Press release
The new German-language platform PornoPause.de aims to help people become more aware of their pornography consumption, reflect on personal habits and, where needed, make changes on their own terms.
According to the German health insurer Techniker Krankenkasse, an estimated one million people in Germany are affected by pornography-use disorder. This estimate highlights the social relevance of the topic. Regular pornography consumption alone does not mean that a person has a disorder. Loss of control and personal distress are particularly important factors. [1]
“People who want to change their pornography consumption need a first manageable step, not feelings of guilt. With PornoPause, we want to create a space where people can look honestly at their habits and make their own decisions — without shame, without pressure and at their own pace.” Thomas Becker, founder of PornoPause
The platform centres on an accessible approach that avoids blame, moral judgements and unrealistic promises. Instead, PornoPause focuses on scientifically informed content, personal reflection and practical support in everyday life.
Mindful use rather than blanket condemnation
Pornography is part of everyday digital life for many people. Not all regular consumption is problematic. What matters is whether a person’s behaviour remains compatible with their personal needs, relationships and life goals.
PornoPause particularly aims to reach people who are wondering whether they still control their consumption or whether certain habits are increasingly affecting their everyday lives.
A free self-check as a starting point
A central feature of the platform is a free self-check that can be completed directly in a browser without registration.
It provides initial guidance on personal consumption patterns and encourages people to reflect on their habits.
PornoPause is also developing structured programmes that enable users to pursue their individual goals. The self-check is free; further programmes require payment.
Privacy and self-determination
Data protection is particularly important when dealing with sensitive topics such as sexuality and pornography consumption.
The free self-check works without a user account. Answers are not stored permanently. Separate privacy policies apply to further programmes.
Scientifically informed and free from stigma
Current research shows the importance of a nuanced perspective. A meta-analysis published in August 2026 by Sheikhi, Mohammadkhani and Akbari examined 97 publications with 111 independent samples. Problematic pornography use was associated with factors including craving, difficulties with emotion regulation, depressive symptoms and loneliness. These findings demonstrate associations, but do not support sweeping conclusions about cause and effect. [2]
A further meta-analysis by Chew, Yow and Tan, published in 2025, examined 22 studies involving 31,566 participants. It showed that estimates of the prevalence of problematic pornography use depend substantially on the populations and measurement instruments studied. International findings therefore cannot be directly interpreted as the number of people with a disorder in Germany. [3]
PornoPause draws on such research to explain findings clearly and without stigma. These studies do not investigate the effectiveness of PornoPause. The platform is a self-help resource; the self-check offers guidance, and neither it nor the programmes replace medical or psychotherapeutic diagnosis and treatment.
A German and international approach
PornoPause.de initially serves the German-speaking market.
In parallel, PornLess.app is being developed as an English-language platform to make the concept accessible internationally.
Both services share the same guiding principle:
Small steps. Your own path.
About PornoPause
PornoPause is a digital self-help platform for mindful reflection on, and potential reduction of, pornography consumption. It combines scientifically informed content with accessible digital tools and places particular emphasis on privacy, self-determination and respectful treatment of its users.
Website: https://pornopause.de International website: https://pornless.app
Press contact: Thomas Becker Founder of PornoPause TAB Medien
Buchwaldstraße 3, 60385 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Sources and further reading
[1] Techniker Krankenkasse: PornLoS — a project for the treatment of pornography addiction (German).
