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Can watching porn damage a computer/expose it to viruses? (serious question)

Is it true that visiting porn sites/downloading porn on a computer can potentially damage your computer? By this, Im referring to malware/viruses etc.

If this is true, is it only true of windows? Can Apple Macs and Linux OSes also get viruses from porn sites?

I do watch porn the odd time, some of the popular porn sites get more views than the bbc (so I heard), so its not like im in a minority of people who watch porn, and most people use some version of windows, therefore if it is true, many many many people would be getting viuses/spyware/that kind of thing.

Im scared to watch porn for this reason. It would feel pretty bad if a new/expensive compuuter was destroyed by a virus/malware/spyware/trojan(are they the same thing?) from watching porn.


Could anyone tell me the right way of this?
(edited 10 years ago)

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Reply 1
1. Unlikely, especially if you stick to well known sites and don't download anything.
2. Macs and Linux can get viruses the same as windows.

So basically you're wrong about all of it.
The act of watching porn won't cause viruses or malware, but the sites that host them can often leave unwanted deposits on your PC, particularly if you download things rather than stream.
This is less likely to affect *nix based computers such as Mac's but they are by no means immune.

Keep an up to date antivirus and don't download any applications you aren't sure of and you can tug to your hearts desire with relative safety.
yeah. it's like real life in that the dirtier the site you visit, the more likely you are to catch something.
Porn is a legit industry but like mentioned above there are adverts on legit websites which lead you onto malicious sites. Also some websites themselves are built purely for malicious purposes, it all depends on what websites you go on and make sure you dont click on any of their adverts.
Reply 5
Original post by Chicken Hulk
Porn is a legit industry but like mentioned above there are adverts on legit websites which lead you onto malicious sites. Also some websites themselves are built purely for malicious purposes, it all depends on what websites you go on and make sure you dont click on any of their adverts.


How would I know if a certain website is safe?
Reply 6
Original post by Lukev
The act of watching porn won't cause viruses or malware, but the sites that host them can often leave unwanted deposits on your PC, particularly if you download things rather than stream.
This is less likely to affect *nix based computers such as Mac's but they are by no means immune.

Keep an up to date antivirus and don't download any applications you aren't sure of and you can tug to your hearts desire with relative safety.


In fairness he's probably done that himself a few times.
Reply 7
Original post by hamijack
1. Unlikely, especially if you stick to well known sites and don't download anything.
2. Macs and Linux can get viruses the same as windows.

So basically you're wrong about all of it.


What about the 'macs dont get viruses' arguement?

Also, I thought there were no linix viruses, partially because so few people use linux, therefore virus makers dont bother targeting it
I think the OP is refering to an article written yesterday by the BBC.

It found that sites like porn hub have a lot of advertisements that install malware on your computer.

As long as you don't click on the advertisements then you should be ok.

At least that is what I think it said.
(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by bloomblaze
What about the 'macs dont get viruses' arguement?

Also, I thought there were no linix viruses, partially because so few people use linux, therefore virus makers dont bother targeting it


Well, that argument applies for both.
Reply 10
Original post by DorianGrayism
I think the OP is refering to an article writtenyesterday by the BBC.

As long as you don't click on the advertisements then you should be ok.

At least that is what I think it said.


I know there was an article on the bbc about it this week, but I had always wondered about it.

What actually happens if I did accidentily click on one of the ads? (Ive never did it, but i mean, every once on a blue moon, Everyone accidently clicks on something they didnt mean to, and have to click the 'back' button.)
Original post by bloomblaze
I know there was an article on the bbc about it this week, but I had always wondered about it.

What actually happens if I did accidentily click on one of the ads? (Ive never did it, but i mean, every once on a blue moon, Everyone accidently clicks on something they didnt mean to, and have to click the 'back' button.)


It installs a virus onto your computer. If you have a virus checker it should detect it though.
Original post by FallonSmith
Just go on Pornhub.


Pornhub is one of the sites that is worst infected.

I know...I was worried as well.
Don't click the adverts, and don't download if you can avoid it. I've never had any problems. Try to stick to main-stream-ish porn sites as well.
You should always practice 'safe hex' :smile:
Reply 15
Original post by ChocoCoatedLemons
Don't click the adverts, and don't download if you can avoid it. I've never had any problems. Try to stick to main-stream-ish porn sites as well.



Do you use windows?
Original post by bloomblaze
Do you use windows?


Yup.
Original post by DorianGrayism
Pornhub is one of the sites that is worst infected.

I know...I was worried as well.


Isn't that one of the top searched porn result websites though?
Reply 18
Use ad-blocker too. And don't visit anything too far back on the google pages.
Original post by bloomblaze
How would I know if a certain website is safe?


A friend told me you jizz , porn hub , you porn are all good. :colondollar: