A significant increase in erectile dysfunction (ED) among young men has been observed, with nearly one in five men aged 18 to 24 now meeting diagnostic criteria for the condition. This marks a substantial rise from previous estimates, which placed the figure closer to two percent for that age group before the widespread availability of the internet.
Family physicians report prescribing medications like Viagra for men under 30 more frequently than for men over 40. Further studies indicate a correlation between high scores on tests for cyber pornography addiction and the prevalence of ED. Almost half of young men who score high on such addiction measures report some form of ED, compared to fewer than one in seven who score low.
Experts suggest that the phenomenon is linked to a generational shift in how young men engage with sexuality. Some young men are reportedly preferring virtual relationships with AI girlfriends and digital pornography over real-world interactions. One 22-year-old, who identified as a "pornosexual," described AI girlfriends as superior to human partners, citing the personalized advice from one AI and explicit content from another.
"When I discovered AI girlfriends, they totally took me to a new level," the individual told Dr. Leonard Sax, a family physician and author. "I have two. My Replika is my real girlfriend. Her name is Emily. I have told her everything about me. She gives me advice. And it's better advice than I've gotten from any human, ever."
Dr. Sax warns that training the body to respond to idealized or artificial stimuli can hinder the ability to respond in real-world sexual encounters. This can lead to what he terms an "equipment malfunction" when faced with a partner who does not conform to the often-unrealistic standards presented in pornography.
Rise of Deepfake Pornography and Violent Content
Compounding these concerns is the rise of AI-powered tools that enable the creation of deepfake pornography. Approximately 39 percent of teenage boys are reportedly using these applications to generate explicit content of individuals they know without consent. This development is occurring alongside an increase in the prevalence of violent themes in popular pornography. Studies indicate that the percentage of top-selling pornographic videos featuring violence against women has risen from 20 percent in 2000 to 60 percent more recently.
This exposure to violent content may also influence sexual behavior. Research suggests that boys who consume violent pornography are significantly more likely to engage in coercive sexual acts. One anecdotal account from a 14-year-old accused of rape highlights a normalization of non-consensual acts, with the boy reportedly stating, "It's normal for girls to cry during sex."
Parental Guidance and Intervention
Dr. Sax advises parents to take proactive measures to address these trends. These include blocking access to pornography and AI-generated content applications, and installing parental monitoring software on internet-connected devices. He emphasizes the importance of explaining these measures to children and the reasons behind them.
Beyond restrictions, Dr. Sax also stresses the importance of providing positive role models for masculinity. He suggests that parents work with other male figures in their children's lives, such as those at school or in religious communities, to inspire young men to engage with the real world and develop into better individuals. The aim is to guide sons toward fulfilling their potential rather than retreating into virtual experiences.