Podcast Summary
Teenagers' perspectives on pornography: Teens acknowledge both risks and benefits of pornography, use it to fill gaps in sexuality education, and ease of access during formative years is a concern. Education and open discussions are necessary to address their complex views.
Teenagers' perspectives on pornography are complex and multifaceted. A study conducted with teens aged 11 to 17 revealed that they acknowledge both risks and benefits associated with pornography. While they recognize it as fantasy and not representative of reality, they also use it to fill gaps in their sexuality education when they feel their education is lacking. The ease of access to pornography, particularly during formative years, is a concerning issue that warrants further discussion and research. Giselle Woodley, a research assistant and PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University, emphasized the importance of recognizing the diversity of teenagers' views on pornography and addressing the gaps in their sexuality education.
Impact of pornography on sexual practices: The normalization of non-consensual and unsafe sexual practices in pornography can influence young people's perceptions and behaviors, highlighting the need for more consensual and safer alternatives in pornographic content.
The depiction of sexual practices in pornography, particularly those that lack consent and safety parameters, can influence the way young people perceive and engage in sexual activities. The teams in a recent study brought up the prevalence of sexual choking in pornography and expressed concern over the lack of consent and safety measures displayed. While the teams weren't condemning the activity itself, they were advocating for more alternative resources that show these practices in a safer and consensual way. The normalization of such activities through pornography can impact behavior and thinking, making it essential to address the lack of consent and safety in pornographic content. The studies suggest that these activities are happening, and while there is no risk-free way to engage, it's crucial to promote healthier and more consensual alternatives. The researchers were not surprised or disturbed by the findings, as they align with previous research on the topic, but rather emphasized the importance of addressing the issue.
Researching sensitive topics: To mitigate personal biases and foster productive discussions on sensitive research topics, researchers should practice reflexivity and positionality, use nuanced language, and avoid negative framing.
Approaching sensitive research topics like pornography requires a high level of self-awareness and open-mindedness. Researcher's personal biases can influence their perspective, leading to polarizing views. To mitigate this, utilizing frameworks such as reflexivity and positionality can help researchers understand their own backgrounds and biases, allowing them to better listen to and consider opposing viewpoints. Furthermore, the language used in research and public discourse can shape the debate. The use of words like "harmful" can limit the scope of the discussion and perpetuate old arguments. Instead, it's essential to encourage nuanced and detailed discussions on the topic to advance the debate. The recent New South Wales government inquiry into the impacts of harmful pornography is an example of this, and it's crucial to avoid negative framing and instead focus on fostering a productive and inclusive dialogue.
Teen Voices in Online Safety Policymaking: Listening to teens' unique perspectives and experiences regarding online safety and pornography is crucial for effective policymaking. Respecting their voices and incorporating their insights can lead to more inclusive and comprehensive solutions.
When engaging with teens about their experiences and perspectives regarding sensitive topics like pornography and online safety, it's crucial for policymakers and researchers to listen attentively and respect their unique viewpoints. The language teens use to describe their experiences can reveal important nuances, and ignoring their voices could lead to misinformed policies. Although age verification measures are a common proposal, many teens are resistant to them and instead advocate for comprehensive sex education and open discussions. They acknowledge that exposure to pornography is inevitable, but believe that being prepared and having informed conversations can help mitigate potential negative effects. Therefore, policymakers should prioritize platforms that amplify teen voices and incorporate their insights into policy-making. This approach will lead to more effective and inclusive solutions that truly address the complexities of online safety for young people.
Pornography access restriction: Restricting access to pornography is not a practical solution to addressing complex issues surrounding its use, especially for marginalized youth. Listen to young people's voices and consider a multi-faceted approach involving community education, representation, and open dialogue.
While restricting access to pornography may be a well-intentioned idea, it is not a practical solution to addressing the complex issues surrounding its use, particularly for marginalized youth. Giselle's research emphasizes the importance of listening to young people's voices and understanding the role pornography plays in providing representation and exploration of sexuality for some. The debate around pornography is nuanced, and it's crucial to consider all perspectives to develop a multi-faceted approach moving forward. This approach should involve community education, representation, and open dialogue to help young people navigate the complexities of sexuality and relationships.