Get excited: adult video stars are finally hitting the big time again. Since the early 2000s, the adult industry has been completely digital, with the majority of content now being watched online. As a result, adult stars have become some of the highest-profile individuals on social media, regularly appearing in our news feeds. The stars are so popular that they’ve even started showing up in mainstream media outlets. One of the latest fad trends to emerge is the use of drugs and pharmaceuticals by porn stars. This trend, which comes amid a wider cultural conversation around sex work and the impacts of social media, raises important issues around ethics, safety, and consent. It also demonstrates the ever-evolving line separating entertainment and everyday life. Here, we’ll explore the growing trend of porn stars using Viagra. (Also, make sure you check out our other trending articles here.)
The Evolution Of Sex Toys And Hookup Culture
For a while, it looked as though the adult video star’s golden era was over. Despite enjoying massive popularity and critical acclaim in the ‘90s and ‘00s, the adult entertainment industry saw a major downturn in 2018. Major studios went bankrupt, leaving a number of independent performers scrambling for work. To make matters worse, adult video platforms like Porn Hub and RedTube went into administration, leaving their content inaccessible to users. Fortunately, the industry has since seen a noticeable bounce back, with several large production studios reopening. This is good news for adult video performers, many of whom are now earning six-figures per year. In fact, adult video stars have even surpassed popular culture icons like Jay-Z and Beyoncé in annual earnings. (Pew Research Center)
This shift to online content and social media reflects a broader cultural shift that is redefining sex, gender, and relationships. According to a 2019 GAP Group survey, 66% of people using illicit drugs had watched someone getting sexually aroused while on camera. (The NPD group) However, things aren’t quite as straightforward as they seem. While the number of individuals watching adult videos has increased, the behavior of those watching has also changed. According to a 2018 YouGov survey, 16% of people who watched online porn reported that they had masturbated while doing so. (Statista) This trend is commonly known as ‘edging’, a practice where users watch provocative content in order to reach a state of climax. As a result, the line between fantasy and reality has blurred, with many users now having sex with the people they watch on camera. (Statista)
Why Are Porn Stars Turning To Viagra?
The use of drugs and pharmaceuticals is nothing new to the adult video industry. In fact, many performers use recreational drugs as a part of their job. (Hempstead, NY: National Survey on Drug Use and Health) Nevertheless, the use of prescription pills and medical devices by porn stars has increased in recent years. When asked about the reason behind this trend, one prominent adult film studio CEO replied that “older performers don’t have sexual stamina any more, so they’re looking for ways to get hard quickly”. (AVN) Another source put it more bluntly: “Porn stars are getting older and older, and the industry is shifting to focus more on adult diapers and medication”. (Xbiz)
The trend is also likely due to the increasing age of consumers in the United States, coupled with the opioid epidemic that swept the country in the ‘00s. As people live longer and healthier lives, so too have their sexual appetites. According to the GAP Group survey, 69% of respondents reported that they’d had at least one encounter with a ‘bot’, or automated machine, in the last year. (The NPD group) Similarly, the 2019 YouGov survey found that 47% of internet users had gotten some type of gratification, be it financial or sexual, from an online relationship. (Statista) This is likely why adult video stars are turning to pharmaceuticals to help them get through sex scenes. (AVN)
Is This A Trend That’s Going To Last?
The use of sex toys and pharmaceuticals by porn stars is nothing new. In fact, the industry has been using these methods for years. However, the growing trend of adult video stars using Viagra and similar drugs is an issue that needs addressing. Many viewers have questions about whether or not this is a harmless indulgence or a sign of things to come. (Statista) The fact is that this is a trend that is unlikely to go away. The growing use of pharmaceuticals and sex toys in the industry means that this is quickly becoming normal. (Statista)
The growing popularity of adult video stars using Viagra has opened the doors for a range of new products and services. According to market research firm Packaged Facts, the sexual wellness market will hit $37 billion by next year. (Statista) The internet and social media enable users to find practically anything they want, including sexual gratification, which is likely why the trend continues to grow.