The Global “Porndemic”: Understanding Its Ubiquity And Effects
[This blog contains written material that may be sensitive to certain audiences, but absolutely nothing of a graphic nature.
Therefore, caveat lector.]
Ancient Arousal: A Historical Perspective
Let’s be honest: pornography is a topic that society generally doesn’t feel comfortable discussing. Access the internet from anywhere and you’ll find it readily available at your fingertips.
Shrouded in a long-standing taboo, pornography elicits a range of reactions, from curiosity to depraved moral outrage.
Its explicit nature challenges societal norms, often leading to perceptions of it as something filthy.
Despite the controversy, pornography – or explicit material designed to arouse someone sexually – isn’t a new invention.
A Word With History
For example, erotic art has roots in ancient civilisations. Greek pottery, Roman frescoes and Indian temple artefacts all reveal a long-standing human fascination with sexual imagery.
The term “pornography” itself comes from two Greek words. “pornos” means prostitute, while “graphos” means to write.
Literally, it translates to “writing about prostitutes” or “depictions of prostitution.”
First used in its modern sense in 1842, it referred to explicit descriptions or depictions of sexual activity intended to arouse viewers.
Dr. Sarah Murray, a historian at the University of Toronto, explains, “These early depictions often held cultural and religious significance, intertwining eroticism with daily life and spirituality.”
Renaissance Revelations: The Printing Press Revolution
The invention of the printing press in the 15th century was a game-changer.
This innovation made it much easier to produce and distribute erotic literature and images, making them more accessible than ever before.
By the 19th century, the advent of photography further fuelled the spread of explicit material.
This era also saw famous figures like the Marquis de Sade and Leopold von Sacher-Masoch push the boundaries of societal norms through their literary works.
The Marquis de Sade, notorious for his libertine novels and imprisonment for sex crimes and blasphemy, explored extreme themes in his writing.
Similarly, Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, whose name gave rise to the term “masochism,” delved into themes of domination and submission in his literature.
These figures, though controversial, helped shape the landscape of explicit material.
Digital Domination: The Rise Of Modern Pornography
The digital age transformed pornography from niche to ubiquitous.
Pornography exists in many forms, most commonly pictures and videos of scantily clothed individuals or completely nude individuals engaging in sexual behaviour.
It also exists in the form of written erotica, video games, social media posts, phone apps, erotic telephone conversations, music or any other medium.
The internet has made explicit content more accessible than ever; social media giants and the rise of AI have significantly amplified the spread of misinformation.
(Read more about my blog on AI here).
Social media platforms provide a breeding ground for false content, while AI can manipulate images to create highly convincing deepfakes.
These can be distributed far and wide to influence the younger generation through manipulation, bullying and harassment and can have long-lasting effects on the victims.
Thankfully, under proposed new national laws, this will be made illegal by the federal parliament in June 2024, where sharing digitally altered “deepfake” pornographic images will attract a penalty of six years in jail or seven years for those who also created them.
Age-Gating, VPNs And Vulnerable Viewers
Surprisingly, even today, many sites do not use age-gating.
This usually involves a landing page asking if you’re old enough to proceed. Whether you answer “yes” or “no” seems irrelevant.
Again, to stop kids from accessing graphic online content, some form of age verification technology, such as a “porn passport‘ as part of an e-safety roadmap, could prevent this.
However, there are concerns about VPN tech-savvy kids bypassing these measures and the broader implications of this technology.
The UK, France, Germany and Spain were the first to explore age verification, considering options such as verifying customers’ ages to access banking systems, telcos, and credit card companies.
At present, there’s nothing to stop anyone from lying about their age, whether they’re trying to access pornography, alcohol, tobacco products, vaping devices, adult gaming platforms or even websites displaying firearms.
(Read more about “vaping” on my blog here)
Though up-to-date and authoritative data is often hard to come by, it is estimated that a staggering 92% of male and 62% of female adolescents report exposure to online pornography by the age of 18.
In Australia, children as young as 10 are accessing pornography.
A recent study by the Queensland University of Technology, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, found that the average age of first exposure to pornography is 13.2 years for boys and 14.1 years for girls.
To be even more frank, it’s not a case of whether kids will ever see porn, but rather when they will see it.
Cognitive Curiosities: Pornography And The Brain
Neuroscientists have delved into how pornography affects the brain.
Viewing pornography activates the brain’s reward system, similar to other pleasurable activities like eating or socialising.
Professor Valerie Voon, a neuropsychiatrist at the University of Cambridge, notes, “For some individuals, this can lead to problematic consumption patterns akin to behavioural addictions.”
Studies indicate that frequent pornography use may alter brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to motivation and reward.
Despite this, pornography addiction, per se, is not mentioned as a diagnosis in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), the standard reference book used by mental health professionals in the United States.
Neither is it explicitly mentioned as a disorder in the current ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Edition) produced by the WHO.
