Couples are divided over whether this popular sex practice works.

Today, the occasional consumption of pornography is considered by many to be a common part of a “healthy” sex life in relationships. But new data shows many Australians think it’s “cheating”.

Research into attitudes on OnlyFans, a booming platform used by millions of adult content creators, revealed that 56% of women believed it was “definitely cheating” if their partner subscribed to a porn star’s channel.

However, only 38% of men agreed with this view, with 48% saying it depends on the type of interaction involved, compared to 36% of women.

Meanwhile, only 9% of women and 15% of men think it’s “normal” for people in relationships to interact with OnlyFans stars and watch their content.

Ahead of the launch of news.com.au’s Great Australia Debate, we asked 1870 people a series of questions to find out what Australians think about a range of topics from light-hearted to serious.

Statistics show that the impact of OnlyFans and porn consumption on modern relationships is grim.

Ordinary Australians echoed the figures as news.com.au took to the streets, showing men and women are divided over what constitutes cheating on OnlyFans.

One woman in a tracksuit said it was cheating, but it depended on what explicit content her partner was watching. Her friend, who was also dressed head-to-toe in tight workout gear, agreed and said “how much” it cost to also take part.

“If you’re paying for something, interacting with, and being interested in a specific person, that’s definitely cheating,” she said.

Meanwhile, two men asked “Is subscribing to OnlyFans cheating?” said they didn’t think it was akin to an affair.

However, some still describe it as “dog behavior” because it crosses a line in the relationship.

“If I were with someone for five years, I’d be like, ‘What’s going on here?’,” he reasoned.

“That’s going to be a big fight. And with the new guy? Bye.”

The same sentiment was echoed by another guy in a fedora who didn’t think he had time for women who watch naked men online.

“I would never have dated her in the first place,” he declared.

“I think OnlyFans is so fucked up. I would break up with them right then and there.”

One Irish expat added that he thought it was a “waste of money” and asked: “Why do you need OnlyFans if you have a partner?”

This is a legitimate question considering we are in the midst of a cost of living crisis.

Prices for subscribing to an OnlyFans account vary, but the most common cost is $5 to $10 per month.

Creators say they make most of their income from private messages with fans, with messages starting at $3 and capping out at $200.

Interestingly, the news.com.au survey found that couples who live together are less threatened by X-rated platforms than those who live apart, with 55 per cent of couples who don’t live together saying they think it’s cheating, compared to 41 per cent Consider this an act of deception. De facto couples and married couples said it depends on the type of interaction.

Research shows evidence that couples who watch porn together report higher relationship and sexual satisfaction than those who don’t.

However, porn consumption – which is often more common among men than women – is often a “hidden secret” in relationships, which experts warn can have a negative impact on couples.