I’d like to see porn defined. It isn’t clear to me why it should be obvious that kids seeing it is bad. Seeing violent, objectifying, etc content- yes. Is that the definition of porn? Our species evolved with children watching their parents having sex. Separate bedrooms and privacy are modern inventions. I’ve read studies that teaching about female pleasure can decrease rape. (See book girls and sex) Might a sight like omgyes.com be good for kids?
Great question! Thanks for asking it. Here I'm really talking about the widely available, free "mainstream" online porn that most people are accessing. I think part of the problem is that so much of what is available there IS violent, objectifying, etc. If we could be assured that what kids were being exposed to was sending healthy and positive messages about sex, then I think we could be much less concerned.
Thank you for a nuanced article on a very fraught and polarising topic. People have very strong opinions on this one.
I know the idea that porn isn't "addictive" or atleast that "it is still being debated..." sounds very counterintuitive to many of us who don't actually conduct or read the research. With the conversation becoming more heated when talking about teens and adolescents.
Thank you for tackling this one and I look forward to part two.
Thanks Kennedy! The "addiction" question is a tricky one...in some ways, I think it's really just an issue of definitions. There are certainly some adults and teens who use porn compulsively--to the point where it is interfering with their lives and they feel that they can't stop using it. I believe the current evidence would suggest that the mechanisms for how this happens look slightly different from a substance use disorder (like addiction to drugs), but that doesn't mean problematic porn use can't also be incredibly damaging for people. Anyone who's worried that their (or their child's) porn use is "addictive" should absolutely feel comfortable seeking out professional help. There are many trained therapists who can help with this!
I’d like to see porn defined. It isn’t clear to me why it should be obvious that kids seeing it is bad. Seeing violent, objectifying, etc content- yes. Is that the definition of porn? Our species evolved with children watching their parents having sex. Separate bedrooms and privacy are modern inventions. I’ve read studies that teaching about female pleasure can decrease rape. (See book girls and sex) Might a sight like omgyes.com be good for kids?
Great question! Thanks for asking it. Here I'm really talking about the widely available, free "mainstream" online porn that most people are accessing. I think part of the problem is that so much of what is available there IS violent, objectifying, etc. If we could be assured that what kids were being exposed to was sending healthy and positive messages about sex, then I think we could be much less concerned.
Thank you for a nuanced article on a very fraught and polarising topic. People have very strong opinions on this one.
I know the idea that porn isn't "addictive" or atleast that "it is still being debated..." sounds very counterintuitive to many of us who don't actually conduct or read the research. With the conversation becoming more heated when talking about teens and adolescents.
Thank you for tackling this one and I look forward to part two.
Thanks Kennedy! The "addiction" question is a tricky one...in some ways, I think it's really just an issue of definitions. There are certainly some adults and teens who use porn compulsively--to the point where it is interfering with their lives and they feel that they can't stop using it. I believe the current evidence would suggest that the mechanisms for how this happens look slightly different from a substance use disorder (like addiction to drugs), but that doesn't mean problematic porn use can't also be incredibly damaging for people. Anyone who's worried that their (or their child's) porn use is "addictive" should absolutely feel comfortable seeking out professional help. There are many trained therapists who can help with this!