Effects of pornography on perception and expectations of the internet generation

[StringJunky]

I had a conversation a while ago with someone who regularly viewed pornography, who was of an age that the internet has always been an integral part of their lives. It transpired that what they viewed, in the various styles and approaches in them were things to emulate themselves and had bodies to aspire to which were outside the norm; like supermodels, only often surgically enhanced. The overall theme I got from them was that what they saw depicted was what sex should be like in real life; seen as sex education videos, I suppose. I’m sure this perception is replicated amongst young people the world over.

What will be the longterm effect on how such individuals, and the emerging society in general they grow up in be, relative to those who matured before the internet?

I'm not asking about ones personal ethics on porn, or ethics per se, although it's effects on ethics at the societal or individual level might be relevant.

Edited July 12, 2016 by StringJunky

[ajb]

We will have to wait and see - or really they will.

 

I expect some level of disappointment, assuming there is some large deviation in peoples expectations.

[StringJunky]

We will have to wait and see - or really they will.

 

I expect some level of disappointment, assuming there is some large deviation in peoples expectations.

Yes, however we may view it personally it will always be considered 'normal' for any particular generation in any given time period, just as what we older ones consider to be normal; that's why I asked about relative differences. I wonder if there will be significant, objective, pathological effects at the societal and/or individual level relative to the pre-internet generation.

Edited July 12, 2016 by StringJunky

[ajb]

I am wondering if one can make some comparison with people who were young adults in the 60's -- thinking about the open attitudes towards sex.

[Unity+]

 

I had a conversation a while ago with someone who regularly viewed pornography, who was of an age that the internet has always been an integral part of their lives. It transpired that what they viewed, in the various styles and approaches in them were things to emulate themselves and had bodies to aspire to which were outside the norm; like supermodels, only often surgically enhanced. The overall theme I got from them was that what they saw depicted was what sex should be like in real life; seen as sex education videos, I suppose. I’m sure this perception is replicated amongst young people the world over.

What will be the longterm effect on how such individuals, and the emerging society in general they grow up in be, relative to those who matured before the internet?

I'm not asking about ones personal ethics on porn, or ethics per se, although it's effects on ethics at the societal or individual level might be relevant.

 

I think, in the long-term, most people who have never had sex before and watch pornography, especially with the stuff that's out now, do tend to try to emulate what is seen(because we learn from seeing etc.) If any, the expectations people could grow out of this view of porn is that sex needs to be rough or there are expectations for the size of the tools used in the process. While it could affect how people view relationships, I don't see really the effects it has on how a person has sex. Sooner or later they will realize that porn isn't a good emulation of actual sex and will grow out of that notion, as most notions are grown out of.

I am wondering if one can make some comparison with people who were young adults in the 60's -- thinking about the open attitudes towards sex.

I don't think disappointment will be an issue. The pleasure arising from the activity would far outlast any that comes from it.

[EdEarl]

My childhood associations were mainly conservative southern baptist; thus, my sex education was pathetic. They preach abstinence and taboo; basically they want children to be ashamed to think or talk about sex until they become legal adults. Then, they expect everyone will have a healthy attitude about sex, which is absurd. This kind of sex education is so bad I find it difficult to believe watching porn can do more harm; although, both are perverted.

 

Most porn (IMO 99+%) is pure fantasy. Men crave novelty in porn, and the porn industry creates fantasy situations to satisfy that need for novelty. I think people will survive more or less OK, in spite of bizarre sex education. I think realistic education for adolescents would make the transition from sexually naive to sexually active easier, I think some people suffer poor sex attitudes for years because of poor sex education, but IDK how to improve the situation.

[Moontanman]

I suspect that what current sexual "things" are being believed or suggested or what ever will result in a basic misunderstanding of sexuality much like all past inaccurate sexual information has resulted.

 

I doubt if any take on human sexuality will result in no one being mislead in some way shape or form...

[Mitsurugi]

It will most likely desensitize men and women to the extreme. As I am already seeing with all these dating apps emerging and general interactions between my friends and women. The love concept of it may also dimish since when the person you are dating isn't like the people you see in porn, you can easily go to a dating app and choose someone better. Well this is generally true for women mostly.

Edited July 29, 2016 by Mitsurugi