What do you know about deified pornography?

Misinformation abounds when it comes to sexuality, and the field of pornography is no exception. Just like sex education, pornographic content often lacks wise guidance and accurate information.
For many, especially millennials, pornography can serve as a form of sex education because in the absence of proper fact-based guidance, it is especially concerning for teens going through puberty, hormonal fluctuations, and intrusive sexual thoughts. They are now more likely to be exposed to pornographic content than previous generations, which makes it especially important for for them to have an understanding of what sex is all about.
In addition to dispelling myths about sex, it is equally important to address misconceptions about pornography.

Myth 1:

Pornography is harmful to the viewer In a society that has a negative attitude towards sex, it is not surprising that people often feel shame when talking about their desires. Since pornography is primarily about desire, it is easy for people to associate this shame with their viewing of pornography. This belief takes many forms, such as the belief that viewing pornography causes erectile dysfunction (ED), lowers testosterone, or desensitizes the viewer to real sex. One of the most common misconceptions is that pornography is addictive. Porn addiction is a topic of ongoing debate among experts. While people may develop habits associated with pornography consumption, it is unclear whether these behaviors actually constitute an addiction or whether viewing pornographic content is more addictive than other pleasurable activities engaged in by humans.
One challenge with pornography is that even a small amount can feel like too much, given the social stigma surrounding sexuality, and the key is moderation and self-awareness. Distinguishing between occasional consumption and harmful addiction is crucial. Additionally, some people still incorrectly believe that viewing pornography leads to criminal behavior, but this belief is not supported by a large body of research. Aggregate data suggests that areas exposed to pornographic content typically report fewer incidents of sexual violence.

Myth 2:

Porn is Degrading to Performers Perceptions of the negative effects of porn do not end with the viewer. They extend to performers as well. A common misconception is that porn is inherently degrading to female performers, reflecting a double standard in a heteronormative context. This double standard implies that it is bad for women to have sex with men and acceptable for men to have sex with women. Some extend this double standard to include male performers or performers of any gender. However, engaging in sex work is not inherently more degrading than any other form of employment; it depends on whether or not a person believes that sex itself is shameful. Many porn performers choose this career path to avoid low-paying, menial jobs that they believe are more degrading than consensual sex in front of the camera.
This belief also ignores the fact that porn production is heavily regulated and adheres to professional standards, making it more organized and safer than many other workplaces, and that adult scenes prioritize safety and professionalism in a way that mirrors the professional principles observed in Hollywood scenes. Adult industry professionals uphold the same core values of professionalism while adapting to unique considerations related to explicit content, health, and legal protocols.

Myth 3:

Pornography Represents Real-Life Sex Contrary to the belief that pornography only depicts real-life sex, it is a highly programmed version of sexual activity created specifically for the camera. Porn sex is designed for the friendliness of the viewer, not for the pleasure of the performer. This affects every aspect, including lighting, sexual positions, angles, specific actions performed, duration, appearance, and grooming choices. As a result, this programmed sexuality can interfere with people's real-world sexual experiences when they try to incorporate elements of pornography into their personal lives. Mainstream pornography often displays rough sexual behavior, including choking, slapping, and hair pulling, which may not be to the liking of many women in the real world. This trend may be driven by a desire to cater to a male audience. The misconception that all penises must be exceptionally large is another consequence of viewing pornography that leads men to believe that their partners expect or desire porn star-sized genitals. The truth is that most women don't prioritize penis size; other qualities of their partner are more important.

Myth 4:

Porn is Only for Certain Audiences The belief that porn is made or viewed primarily for men is another common misconception. The truth is that pornographic content caters to all genders and sexual orientations, making it a form of sexual expression and entertainment available to everyone. The assumption that "only men watch porn" can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and exclude different perspectives. Additionally, there is still the misconception that pornography is geared towards specific body types. While mainstream pornography may prioritize certain body types, it fails to take into account the diversity of viewer preferences and desires. In the age of independent content production, every consenting adult body can be a porn star's body.

Myth 5:

People Only Choose Porn Due to Limited Options Another common belief is that people are only in the porn business because they lack other opportunities. This idea ignores the reality that many people in the industry have already made positive choices. Porn performers are not limited by a lack of options, and the assumption that porn is an easy career is unfounded. Working in porn, especially for male performers, can be physically challenging and requires a level of skill and discipline that not everyone possesses.