How does Rick Rosner connect pornography culture, declining testosterone, AI-driven media, and the everyday “maintenance” that sustains long-term marriage?

In this wide-ranging exchange, Scott Douglas Jacobsen asks Rick Rosner to define pornography beyond explicit media, using it as a metaphor for a hyper-stimulating culture shaped by AI. Rosner rejects simplistic biological determinism, arguing there is no evidence that low testosterone causes sexual violence, while noting population-level testosterone declines and unresolved questions about endocrine disruptors. They discuss demographic contraction, the expansion of porn and romance “slop,” and why serious literature may be less sexualized than the 1970s. The conversation pivots to ethics, religion, and intimacy, ending with Rosner’s account of marriage as disciplined, interdependent maintenance.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Let’s talk about what you wanted to talk about, erections and pornography. What do you want to discuss regarding erections, and what counts as pornography? 

Rick Rosner: One of the more prophetic films of the past twenty years is Idiocracy, directed by Mike Judge. I want to use “pornography” in a broader, metaphorical sense. In the release of additional Epstein-related files, some reporting has described medical records indicating that Jeffrey Epstein had very low testosterone and complained of low libido in communications with doctors.

That said, there is no established evidence that low testosterone causes sexual violence. Sexual offending is not medically reducible to a single hormone level, and there is no legitimate basis to treat testosterone deficiency as a general explanation for predatory crime.

Separately, population-level research has shown that testosterone levels in U.S. men have declined across birth cohorts over recent decades. The causes remain uncertain and are likely multifactorial, including changes in body composition, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and other health variables.

There is scientific literature on endocrine-disrupting chemicals associated with plastics. Some compounds used in plastics have estrogenic or anti-androgenic effects in laboratory and animal studies. However, translating those findings into definitive human population-level causal claims remains an area of ongoing research.

On demographics, the U.S. total fertility rate was approximately 1.62 births per woman in 2023, below the replacement level of 2.1. Many developed countries face similar sub-replacement fertility patterns. By 2050, Africa is projected to be the only continent with a growing population.

I would suggest that people may be having less partnered sex, but they still seek orgasm. The internet is already a vast supply of pornography, and with AI, that supply is expanding dramatically.

One speculative connection people make is that if testosterone levels are declining, individuals might still desire orgasm but may find arousal or performance more difficult. In that scenario, some might turn more frequently to pornography, potentially including more extreme material, to achieve stimulation. That remains a hypothesis, not an established causal conclusion.

Jacobsen: Does that include not only audiovisual forms—possibly even immersive or 3D formats in the future—but also literary forms becoming more explicit or more perverse?

Rosner: I argue the opposite in serious literature. If you look at major literary works from the 1970s—Portnoy’s Complaint, for example—mainstream literary fiction was often more overtly sexual than much of today’s critically acclaimed fiction. In that sense, serious literature may be less sexualized now than it was during that period.

That said, there is a large and expanding market for genre romance, including highly explicit material. Romance novels exist along a spectrum—from no sexual content to very explicit content—and publishers are generally clear about where a book falls on that spectrum. Readers can select based on their preferences, whether the theme involves cowboys, construction workers, fantasy elements, or more unconventional premises.

There is also a significant amount of AI-generated content in this space. Some authors use AI tools to produce large quantities of genre fiction, including romance. Much of it is formulaic. Consumption remains high.

However, among bestselling literary fiction and works that receive major critical discussion, there appears to be less explicit sexual content than during the 1970s, which could be described as one of the most overtly sexualized decades in modern American publishing. Serious literary writers today generally focus less on explicit sexual depiction than many of their counterparts fifty years ago.

Jacobsen: Anything else on that topic?

Rosner: There are broader implications to living in what might be described metaphorically as a porn-saturated culture.

Jacobsen: You spoke about further implications of living in what you call a “pornocracy.” One possible issue is self-loathing among consumers of pornography. Some content categories are intentionally extreme or unsettling. Are you referring to the emotional reaction some people report after climax?

Rosner: Not necessarily. I am suggesting that in a media environment saturated with sexual content, individuals may experience more frequent solitary sexual activity than in earlier historical periods. If so, it is plausible—though not conclusively demonstrated—that increasing exposure can lead some individuals to seek more novel or intense material to maintain stimulation. That escalation may produce discomfort or ambivalence afterward.

I don’t know how widespread or psychologically significant that effect is.

Many Christians consider masturbation or viewing pornography to be a violation of the commandment against adultery, or at least a breach of moral boundaries. Some religious individuals may be able to abstain, but many likely struggle with that standard.

Some couples may incorporate sexuality into a long-term Christian marriage in a way that feels consistent with their beliefs, which may reduce the sense of violating religious principles. Still, many people likely fall short of the ideal they set for themselves.

One second, a call.

