Essay on The
Adverse Effects of Pornography
The
history of pornography dates back from the early civilizations in particular
observed in several art forms. But even in the ancient times, prohibitions on
pornography were clearly stated in secular laws. In the US, obscenity and
pornography are focus of concern by legislators and law enforcers. Moreover,
the development of the Internet has further opened the access to pornographic
materials through various websites. There are several groups contending the
benefits provided by pornography to society. But these groups are in the
minority because most of the population in the US still maintain that
pornographic materials are unnecessary.
There
have been several studies made on the impact of pornography on the various aspects
of people. As Manning (2008) attested, “pornography s influencing everything
from how teens’ language and frame sexuality to how and why they pierce certain
body parts to what they expect to give and receive in intimate relationships.”
Based on recent studies, sexual materials are prevalent even with stringent
restrictions from the government. Around 15% of adolescents aged 12-17 are
exposed to X-rated materials either through websites or traditional sources. Also,
70 percent of children aged 15-17 have at least unintentionally viewed a
pornographic material. From the first view, the respondents indicated that
their viewing have increased to ‘very’ and ‘somewhat’ often (Ybarra, et al.,
2011).
Another
study revealed that prolonged viewing of pornographic materials influences the
belief of individuals on sexual activity in general. People develop an
exaggerated perception of sodomy, sadomasochistic practices, and group sex
(Zillman, 2000). The study stated that pornography, “creates dispositional
changes including diminished trust in intimate partners, the abandonment of
hopes for sexual exclusivity with partners, and the evaluation of promiscuity
as the natural state. It fosters cynical attitudes about love, and sexual
pleasures are considered attainable without affection toward partners.” When
the viewer has difficulty in accepting the images being shown, there is
evidence of distress and anger.
One
of the harmful effects of pornography is that it contributes to sexual
aggression. A study in the US conducted through the Growing up with Media Study
shows that intentional showing of X-rated materials could lead to the
development of aggressive sexual behaviour. This correlation has been
consistent despite the introduction of various risk factors. The alarming part
is that the violent tendencies are driven by the content of the X-rated
materials, which are aggressive. Users who viewed violent X-rated materials are
six times likely to develop aggressive sexual behaviour. Also, those who viewed
non-violent X-rated are more likely to be violent sexually than those who have
not been exposed to such materials (Bonino, et al., 2006). Flood (2009) stated
that, “pornography is a poor sex educator. Most pornography is too explicit for
younger children; most shows sex in unrealistic ways and neglects intimacy and
romance; most pornography is sexist; and some is based on and eroticizes
violence.”
Some
312 juvenile offenders and non-sexual offenders were interviewed regarding
their exposure to pornography. The initial results show no correlation between
the age of the youth and age when the sexual abuse started including the number
of victims and severity of the case. But the most important aspects of the
study proved that there is a correlation between the exposure to pornography to
sexual arousal (males under 12 years old), masochism (males and females from
13-18 years old), and sadism. Moreover, pornography is significantly correlated
to felony assault, drug abuse, alcoholism, public disorderly conduct, and theft
(Burton et al., 2012).
The
studies are only some of the proofs that pornography causes more harm than
good. Despite the efforts of parents and the government to control it,
pornography has remained prevalent and in fact anticipated by adolescents not
just in the US but worldwide.
References
Bonino, S., Ciairano, S., Rabaglietti, E.,
and E. Cattelino. “Use of pornography and self-reported
engagement in
sexual violence among adolescents.” European
Journal of Developmental Psychology, vol. 3 (3), 2006: 265-288.
Burton, D., Leibowitz, G., Booxbaum, A.,and
A. Howard. “Comparison by crime type of
juvenile
delinquents on pornography exposure: The absence of relationships between
exposure to pornography and sexual offense characteristics. The Journal of Forensic Nursing. 2012.
Flood, M. “The harms of pornography
exposure among children and young people.” Child
Abuse
Review, vol. 18. 2006: 384-400.
Ybarra, M. L., Mitchell, K. J., Hamburger,
M., Diener-West, M.. and J. P. Leaf. “X-Rated
Material and
Perpetration of Sexually Aggressive Behaviour Among Children and Adolescents:
Is There a Link?” Aggressive Behaviour,
vol. 37, 1-18.
Zillman, D. “Influence of unrestrained
access to erotica on adolescents’ and young adults’
dispositions
toward sexuality.” Journal of Adolescent
Health, vol. 27S (2), 2006: 41-44.
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