or working in the direction of what is right for me for now. :3)
Everything in moderation. It's healthy to sometimes use porn but unhealthy to binge on it. You might benefit from reading some articles on how porn is an unrealistic portrayal of sexual relationships so that you can watch it being more aware, you said you were a virgin so I wouldn't want you going into it expecting what you see on the screen.
@Sek Ah, I'll actually look into those articles. That would actually give me quite a bit of insight. Thanks for the advice Sek :3
Same, haha. Porn is a source of visual information. Even if it's not the most accurate thing, I suppose it can't harm you any more than watching a regular movie, about romance or comedy or wtv. It's a movie, so it's all planned and scripted. If you can tell that apart from reality, you'll be fine. You say that you understand that what you feel for a porn movie can be different from being physically and emotionally atracted to someone. I think that's all you need to know. I know some people have their own special opinions about labels and all. To me, as a bisexual guy, it's all pretty clear (NOW): I feel attracted to guys and girls. I would date a guy or a girl if I liked them. I would have sex with a guy or a girl. That means I'm bi. I like the idea of having sex with a guy better than with a girl, and I feel usually more attracted do male bodies than female ones. Still, I'm bi. I wouldn't say you were gay if you actually accept the possibilty of a relationship with a girl...
Ah, now I feel a bit better about porn. I read articles on how it's different from real sex, and most of what I heard were things I either knew for a fact, or could have guessed. Needless to say, I am not going to go overboard with porn, but I'm going to indulge in it knowing it's for fantasy purposes and not truly aligned with real sex, moderately as I've been doing.