In the crossroads of sexual education and technological evolution, we confront a phenomenon that has profoundly transformed how society, especially young people and adolescents, engages with sexuality: digital pornography.
Pornography has undergone a significant evolution, impacting how the youth access and consume sexual content. This article aims to provide an overview of this transformation in recent years and its consequent influence on the sexual development of adolescents.
The Four “A”s
Let’s dissect what I term as the four “A”s of pornography: Accessibility, Addiction, Anonymity, and Atypical. Reflecting on these four elements and the evolving landscape of the pornographic world sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by young consumers of pornography. The shift from print to digital has not only changed how we consume sexual content but has also affected how young people understand sex and intimate relationships.
Accessibility
The digital era has democratized access to pornography in ways previously unimaginable. Consumers can explore a multitude of content with just a click. It’s nothing like the barriers faced in the 90s when acquiring erotic content required acts of courage and decision-making. First, you had to find a video rental store or kiosk, then muster the courage to enter and head to the “restricted” section where a sign clearly informed you that it was only for those over 18. You would pick up the movie or magazine knowing that on the other side of the counter was a person aware that you had decided to have a good time. If you were of legal age, you needed to find a private space and finally, a device to play the movie. If you could overcome all these barriers, then you could truly immerse yourself in that magical moment. Needless to say, for minors, reaching this point was nearly impossible.
Currently, access is just a click away and free. You only need a computer, tablet, or mobile device, something many minors have access to at a very young age. In fact, in many instances, there’s no need for the person to actively search for the content; they are directly bombarded by pop-ups, private messages, or ads encouraging the viewing of erotic content.
Addiction
Sex has always proven to be addictive. The difference between moderate or healthy consumption and addictive consumption lies in the quantity and quality of the product being consumed. If this is done regularly and its quality is extremely dopaminergic, addiction sets in quickly. Our brain craves and desires sexuality, and being able to satisfy fantasies visually is undoubtedly an attraction for any human being. Even if there is no initial interest in viewing it, from the moment it is visualized, there is a risk that your brain will demand more content, and more intense content at that. This is particularly dangerous in young individuals, as the adolescent brain is much more vulnerable to such influences.
Anonymity
Anonymity, a fundamental characteristic of the pornographic experience, has undergone a drastic change. Years ago, the only person you felt could judge you was the one behind the counter. Now, there’s a false sense that from the intimate corner you’ve chosen, no one will know what you’re doing, but this is far from reality. Most of the time, there’s an exchange of free content for those infamous cookies. This implies giving away all our information without restrictions so that the industry can make more accurate use of our tastes and preferences. The loss of this element raises new questions about privacy, security, and the formation of sexual identity in a hyperconnected world.
Atypical
The evolution of pornography has broadened the range of experiences and practices depicted on screen. It is crucial to consider how this impacts the perception of sexuality among young people. The young human brain is characterized by a constant search for novelty and innate curiosity. This is where current pornography offers a wide variety of content, bodies, spaces, games, and practices, ensuring that the consumer never gets bored. The elements of novelty and surprise quickly awaken the need for consumption. If the content is of quality, it may even be informative, but if this is not the case, a serious confusion between reality and fiction can arise. This is where young individuals are building false patterns to pursue in their physical lives, and thus, the frustration of being unable to attain these patterns intensifies addiction in the quest for satisfaction.
Prevention and Support Strategies
It is imperative for society to openly and compassionately recognize and address pornography addiction in young people. Understanding risk factors and their real-life impact helps in developing preventive strategies. Key to this is education, communication, and continuous support both at home and in classrooms, enabling young individuals to explore their sexuality in a healthy and conscious manner among their peer groups.
Educational programs that address sexuality responsibly and respectfully, providing the necessary tools for understanding and appreciating diverse experiences, are essential. Real, accurate, and balanced information about sexuality can help counter expectations distorted by excessive consumption of pornography.
Promoting open and understanding dialogue without judgment is crucial. A safe and trusting space to discuss all aspects of the human sexual experience can be fundamental in preventing addiction and addressing potential issues.
The use of content filtering and restriction tools on electronic devices can be a practical measure to control access to pornography, especially at a young age. Additionally, teaching young people digital life skills such as self-regulation and critical thinking is essential.
In cases where pornography-induced sexual dysfunctions (PIED) begin affecting a young person’s daily life, seeking therapeutic support is crucial. Therapy can help them understand the underlying motivations behind excessive consumption and develop strategies for healthier behaviours.
Preventing pornography addiction requires a collective effort involving both young people and adults. Families, schools, youth organizations, and various entities can play an active role by organizing workshops, conferences, counselling, and activities that promote awareness about the importance of healthy, balanced, and conscious sexuality.
Written by Vanesa García Navarro (sexologist)
for the Erasmus+ project Alex: the SexEdBot
@tusexualidadconsciente
@amics.eu