Heather walks into lab.

Heather- Man, I just can’t seem to get anywhere with my study of Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems! How has your research been going?

Ninon- Well, I haven’t conducted any studies myself, but I’ve been researching scientific studies on pornography. Who knew pornography was such a large industry that affects so many people through the internet? After all, it was the first e-commerce sector to post real profits from online transactions. Also, many mainstream corporations such as General Motors, AT&T and Hilton have large financial stakes in adult films.

Heather- Yeah, pornography is one of the internet’s most profitable enterprises. Did you know that 12% of all websites contain pornography? There are more pornographic films created each year than mainstream films. 42.7% of internet users watch it, although 34% of users have received unwanted exposure. And Internet pornography sales $4.9 billion. The US is the top producer of internet pornography.

Ninon- Who knew? This is an industry that is earning so much money and affecting so many people, including high school students. I mean, average age of first exposure is about ten years old.

Heather- That might be because of pornography that tries to appeal to children through the use of character names such as Pokemon.

Ninon- That’s a bit shocking. Well, exposure has negative and positive effects. Some studies conducted on boys say that boys exposed to pornography found it more difficult to form successful relationships when they got older. Some researchers also say that pornography is a very poor sex educator because it depicts sex unrealistically and fails to address intimacy or love. Some also say that women are objectified and depicted in hostile ways.

Heather- Certain researchers have said that they find pornography is a serious social problem especially because of its availability on the internet. They cite proof of sexual crimes that have been committed by those who often indulged in pornography. Some studies conclude that repeated exposure to pornography leads to family breakdown and rape myth.

Ninon- Right. Those are just some of the negatives. Yet some scientists disagree. They say that pornography does not lead to aggressiveness towards women or sex crimes, and that such research results have been misinterpreted. However, they do note that this applies only to consensual, nonviolent material and not that containing rape.

Heather- And some of these scientists also mention the link between sex crimes and pornography mentioned before. They say that those studies only cited a few cases, and that the individuals who committed such sex crimes were also obsessed with violence, weapons, and were psychologically ill.

Ninon- There are two sides to each issue. For example, I mentioned before that some say pornography breaks apart families. Other scientists agree but say that this may be caused by sexual repression and guilt caused by a society that tells us that such materials are sinful instead of by the pornography itself.

Heather- Right, there are two sides, just like how you mentioned women being objectified. Others would say that anyone involved in these films, male or female, is being objectified. They add that people in sports are objectified are treated as objects of athletic prowess, and professors are treated as objects of intellect.

Ninon- You know, it seems like there’s research backing both sides. Perhaps we can just recognize that pornography, like most everything else, has its pros and cons.

Heather- Perhaps the solution is different for every individual. It depends on what you feel is right or wrong.

Ninon-Right. I think almost everyone can agree that things like child pornography or rape are wrong. But when it comes to nonviolent, consensual pornography involving adults, opinions differ.

Heather- If students do choose to watch pornography, they should remember that as with anything else, it could be addictive and should be seen in moderation.

Ninon- It’s important to bring these issues to light. Remember, the internet and friends may present false information to you. The best person to speak to about sex and issues relating with sex are adults whom you trust, or professionals.

Heather- Well, I have to go now to continue my research. It’s been a great discussion.