Effect of Exposure to Pornography
The Internet, especially as accessed on smart devices, has significantly changed lives, positively and negatively. One of the negatives of the Internet revolution is widespread exposure to vices such as pornography. The impact of such a level of exposure is much more significant in the developing brains of adolescents, where it may leave a life-long influence.
Studies have shown that by the age of 11-12 years, many adolescents will have been exposed to pornography, typically on a smart device and by stumbling on it accidentally. For adolescents, initial exposure can be as simple as sharing a smartphone with a friend and asking if they have seen a particular video.
Given the ubiquitous nature of the Internet and smartphones, it is crucial to consider the potential impact of pornography exposure on young people. In fact, empirical evidence suggests that exposure to pornography has negative consequences for adolescents. And research has linked adolescent pornography exposure to aggressive and dominant sexual behaviours, such as choking or name-calling. This correlation is not surprising, considering that teenagers may lack a proper understanding of sex and rely on pornography as a guide, leading to the development of sexual scripts that include violent or degrading acts. Not surprisingly, exposure to such content predicts teen dating violence.
Internet pornography encompasses a wide range of content that changes over time.
Youth now have access to countless videos depicting various sexual behaviours, including violence, domination, paraphilias, and aggression. Moreover, much of the pornography deviates from safe sexual practices, such as obtaining consent and using condoms. Consequently, adolescents who lack a conceptualisation of safe and healthy sexual practices may consider the acts in pornography as normal or expected.
The experience of viewing pornographic videos, particularly those involving violence, rape, group sex, or paraphilias, can be distressing and potentially traumatic, more so for adolescents and teenagers. They may feel ashamed and guilty, especially if they felt aroused or curious while watching the videos, leading them to keep the experience to themselves. Many young people who encounter pornographic content online, whether accidentally or not, chose not to disclose the experience to parents or adult counsellors. Instead, they often try to make sense of the content on their own, raising questions about normalcy, personal identity, and expectations, which can lead to distorted or maladaptive beliefs.
Another potential consequence of adolescent pornography use is the objectification of oneself or others.
Exposure to pornography among adolescents has been linked to body comparison and self-objectification. Teens may develop faulty assumptions about the realism of pornographic videos and may feel inadequate or undesirable compared to the actors. Furthermore, they may start comparing others to what they see in pornography or sexually objectify individuals.
Given these trends, it is crucial for mental health professionals, teachers, and caregivers to engage in preventive efforts regarding pornography exposure among adolescents rather than merely responding after the initial exposure. Since the average age of first exposure is between 11 and 12 years old, it is helpful to discuss the realities of pornography with older, pre-adolescent children. These conversations should provide children with a framework for understanding pornography and offer guidance on what to do when they come across it.
As a society
it is essential to recognise the prevalence of pornography exposure among adolescents and prepare them for what they may encounter online. Once a teenager discloses pornography exposure to an adult, the adult can provide accurate information about sex, address any misconceptions, and help the adolescent process their experience. Topics for discussion may include the realism of pornography, the importance of consent, the difference between paid actors and real sexual experiences, the risks of objectifying men and women, body image and self-worth, safe sex practices, and the normalcy of sexual curiosity and arousal.
With the continuous evolution of technology and devices, such as virtual reality, the accessibility of pornography will only increase. To ensure the well-being of adolescents and promote safe online practices, care should be taken by parents and professionals to create safe online experiences for young, developing minds.