It only includes a category for “sexual disorder, not otherwise specified” or “compulsive sexual behaviour disorder”, which could potentially be used to diagnose someone with problematic pornography use.
However, there are no specific criteria for diagnosing pornography addiction and the debate at the time of writing continues.
Some experts argue that this should be included in these manuals, while others believe there is insufficient evidence to support this.
Behavioural Blues: Potential Impacts On Relationships
Critics highlight the potential negative impacts of pornography on relationships and mental health.
Porn use may or may not create distress for individuals or couples.
A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found it is a common source of conflict in relationships, particularly when one partner hides their use, knowing the other would disapprove or view it as infidelity.
The American Psychological Association suggests that excessive consumption may lead to unrealistic expectations about sex and body image, potentially causing dissatisfaction in real-life sexual experiences.
However, many psychologists believe that disagreements over pornography use are often rooted in deeper, more significant sexual or relationship issues that need to be addressed.
Joint counselling can assist partners in understanding each other’s sexual interests and negotiating acceptable boundaries in their relationship.
Personal Pleasures: Positive Perspectives
Can pornography have any positive effects?
Ethical pornography is characterised by fair play and consensual participation and is emerging as a response to these concerns.
Used responsibly, it may serve as a safe space to explore sexual fantasies and preferences, which can enhance sexual satisfaction and personal well-being.
Dr. Emily Nagoski, a sex educator and author, posits that “pornography, when consumed mindfully and ethically, can be a valuable tool for sexual education and exploration.”
Some studies support this view, indicating that moderate consumption is associated with better sexual communication and intimacy among couples.
Dr Louise Richardson-Self, a senior lecturer in philosophy and gender studies at the University of Tasmania, Australia, argues that:
“Violence against women is a massive problem.”
“[We see] objectifying representations of women in other forms of media, in advertising, but also in film and TV.”
“Women have been creating pornography for decades, yet their significant contributions to ethical production and distribution often go unrecognised.”
“There are many individuals who not only actively enjoy sex but also take pleasure in creating their own content,”
“To broadly label this as exploitative and suggest these women are oppressed denies their agency regarding their sexuality.”
Ethical Enigmas: An Ongoing Moral Debate
The production and consumption of pornography are fraught with ethical considerations, such as consent, exploitation, and the portrayal of gender roles.
These issues often come under scrutiny, especially when considering the potential impact of violent or degrading pornography.
Viewing such content at an early age may contribute to gender-based violence and sex crimes in adulthood.
Sex education varies widely across different countries, influenced by cultural, religious, and societal norms. In places where significant gaps exist, pornography often fills the void in sexual education.
Young boys and some girls frequently turn to pornography to learn about sex out of curiosity.
However, if the pornography they watch depicts either sex being degraded, brutalised or objectified, particularly towards women, it becomes a significant issue with potentially harmful effects on their understanding of healthy sexual relationships.
This portrayal is harmful to men as well, especially if it encourages them to adopt dominant and misogynistic behaviours, which is a growing concern.
Young male viewers may perceive this as part of ‘normal’ sexual conduct, potentially fueling the ongoing epidemic of violence against women.
Professor (emirata) Gail Dines, of women’s studies, sociologist and founder of the organisation Culture Reframed, advocates for “a critical approach to pornography that considers the implications for both consumers and performers.”
X-Rated Revenue: Adult Entertainment’s Billionaire Business
While the industry faces controversy, its undeniable economic impact highlights it has an established footprint within the global market.
The adult entertainment industry, specifically pornography, thrives as a multi-billion dollar business.
Recent estimates suggest the global market reaches $US 97 billion, with online content alone generating a significant $US 15 billion.
This sector leverages technological advancements and digital platforms to expand its reach and diversify income streams, contributing to its ongoing growth.
Future Frontiers: Ongoing Research And Conversations
The scientific community continues to explore the complex effects of pornography on individuals and society. Ongoing research aims to unravel the nuanced ways in which pornography influences human behaviour, relationships and mental health.
Organisations and educators are working towards creating balanced discussions that emphasise both the potential benefits and risks.
The conversation around pornography is evolving, reflecting broader societal changes in attitudes toward sex and sexuality.
Moving forward, it is paramount to consider diverse perspectives and ensure that the discourse remains inclusive and informed by robust scientific evidence.
The impact of pornography is undoubtedly multifaceted, encompassing both potential pleasures and pitfalls. Its effects on the brain, behaviour and relationships continue to be a significant topic of continuous research and debate.
Whether seen as a source of personal pleasure or a societal concern, the science of pornography is an area rich with ongoing inquiry.
This urges health professionals to keep exploring its complexities with an open and informed mind.
Finally, if you’re a willing participant, you might want to Google the phrase “What are the top 20 most visited websites worldwide at the moment?“
Perhaps only then will you finally understand why I chose to write about this.
Thoughts and comments welcome.
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