Can Porn Be Good For You?

"In July 1995, TIME Magazine published a cover story entitled "Cyber Porn," flashing the tragic face of a young boy engulfed in the blue light of a computer screen before mortified readers. The widespread adoption of the internet had made access to adult content all too easy, and moral panic ensued. Three decades later, the crusade against porn hasn't really yielded the intended results. Quite the opposite, in fact: In 2022, the adult entertainment industry was estimated to be worth $58.4 billion. That number is projected to reach $96.2 billion by 2032."

"In the age of AI, VR/AR and other advancing technologies can bring fantasies literally to life. The lines between real and virtual worlds become obliterated with offerings such as cyberbrothels, fantasy playlands, live camming, and sex robots. The criticisms of pornography are valid. Unchecked and stereotypically, adult content propagates misogyny and violence, it depicts unrealistic bodies and sexual positions, it can lead to social isolation and unhealthy use, and children are at risk of being exposed to adult and inappropriate content far before they can process or contextualise it."

"As a sexologist, I ask a different question: How can we turn our rampant and uncontrolled consumption of adult content to our individual and social benefit? A more effective way to mitigate the downsides of pornography in society might be to elevate and educate about its positive effects. If you can't beat 'em, educate them. Here are some ways porn can actually help us, rather than harm us."

The adult entertainment industry grew to an estimated $58.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to approach $96.2 billion by 2032. AI, VR/AR, live camming, cyberbrothels and sex robots increasingly blur the lines between real and virtual sexual experiences. Pornography can propagate misogyny, violence, unrealistic bodies, social isolation, unhealthy use, and early exposure risk for children. Restricting access often proves futile and moral panic can block constructive conversations. Elevating education about porn and augmenting its positive potential may better mitigate harms and harness potential social and individual benefits.

Read at Psychology Today