What Porn Is, Who Watches It, And How It Can Be Good For You
Pornography is undoubtedly one of the most debated topics in modern society. From its long and complicated origins to the widespread moral outcry to its portrayal in the media and its criminalisation in some countries, porn is a subject that people feel strongly about and are fiercely divided over.
At its heart, porn is an industry, and a large one at that. It is estimated that it now brings in over $100bn in global revenue per year, making it one of the world’s most lucrative industries. It is also an industry which has organisations and companies that seek to uphold industry standards, as well as offering a way for people to have a legal career in an otherwise illegal activity.
In its most basic form, porn is simply the depiction of sexual acts. This depiction can be found in literature, art, film, and photography. It can be consensual, non-consensual, heterosexual, homosexual, or any other variety of consensual and non-consensual activity. It does not always involve physical contact between the participants, and can feature activities which are not sexual in nature.
It also includes depictions of fetishism, some of which have been criminalised in certain countries. Pornography can range from the innocuous to the extreme and can contain themes which some people may find offensive or which may be harmful to children, so it is important to be aware of the content before viewing it.
It is also important to note that not all porn is the same. The industry is large and there are a variety of genres and varieties available. These include, but are not limited to, amateur porn, professional porn, fetish porn, BDSM porn, softcore porn, hardcore porn, and more.
And the people who watch porn? Demographics vary widely, but research has shown that men are more likely to watch porn than women, with an estimated 80% of men who use the internet having viewed some form of porn in the past year. However, there are also increasing numbers of women who watch porn, and research suggests that over two thirds of women who watch porn are between the ages of 18-29.
Interestingly, research also suggests that porn may have some positive benefits. A 2014 independent survey showed that both men and women found porn to be sexually arousing, with 80% of women responding positively to the questionnaire and 70% of men reporting an increase in overall arousal after pornography viewing.
This research further explains that porn can help address issues such as sexual dissatisfaction and enhance sexual arousal, helping couples to explore their fantasies and strengthen their relationships.
Porn can also have a positive impact on self-image, as the body positive messages found in porn can help people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. It can also help to reduce feelings of guilt or shame associated with sexual activity in some people.
Ultimately, porn is a complex and heavily debated issue. It’s important to recognise both its potential harms and benefits and act accordingly. For those who choose to watch or make porn, it is essential to do so responsibly and to respect others.
At the same time, it is important to remember that porn can have a positive impact, both for individuals and couples, as it can help to open people up to exploring their sexuality, as well as giving them a space to be creative and express themselves.
Overall, while it is important to remain aware of the potential risks associated with porn, it should also be recognised that under the right conditions it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for those who choose to engage with it.
