As a culture, we've finally started to accept the fact that women watch porn, but a new survey from porn site YouPorn gives some real insight into exactly what we're looking for and, more interestingly, how we feel about it. And it's time that we get more open about attitudes toward women and porn, considering just how many women are watching. In fact, according to their reports, one in four YouPorn visitors are female— that's 25 percent. So it's certainly not a niche thing. And a massive survey of 24,000 female YouPorn viewers found a whole lot of interesting information, some of which may come as a bit of a shock.
"The most surprising to us is that almost 30 percent of women would be embarrassed if their S.O. found out they watch porn." Brad Burns, VP YouPorn, tells Bustle. And in fact, I was surprised just how many women still felt shame and embarrassment about watching porn generally.
"We surveyed women of all ages from around the world and each have different cultural values and opinions," Burns says. "The historical way women’s sexuality was treated in most cultures probably plays a big role in this." It's a shame that so many women are into porn but that taboo still exists.
So here's what they found, because if these stats show anything, it's that we need to be way more open when it comes to talking about women and porn, because it's something so many of us are doing:
1Almost 1/3 Of Women Think Watching Porn Is Being Unfaithful
I was totally shocked by this, if only because I think of masturbating as being such an important part of a healthy sex life — even when you're in a couple. It never occurred to me people would see it as cheating.
2Only Half Of Women Think It's Acceptable For Women To Watch Porn As Men
So... this really isn't OK. It would be one thing if people thought watching porn wasn't OK for anyone. I wouldn't agree, but they're entitled to their opinion. But for half of women to think that it's more acceptable for men than for women? That's ridiculous.
3But We Still Like To Do It Solo
And we watch it a lot. In fact, 18 percent of women watch porn every day, 63 percent watch it weekly or a few times a month, and nine percent watch more than once a day. So do we feel it's not acceptable?
4Most Of Us Don't Talk About It With Friends
I am not in that 54 percent. My friends know way, way too much.
5...And We'd Be Embarrassed To
Half of women would be embarrassed if our friends found out we watched porn at all— not even the ins and outs of what we're into. Which is shame, because talking about it is the best way to remove the taboo.
6Over 1/4 Of Us Do It Naked
That's preparation, because if I have an elastic waistband then I'm not even taking my pants off. And, let's be honest — I always have an elastic waist band.
7We Like To Imagine Ourselves The Star Of The Show
Most women have thought about what it would be like to be the ~star!~ in porn. A girl can dream.
8Our Habits Evolve
Almost half of women have had major changes in their preferences in the last five years. It's nice to see that we like to keep it fresh.
9Only 28 Percent Of Us Prefer Dominant Women
That's just over a quarter who like women in charge.
10Most Of Us *Don't* Do It To Improve Our Sex Life
Or if we do, it's not working. Let's just say it's better as a solo activity.
11And Finally...
Even though some of us feel satisfied after we watch porn, 20 percent are ready for round two.
I was really shocked to see how much embarrassment there still is around women watching porn — especially when we're talking about partners and close friends, the people you should be able to say anything to. But this survey shows again just how popular porn is with women, so it's time to start really owning it. Don't be scared to open up the conversation.