[Pause]

That was Carole. She saw something at a thrift store—1930s Art Deco china—and wanted to check in before buying it.

Jacobsen: How would you describe those small moments in a marriage—those intermittent check-ins?

Rosner: They are forms of due diligence and respect. You consult your spouse before making certain decisions. I do not always succeed at that. I might buy something inexpensive without asking because she would say we already have enough. But in other areas of the marriage, I am more attentive.

We are approaching our thirty-fifth wedding anniversary, and we were together five years before that. We have spent most of our lives together. We practice relationship maintenance and hygiene. We try to be respectful, avoid unnecessary conflict, anticipate each other’s needs, and respond to them.

For example, Carole bought bagels this morning and made sure I had one for breakfast. Sometimes she brings home coffee. At night, she likes me to rub her legs as she falls asleep. These are small acts of care. You try to like the person you are with. I genuinely like Carole. There is a great deal to admire about her. I hope there are a few things to like about me, too.

Jacobsen: If you had to describe marriage in one sentence, what would it be?

Rosner: In women’s studies, a term often used for a healthy relationship was “inter-dependent.” It means you are not codependent, but you remain distinct individuals who pursue your own interests while blending your lives in ways that help each other achieve personal goals. It is not the most elegant word.

Marriage is a partnership in which you work together to benefit from being with another person.

Rosner: We have discussed how society is structured to provide advantages to people in long-term partnerships. From an evolutionary perspective, humans are the product of billions of years of sexual reproduction. Societies tend to support stable pair bonds because they are associated with child-rearing and social continuity.

Jacobsen: Are you more of a PC or Mac user?

Rosner: I am primarily a PC user. I can use a Mac, but I prefer a PC. Ten or fifteen years ago, being a PC user meant dealing with frequent viruses. That is less common now. I do not experience serious malware issues very often anymore. Carole and I both use iPhones, which aligns us more with Apple’s ecosystem.

Those are nice. I am fine with you getting them. Several additional Epstein-related materials have recently drawn renewed attention. Members of Congress, including Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat, and Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican, have publicly advocated for greater transparency regarding Epstein-related records. Some materials have been released in prior court proceedings, but substantial amounts of documentation remain under seal or withheld by the Department of Justice for various legal reasons, including privacy protections for victims and ongoing investigative considerations.

There has been discussion online about individuals who had financial or social ties to Epstein. For example, Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands, which included Victoria’s Secret, had a well-documented financial relationship with Epstein in the past. Wexner has publicly stated that he severed ties after discovering financial misconduct and has denied knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. Allegations against any individual require careful treatment, and public documents distinguish between association and criminal liability.

Historically, certain figures in the modelling industry, including John Casablancas, founder of Elite Model Management, faced allegations in past decades concerning relationships with underage models. Some other industry figures have also been accused of misconduct over the years, with varying legal outcomes. These matters remain separate from the specific criminal convictions secured in Epstein’s case.

Public discourse on social media has intensified around names mentioned in released or partially released documents. However, being referenced in documents does not, in itself, establish criminal wrongdoing. Legal conclusions require formal charges, due process, and adjudication.

His name appears on several buildings that benefit from charitable donations. Universities often name buildings after major donors; if someone contributes tens of millions of dollars, institutions frequently name a facility after them. Les Wexner has had buildings named after him, including at major universities such as Ohio State University.

The Sackler family, whose company, Purdue Pharma, manufactured OxyContin, became the focus of widespread litigation related to the opioid crisis. Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges, and members of the Sackler family have faced extensive civil litigation. As part of settlements and public pressure, many institutions removed the Sackler name from museums and university buildings. The controversy centred on the role of aggressive opioid marketing in contributing to addiction and overdose deaths.

Whether similar institutional reconsiderations will occur regarding other donors depends on legal findings and institutional review processes. Some institutions choose to remove names; others retain them pending formal determinations.

Additional Epstein-related documents have drawn renewed scrutiny. Public debate has included questions about Epstein’s past associations with prominent political figures. Former President Donald Trump has stated publicly that he distanced himself from Epstein years before Epstein’s criminal prosecution. Journalistic investigations have reported differing timelines and accounts regarding the nature and duration of their association. These matters remain subjects of reporting and political dispute rather than judicial findings specific to those claims.

Jacobsen: If you had to give up one food you enjoy permanently, what would it be?

Rosner: Probably chocolate. I enjoy it, though my attachment to it has declined somewhat. I eat chocolate frequently, including chocolate-flavoured foods. I would not eliminate sushi, although my enthusiasm for it has also diminished over time. So yes, most likely chocolate.

Jacobsen: Do you experience a sugar rush from chocolate, followed by a crash later?

