The naked truth beyond the screen: Dispelling the most common myths about pornography in Malaysia

Abstract

This narrative review critically examines prevalent myths about pornography in Malaysia, including the beliefs that it is harmless, non-addictive, empowering for women, or an appropriate form of sex education. Drawing from local and international empirical studies, the review highlights the sociocultural and psychological risks associated with pornography consumption. In the Malaysian context, evidence indicates early exposure among youth, links to sexual aggression, compulsive usage, unrealistic sexual expectations, and negative impacts on emotional well-being, relationships, and body image. Furthermore, pornographic content often disproportionately portrays women as targets of aggression. Pornography use is also associated with diminished relationships and sexual satisfaction. It may provide misleading and unrealistic portrayals of sexuality when used as a source of sex education. These myths hinder public awareness, prevention efforts, and policy development. The review calls for culturally sensitive education, stronger digital safeguards, and improved mental health support to address problematic pornography use and encourage more informed public discourse in Malaysia.