BACKGROUND: Internet pornography use is prevalent among college students, yet the impact of internet pornography consumption on mental health remains contentious, with debates on whether it is positive or negative. This study aims to explore the complex relationship between internet pornography consumption and mental health from the perspective of motives for internet pornography use. METHODS: Using a convenience sampling method, this study surveyed 2,938 college students, collecting data on their demographics, depression, anxiety, sleep quality, social interaction anxiety, and motives for internet pornography use. Descriptive statistics and network analysis methods were employed to investigate the relationship between motives for internet pornography use and mental health among college students. RESULTS: The results revealed that among college students with motives for internet pornography use, the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety were 55.31% and 36.25%, respectively. Motives for internet pornography use were positively correlated with depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and social interaction anxiety. Network analysis indicated that internet pornography behaviors based on enhancement and coping motives might be associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, whereas behaviors based on social motives might be related to decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: This study partially explains the varying impacts of internet pornography consumption on mental health. The findings highlight the importance for policymakers to understand better the potential impact of different motives for internet pornography use on the mental health of college students when regulating internet pornography materials.