Rosner: Not that I notice. I do not perceive dramatic sugar spikes. I do become sleepy without caffeine. When I was working a traditional job, I would often feel drowsy around three in the afternoon, but I began feeling more alert after I started drinking coffee regularly. Coffee allowed me to remain alert.

Jacobsen: What is the importance of rest during the day, twenty or thirty minutes, or even an hour to lie down?

Rosner: Brief rest periods can have health benefits. Lying down is helpful for circulation. For example, chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which veins struggle to return blood from the legs to the heart, leading to swelling in the ankles. It is more common with age and certain lifestyle factors. I have experienced a mechanical form of venous insufficiency since childhood, which makes elevating my legs beneficial.

The return valves in some of my leg veins are incompetent, so my legs will swell if I do not wear compression. I wear two compression socks on each leg, along with an athletic tube sock to provide additional pressure. That helps prevent swelling. It also helps to lie down and elevate my legs so the blood can return more easily.

I wear contact lenses, and after about fourteen hours, they can irritate my eyes. Resting my eyes periodically is helpful.

Jacobsen: Do you drink tap water?

Rosner: Not often straight from the tap. At home, we usually filter tap water rather than buy bottled water. Los Angeles municipal water is generally considered safe. If I am in a hurry, I will drink it directly from the tap. In restaurants, I drink tap water. I do not believe tap water is inherently toxic.

Jacobsen: What do you think about people who believe the environment is so contaminated that they pursue detox programs or supplements that claim dramatic health benefits, despite weak scientific support?

Rosner: There is a significant amount of questionable marketing in the detox and supplement space. I take supplements myself, but I am aware that not all claims are supported by strong evidence. I live reasonably healthfully while recognizing that not every exposure poses catastrophic risk. I do not smoke, and I drink very little alcohol.

When you enter the realm of medical misinformation—particularly online—you encounter anti-vaccine claims and detox products that promise sweeping benefits without solid data. Average life expectancy in the United States is around 77–79 years, according to recent data, somewhat lower than in countries such as Spain or Japan, which are often in the mid-80s. A century ago, U.S. life expectancy was dramatically lower—around the 40s—largely due to high infant and childhood mortality. Once people survived early childhood, many lived into their 60s or beyond.

The overall increase in life expectancy suggests that, despite environmental concerns, public health systems, sanitation, vaccines, antibiotics, and modern medicine have substantially improved survival. Environmental exposures can affect health in various ways, but they are not causing immediate population-wide collapse.

Jack LaLanne, a well-known fitness advocate, lived to 96. He exercised intensely and followed a disciplined lifestyle. That longevity is impressive, but it shows that even optimal lifestyle practices alone do not produce extreme lifespan outliers.

Future gains in life expectancy are more likely to come from advances in medical treatment—improvements in cardiovascular care, cancer therapies, metabolic regulation, and other interventions—rather than from water filtration alone.

For example, long-term control of blood glucose is associated with reduced risk of complications from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels within a healthy range is beneficial, though perfect, minute-by-minute regulation is not biologically realistic outside of advanced monitoring and treatment systems. Nonetheless, metabolic health plays an important role in longevity.

Better long-term control of blood glucose might increase lifespan since chronically elevated blood sugar contributes to vascular damage and metabolic disease. However, blood glucose naturally rises after meals, even in people without diabetes, often reaching around 140 mg/dL before returning to baseline.

Medications such as metformin can modestly improve insulin sensitivity and reduce average glucose levels. In theory, if someone could maintain near-optimal glucose levels continuously throughout life, it might reduce long-term metabolic stress and add several years of life expectancy. However, perfect minute-by-minute control is not biologically realistic for healthy individuals, nor is it currently recommended outside of medical necessity.

People with Type 1 diabetes use continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps that automatically adjust insulin delivery. These systems are designed to prevent dangerous highs and lows. Extending similar intensive control to people without diabetes would involve medical tradeoffs, potential side effects, and unclear long-term benefits. Research into metabolic optimization and longevity is ongoing, but broad preventive use of such systems in healthy populations is not standard practice.

Rick Rosner is an accomplished television writer with credits on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Crank Yankers, and The Man Show. Over his career, he has earned multiple Writers Guild Award nominations—winning one—and an Emmy nomination. Rosner holds a broad academic background, graduating with the equivalent of eight majors. Based in Los Angeles, he continues to write and develop ideas while spending time with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen is the publisher of In-Sight Publishing (ISBN: 978-1-0692343) and Editor-in-Chief of In-Sight: Interviews (ISSN: 2369-6885). He writes for The Good Men Project, International Policy Digest (ISSN: 2332–9416), The Humanist (Print: ISSN 0018-7399; Online: ISSN 2163-3576), Basic Income Earth Network (UK Registered Charity 1177066), A Further Inquiry, and other media. He is a member in good standing of numerous media organizations.

Photo by Kristaps Ungurs on Unsplash

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