YNOT – When Adam & Eve asked consumers the latest question in its ongoing survey of American attitudes and sexual behaviors, the answers were not surprising.

“How do you prefer to watch adult content?” the retailer asked. Nearly half of the 1,000 American adults who responded — 44 percent — replied “free sites.”

The next most-common answer, checked by 36 percent of all respondents, was “I don’t watch porn.”

Combined, the two figures equal 80 percent of survey respondents — presumably a representative, if small, sample of American adults aged 18 and up — who don’t purchase adult content. Of the remaining 20 percent, 16 percent indicated they prefer their porn on DVDs. Only 4 percent indicated they prefer to get their fix on pay-per-view websites.

“It’s no surprise that free sites are the obvious choice for adult viewers,” said Dr. Kat Van Kirk, resident sexpert for AdamAndEve.com. “There is a niche for every sexual preference under the sun. And it’s free.

“Unfortunately, a lot of the major adult studios are financially hurt when their content is leaked to the public this way,” she continued. “In addition, many viewers don’t know the source or circumstances behind their ‘free’ adult content.”

Chad Davis, director of marketing for the adult products retailer, said adult entertainment companies need to ensure they offer a variety of viewing options for consumers. Reputable adult companies can boost their public profile by finding a niche that sets them apart from tube sites and other free-porn havens. For Adam & Eve, that niche is sex-positive material.

“Adam & Eve goes to great measures to make sure its adult content represents a healthy image of sexuality,” he said. “Whether our customers prefer to order a DVD through our catalog or website, or watch Adam & Eve’s video-on-demand channel, they can rest assured the content is sex-positive.”