Content Filtering
The internet is filled with garbage. Most of us suffer the barrage of ads, pop-ups, and tracking services but we do not have to. There are two approaches to this equation. First, as consumers we need to learn how to defend ourselves against the internet as it is today. This requires the employment of ad-blockers in our web browsers. Second, we can leverage network-wide filtering on our routers, DNS servers, or third-party service such as OpenDNS.
Ad-Blockers
I recommend using the uBlock Origin browser extension. What makes this extension really great is that it can be customized with scripts and custom settings that can be backed-up and exported. So you can deploy the same settings across multiple computers and share those configurations with friends. uBlock can also be paused per site if you really need to let something through on the fly. I had begun using uBlock before I started using Reddit and for the longest time, I had no idea that Reddit had ads of any sort.
uBlock Origin Scripts
Network Based Filters
Some consumer grade routers offer basic blocking features which can be helpful to block the most popular porn and sites and ad servers. These are helpful but generally very limited and not customizable. Then there is OpenDNS's home security offering. It has been a while since I've used this service but I remember it being fairly configurable by offering a lot of categories to block. It also can be used as a plugin on your computer or by pointing your router to the OpenDNS IP addresses.
What I am Using
The solution I currently use is called Pi-Hole. This solution is free, open-source, customizable, and works really well. It does require a level of technical savvy but it is awesome. Pi-Hole allows you to use multiple "block lists". These are text files composed of simple lists of objectionable URLs that are freely offered by many people and you can even create your own. I have compiled my own by simple joining the files together and pointing Pi-Hole to it. You can download the Masterblaster Block List. This is a compilation of all the lists I currently am using in Pi-Hole.
My Workflow
As I discover new sites to block (accidentally or intentionally) I add them to my hosts file on my local PC. That file is uploaded (daily automation) to a web server on my home network and Pi-Hole is pointed to it as one of the block list resources. This workflow allows other machines on my network to a) benefit from my regular updates, and b) because the host file becomes centralized, other machines on the network can download a local copy of the file. This is especially helpful for laptops that may leave the safety of my network as it will afford them some familiar level of protection.
Conclusion
If you are just starting out with content filtering you will likely find uBlock Origin to be adequate and helpful to your experience. But I encourage you to explore some of the network based options to create a holistic filtering approach.