Replication of Sexual Practices Depicted in Pornography Among Spanish Youth: An Exploratory Study Based on Social Learning Theory

The widespread availability of pornography due to the digital shift raises concerns about its impact on adolescents and young adults’ sexual behavior. Based on Social Learning Theory, this study examined the associations among gender, pornography exposure, sexual knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Spanish youth. A sample of 263 adolescents and young adults in Barcelona completed an online questionnaire assessing these variables. Results showed males, those with lower sexual knowledge, younger age of exposure, and frequent viewers of certain content were more likely to replicate behaviors from pornography. The study emphasizes the need for early sexual and digital literacy education.