Porn, hookup culture, consent, and masculinity shape how young men experience sex—one college man shares his story.
Pornography, performative sex, and toxic masculinity deeply influence how young men approach relationships, intimacy, and identity, yet few men speak openly about their impact. In this raw and powerful episode of 7 on Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Garrett, a college junior from Texas, to explore the hidden realities of modern hookup culture, consent, and masculinity from a male perspective.
Garrett candidly shares how early porn exposure, media messages, and cultural double standards shaped his views on sex, relationships, and self-worth. He opens up about the pressure of performative sex, experiences with coercion and consent, and how stereotypes around masculinity made emotional vulnerability and honest communication difficult.
This is part one of a two-part series examining the intersection of sex, porn addiction, culture, and identity. Garrett's story offers rare insight into the male experience and invites parents, educators, and young adults to rethink how we talk about consent, masculinity, emotional needs, and healthy relationships.
Listeners will gain insight into:
-
What "performative sex" is and how porn and pop culture fuel it.
-
The impact of pornography addiction and early sexual exposure.
-
Why parent-child conversations about sex and mental health matter.
-
Coercion, consent, and cultural double standards.
-
How masculinity stereotypes prevent vulnerability and healthy intimacy.
-
The role of therapy, self-awareness, and emotional growth.
This candid episode will resonate with anyone seeking to better understand the complexities of modern masculinity, consent, and intimacy.
Timestamps
00:00 Trigger Warning
00:15 Sneak Peek At What's To Come
00:59 Introduction to Performative Sex
02:41 Impact of Pornography on Relationships
03:43 Parental Influence and Early Exposure
07:21 Cultural Messaging and Its Effects
18:25 Double Standards and Sexual Assault on Men
29:38 Navigating Relationships and Sexual Expectations
32:13 Navigating Relationship Dynamics
33:11 Parental Influence and Personal Realizations
34:25 The Importance of Emotional and Physical Connection
35:21 Addressing Insecurities in Relationships
48:34 The Need for Relationship Education
50:20 Therapy and Mental Health Stigma
55:10 Concluding Thoughts and Future Insights
Resources Mentioned
● Kinsey Institute
https://kinseyinstitute.org
Research organization exploring sex, gender, and reproduction
● National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
https://www.rainn.org
Free, confidential support for sexual assault survivors: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
● Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
https://988lifeline.org
Call or text 988 for 24/7 mental health support in the U.S.
