Watching pornography affects more than just the viewer, according to an online survey conducted by a TCU communication studies professor. The study has gained national recognition for its implications that pornography contributes to stereotypical submissive views some men have of women.

Communication studies professor Ryan Burns conducted an online survey in which participants were asked to rate their opinions of how they view women in gender roles. The results showed that men who view large amounts of pornography view women in sexualized, stereotypically feminine terms.

Burns said that while he did not think the survey would change how men viewed pornography, he hopes it will lead to a greater understanding of its effects.

“I think the overarching outcome at this study was that it showed negative effects of pornography,” Burns said. “If it does anything, it will hopefully lead to an understanding that pornography changes perception.”

The survey was presented at the 2003 National Communication Association Convention in Miami. Burns said a public relations firm in Pennsylvania that works for TCU sent out a press release about the survey, which was picked up by Time and Health.

“It’s good ol’ American PR,” he said.

The survey also showed how men view their own gender. Participants who watched large amounts of pornography said the typical man should be successful, a hard worker and a provider for the family.

Michelle Mazur, a communication studies professor at the University of Hawaii, has used Burns’ research in her teaching, and is not surprised it was cited in Time.

“His research area is a hot topic in our cultural climate right now,” she said.

Burns, started collecting data for the survey, “Male Internet Pornography Consumers’ Perception of Women and Endorsement of Traditional Female Gender Roles,” in 2000. He came to TCU in 2002 and finished it in 2003.

Burns said he was prompted to do the study because of massive amounts of pornography on the Internet and the tremendous use of it for making money.

“The sheer use of this medium makes it an important topic to study,” he said.

Chris Sawyer, a communication studies professor, said the survey was unique in that it looked at pornography from a social science perspective. He said that better understanding of the sociological effects of pornography could lead to practical applications.

“It may be that if we knew more about the subject, we might be able to develop ways to treat people with addictions,” he said.

Burns said 95 percent of research on pornography utilizes lab research by measuring students’ reactions to pornography while in a lab setting. The problem with this method is that people will respond differently if they know they are being watched, Burns said.

Burns posted information about the survey online on adult message boards and newsgroups, and it was participated in by 463 men of varying age and race, the majority of which said they were in relationships. Burns said he was mostly concerned with men’s opinions since they are the primary producers and consumers of pornography.

The survey was groundbreaking because it actually examined men who actively watch pornography, Mazur said.

“What’s unique about this is that it is one of the first studies that looked at habitual consumers in their own setting through a very private medium,” Burns said. “Before the Internet, the only way to get this information would have been to stand outside adult bookstores and pass out surveys.”