A silent but growing crisis is affecting students at universities across Tanzania: the widespread use of pornography.
Though rarely spoken about in public, the impact is deep and disturbing, affecting students’ academic performance, mental health, and personal relationships.
According to interviews with students, counselors, and university staff, pornography has become easily accessible through mobile phones, laptops, and public Wi-Fi making it difficult for students to avoid even if they want to.
Lecturers report that some students are increasingly distracted in class and struggle to concentrate on studies. A lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, who asked to remain anonymous said.
“We’re noticing more students missing deadlines, failing exams, or simply disengaging. It’s often tied to digital addiction, and pornography is a big part of it.”
Some students have confessed to spending hours watching explicit content, especially at night, which affects their sleep and leads to poor classroom participation the next day.
Counselors at several Tanzanian universities say porn addiction is real and growing. Dr. Salma Rashid, a student counselor in Arusha, explained.
“We have students suffering from low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression and many of them trace it back to unhealthy sexual habits and unrealistic expectations formed through pornography.”
She added that the problem is often hidden due to shame and cultural taboos around discussing sex and mental health.
Many students report that pornography is damaging their romantic relationships. Some say it leads to unrealistic expectations, reduced intimacy, or even conflicts with partners.
One student at the University of Dodoma said:
“I started watching porn during high school, but in college, it became a daily habit. I thought it was harmless until my girlfriend broke up with me because I couldn’t connect with her emotionally.”
Experts say several factors are making the problem worse, widespread smartphone use, cheap internet access, Lack of sex education and No formal support systems in universities
Many stakeholders are calling for open conversations about pornography and its effects. Suggestions include:
Introducing digital wellness programs in universities
Expanding mental health support services
Including sex education in university orientation sessions
Training lecturers and student leaders to recognize signs of addiction
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent call for modernizing education and digital access offers a chance to also tackle the darker side of tech use, including this issue.
Although the issue of pornography among university students in Tanzania is rarely discussed, its effects are real and growing. Breaking the silence could be the first step in helping students reclaim their focus, confidence, and emotional well-being.
