In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to access erotic content, whether that’s bestselling romance novels, fanfiction loaded with explicit scenes, or steamy short stories circulating online. What once required sneaking a paperback off a shelf is now just a click away on Kindle, Wattpad, or TikTok’s viral #BookTok.
Many people argue that smut and erotica are harmless, it’s “just fiction”, written words on a page, no one gets hurt, right? But growing evidence suggests that these fantasies may come with hidden costs, especially when they start shaping how people view love, sex, and relationships.
What Does the Research Say About Erotica?
While the harms of mainstream pornography in the form of video and photo imagery are widely studied, there is less research about erotica (written literature or art that’s sexually stimulating or arousing). A almost sub-genre of erotica is “Smut” which is erotica that’s even more sexually explicit or graphic in its descriptions, and some readers say focuses less on plot, more on sex.
Before we jump into some studies, it’s important to note that even though research is limited, we at Fight the New Drug have received countless messages from Fighters all over the world sharing how erotica negatively impacted their lives. While it’s not exactly the same as other forms of pornography, it does have its risks.
A recent article from Verywell Mind highlighted a surprising consequence of bingeing erotic novels: some readers admitted their dating lives began to suffer because their expectations were shaped by the perfect chemistry and flawless romance they read about on the page. When real life couldn’t measure up, disappointment set in. And this disappointment bleeds over into sexual satisfaction, too.
The science backs this up. Research published in The Journal of Sex Research found that heavy exposure to sexually explicit material—whether through porn or erotica—can distort sexual expectations and influence risky sexual attitudes. For example, one study found romance readers were more likely to have negative attitudes toward condoms, in part because many erotic stories simply omit discussions of sexual health and safety altogether.The Journal of Sex Research, “Love Means Never Having to Be Careful? The Relationship Between Reading Romance Novels and Safe Sex Behavior”Copy
Other research has shown that when one or both partners in a relationship consume sexually explicit content frequently, they often report lower levels of relationship satisfaction, less communication, and more conflict. Carroll, J.S. et al., “Pornography, relationships, and intimacy: Understanding the connection,” Archives of Sexual BehaviorCopy While it may start as fantasy, these imagined worlds don’t always stay on the page—they can impact how people think, feel, and act in real relationships.
Beyond relationships, the personal emotional toll can also be significant. Some consumers report feeling shame, guilt, or anxiety after reading erotica, especially when their values or lived experiences don’t align with the fantasies they’re consuming.Grubbs, J.B. et al., “Perceived addiction to internet pornography and psychological distress: Examining relationships concurrently and over time,” Psychology of Addictive BehaviorsCopy Others describe feeling inadequate when their body or sex life doesn’t look like the polished version presented in the story. Over time, this gap between fantasy and reality can chip away at self-esteem.
And while adults may brush this off as “entertainment,” the impact on young readers is even more concerning. Hyper-sexualized fiction is now widely available to teens, who often stumble upon it long before they’re developmentally ready to process such content. Experts warn that repeated exposure to these stories can normalize unhealthy beliefs about relationships, consent, and gender roles.Defend Young Minds, “Erotic Lit & Young Minds: How Hyper-Sexualized Fiction Harms Girls & Boys”Copy
In another study, when women participants read erotic stories depicting a sexually dominant man, they started to accept benevolent sexism. When the group of men read erotica portraying a dominant man, they became more accepting of rape myths. The study shows erotic literature can shift beliefs about gender roles, consent, and sexual dynamics—sometimes in subtle ways.Harris, Emily Ann et al. “Fifty Shades Flipped: Effects of Reading Erotica Depicting a Sexually Dominant Woman Compared to a Sexually Dominant Man.” Journal of sex research vol. 54,3 (2017): 386-397. doi:10.1080/00224499.2015.1131227Copy
Erotica On the Rise
The global phenomenon of Fifty Shades of Grey sparked countless conversations about sex and relationships. Some fans said it spiced up their love lives—but many critics pointed out its troubling portrayal of consent, power dynamics, and romance. At the same time, countless readers admitted that the series raised their expectations about what intimacy should look like—expectations their real partners couldn’t meet.
On social media, BookTok has become a major force in popularizing erotic romance. Many readers rate books by their “spice level,” essentially how explicit they are, and entire communities revolve around dissecting fictional couples’ sex lives. In an essay for Popsugar, one reader admitted that her consumption of smut left her feeling dissatisfied in her sexual relationship, because she constantly compared her partner to fictional romantic leads. What started as fun escapism slowly undermined her real-world connection.
Fanfiction culture adds another layer. While much of it is playful and creative, erotic fanfic often centers on problematic tropes—non-consensual scenarios, extreme power imbalances, or unhealthy ideals of masculinity and femininity. For some young readers, these tropes become normalized scripts for how they believe relationships are supposed to work.
The Erotica Disconnect
Behind the research and pop culture headlines are countless personal stories. Lacy Bentley, who now works with women recovering from compulsive sexual behaviors, has shared how she first encountered erotic literature at just 13. What began as curiosity quickly became a habit that followed her into adulthood, warping her expectations and straining her relationships.
Another woman, writing for Popsugar, described how reading endless romance and erotica made her feel disconnected from her partner. Her fictional heroes always seemed more attentive, more passionate, and more exciting than the real-life man she loved. That constant comparison left her struggling to appreciate the beauty of her actual relationship.
In many counseling contexts, therapists hear similar accounts. Individuals describe feeling pressured to act out fantasies from erotica, or partners confess they can’t compete with fictional characters. For some, the stories created emotional distance, turning intimacy into a performance rather than a genuine connection.
Why Fantasy Isn’t Just Fantasy
So why does erotica have such a powerful impact? Part of the answer lies in how the brain processes sexual arousal. Studies suggest that repeated exposure to erotic or pornographic material can actually rewire reward pathways in the brain, creating a cycle where people need more intense or novel stimuli to feel the same excitement.Kühn, S. & Gallinat, J., “Brain structure and functional connectivity associated with pornography consumption: The brain on porn,” JAMA PsychiatryCopy For some, this leads to escalating patterns of consumption, chasing more extreme material.
At the same time, erotica often sets up unrealistic standards: flawless bodies, endless passion, effortless chemistry, and storylines that skip over the messy, imperfect, but deeply human parts of real relationships. When readers compare reality to that fantasy, it’s not surprising that disappointment, shame, or dissatisfaction often follow.
Reality Vs Fiction
It’s important to note that not everyone who reads erotica experiences these harms. Some people say it helps them explore fantasies safely, or even boosts confidence. But the risks are real, and they’re worth taking seriously.
At Fight the New Drug, we believe in empowering people with information so they can make informed choices. Smut and erotica might seem harmless on the surface, but the research and lived experiences suggest otherwise. When fantasy becomes the yardstick for love and intimacy, real relationships—no matter how good—can feel like they’ll never measure up.
And that’s a cost worth reconsidering.
*** Parental Advisory: Some mainstream YA (young adult) books include graphic, sexually explicit material, but are marketed to appeal to an even younger audience. With the explosion of BookTok (TikTok subcommunity that discusses books), these types of books are becoming more popular among younger readers.
To help a child avoid explicit adult content, parents can look up reviews, parents’ guides, and book ratings. Remember the higher the “spice” level, the more explicit.
