Preferences for facial sexual dimorphism is related to frequency of pornography consumption among heterosexual-identifying men and homosexual-identifying men: A mediating role of sociosexuality

Frequent consumption of sexually explicit material (SEM) on the internet may influence attitudes toward sex (e.g., sociosexuality), and sociosexuality may influence people's preferences for potential partners' facial dimorphism. However, few studies have focused on the association between dimorphism preference and pornography consumption, and fewer have examined it in heterosexual-identifying and homosexual-identifying men. A total of 234 heterosexual-identifying and 133 homosexual-identifying men were asked to respond to questions regarding their preferences toward facial dimorphism, sociosexual orientation, and frequency of viewing SEM. Frequency of SEM consumption was related to sociosexuality and preference for potential partners' sex-typical facial features, sociosexuality worked as a full mediator in this relationship, and similar mediating associations were found among heterosexual-identifying and homosexual-identifying men. The results identified associations between consumption of pornographic material and sexual dimorphic preference for the first time. Findings suggest not only that homosexual-identifying men prefer masculinity in same-sex partners but also that the sexual script theory that pornographic material consumption may influence men's short-term relationship orientation among sexual minorities and under a conservative sexual culture. This study contributes to the understanding of the preference for facial dimorphism from a perspective on social learning and mate choice.