The Impact of Porn on Society
The term "porn" refers to any of a variety of adult videos, magazines, or other sexually related materials. Porn videos, erotic magazines, or personal sex videos are typically sexually suggestive films that provide explicit sexual subject matter to arouse and/or satisfy the audience. Porn materials often present non-consensual, sexual fantasies and are usually filled with erotically appealing material including detailed and provocative sex scenes, vivid colors and sometimes themes, and sometimes actual props (such as shoes, clothes, or a body part) used to enhance sexual stimulation.
People who consume Porn are often drawn to these sexually suggestive visual images because they often feel there is nothing taboo about their sexuality, or their relationships. Often times, portrayals of sex on film and in magazines create a feeling of "normalcy" in a relationship or marriage that is missing in real life. When realistic expectations for sex and sexuality are reduced in the name of relaxation or enjoyment, the result is unhealthy sex, which may be characterized by multiple partners, unsatisfactory fulfillment, and/or infidelity.
Porn can be consumed by people in several different ways. Some individuals masturbate regularly and view Porn in order to become aroused. Other individuals are exposed to Porn through the media, either through the images seen on the screen or in magazines, or through advertising and live performances. Some married and/or lesbian couples view Porn together in an effort to improve communication and intimacy. Still others view Porn on the Internet, viewing it as a form of escape from daily pressures or problems. Still others may use Porn in place of other forms of expression, such as talking, writing, or drawing.
There are a number of negative consequences associated with Porn and sexual addiction. Porn can contribute to diminished self confidence and increased stress levels. Excessive exposure to Porn can promote unsafe sex and STD's (STD's include genital warts and genital herpes). Porn is often used as a form of pick up, considering it is an open forum for discussing sex, making it possible to "ingle" with new people. Some porn sex addicts have married someone who has had a sexually transmitted disease.
It is important for young adults to receive comprehensive sex education in their formative years. Unfortunately, many schools lack the resources to provide this type of instruction. However, many school districts are now required to teach the basic sex education as part of their physical education curriculum. This includes information about masturbation, body image, AIDS and HIV, and contraceptives. Although the majority of schools are required to provide the most comprehensive sex education possible, some may not be doing so.
The negative psychological effects of porn are numerous. Porn has the potential to desensitize young adults to sexual behavior and increase the likelihood that they will engage in sexual behavior once they are adult. Porn addiction results in erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, diminished intimacy and relationship satisfaction, increased use of Porn, and other forms of sexual dysfunction.
Many young men and women think that they "should" be able to achieve a climax during penetrative sex, but that is actually a myth. Most porn movies show penetrative sex at the end of the movie, when a character is satisfied. Or, sometimes the end of a porn movie is shown when the characters have already climaxed. Or, sometimes the end of a porn movie is shown when the characters cannot possibly reach climax because they are masturbating too intensely.
Young adults should be taught that the use of Porn may lead to unwanted and unhealthy sexual behavior. Porn may contribute to feelings of inadequacy, guilt, shame, depression, and anxiety. Addressing the use of Porn may help young adults make changes in their lives. Porn is often associated with dangerous sexual behaviors like sexual violence, rape, sexual coercion, and abuse. The negative impact of Porn on society is not limited to young adults. It impacts all people of all ages, sexes, races, religions, and ethnicities.
