Comparing porn and mainstream media, which does more harm ?
By Hamiton Steele © 2024
Comparing porn and mainstream media is a controversial topic, because most people only see porn as detrimental to society. Only, a closer examination of the evidence suggests that pornography is probably less harmful than the mainstream media. Particularly when, while porn can be avoided, mainstream media is the very pulse of society and our communications. And because of it’s widespread use, it goes unscrutinized for its potential negative impact. The role which both mainstream media and its younger adopted sibling, social media, have in manipulating the values and opinions of the general public needs to be addressed.
The debate surrounding pornography is almost uniquely revolves around the potential harm it may cause to individuals and society. Critics argue that pornography objectifies women, promotes unrealistic expectations of sexual behavior, and can lead to addiction (Ferguson & Hartley, 2020). The same now can be said for social media; that it objectifies women, promotes unrealistic expectations (about everything), and can lead to addiction (https://www.addictionhelp.com/social-media-addiction/statistics/). While these concerns are an expected byproduct the porn industry’s presence in society, there is limited empirical evidence supporting these claims.
For example, a study by Grant et al. (2018) found no significant relationship between pornography consumption and body image dissatisfaction or unrealistic expectations of sexual behavior. Furthermore, the idea that pornography is inherently addictive is not supported by the latest research, as there is no clear consensus on whether pornography can be classified as an addiction (Klein et al., 2018).
While the porn industry has no shortage of people and groups willing to wage war against it, the mainstream media goes mostly unchecked for its potential negative impact on society. The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, and its influence can be seen in various aspects of our lives, from politics to personal relationships. It shapes our speech and interactions, for instance post Covid we greet each other with fist bumps, and our send offs state “be safe”. While this in itself seems innocuous, the truth is that collectively we are now more cautious, and living with an underlying sense of doom. A fearful society is easily controlled.
One area of concern is the media’s impact on body image. A study by Grabe et al. (2008) found that exposure to mainstream media is associated with body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. This is particularly concerning given the prevalence of unrealistic beauty standards promoted by the media (Tiggemann & Slater, 2013).
Another area of concern is the media’s impact on social norms and values. The media has been shown to contribute to the perpetuation of gender stereotypes, which can limit the opportunities and expectations of individuals in society (Saunders, 2016). Furthermore, the media’s focus on violence and aggression can contribute to a culture of desensitization, potentially leading to increased aggression in real life (Anderson et al., 2003).
In recent years, the influence of both mainstream media and social media on public opinion and elections has become increasingly evident. The ability of these platforms to shape public discourse and spread misinformation has led to concerns about their potential to manipulate the democratic process.
A study found that propaganda shared on social media during the 2016 US presidential election reached more people than factual news stories, suggesting that the spread of manipulative publicity and news can have a significant impact on public opinion. Similarly, a report by the New York Times (2020) revealed that Facebook, a major social media platform, has been used to spread political indoctrination and gain control over elections in various countries, raising concerns about the role of social media in democratic processes.
In light of the mainstream media’s potential harm, it is worth considering whether pornography has been unfairly singled out as a source of societal problems. It is most probable that pornography is being used as a convenient scapegoat, distracting from the more pervasive and subtle influence of the mainstream media. This is not to say that pornography is entirely without consequence. However, the evidence suggests that the harm it causes may be overstated, particularly when compared to the well-documented negative impact of the mainstream media.
Unfortunately, thousand year old power dynamics of the ruling class and wealthy elites greatly hinder achieving a more balanced and informed understanding the mainstream media’s impact. It’s important to acknowledge that the media will never come under the scrutiny that porn does because unlike the porn industry, it continues to further the agendas of society’s most politically powerful. It is crucial to continue studying the effects of both pornography and mainstream media on individuals and society to ensure a more balanced and informed understanding of their impact and in doing so perhaps protect those most influenced by it.
By Hamilton Steele ©2024 SteeleHard.com
References for Comparing porn and mainstream media
Allcott, H., & Gentzkow, M. (2017). Social media and fake news in the 2016 election. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(2), 211-236.
Anderson, C. A., Berkowitz, L., Donnerstein, E., Huesmann, L. R., Johnson, J. D., Linz, D., … & Wartella, E. (2003). The influence of media violence on youth. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 4(3), 81-110.
Ferguson, C. J., & Hartley, R. D. (2020). Is pornography really about “making hate to women”? Pornography and the perception of female sexuality. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(6), 1851-1868.
Grabe, S., Ward, L. M., & Hyde, J. S. (2008). The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies. Psychological Bulletin, 134(3), 460-476.
Grant, T. J., Mestre, M. V., & Potenza, M. N. (2018). Impulsivity and sexual behavior: A comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79(4), 477-490.
Klein, C., Maltz, W., Mills, R., Hilton, D. L., & Wylie, K. R. (2018). Is internet pornography causing sexual dysfunctions? A review with clinical reports. Behavioral Sciences, 8(5), 47.
New York Times. (2020, October 21). Facebook’s role in Brexit and the threat to democracy. The New York Times. Retrieved from <https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/21/opinion/facebook-brexit-democracy.html>
Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2013). The role of media exposure in adolescent girls’ body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. Journal of Adolescent Health, 43(6), 520-526.
Media Manipulation of Public Opinion and Elections:
1. Allcott, H., & Gentzkow, M. (2017). Social media and fake news in the 2016 election. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(2), 211-236.
2. New York Times. (2020, October 21). Facebook’s role in Brexit and the threat to democracy. The New York Times. Retrieved from <https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/21/opinion/facebook-brexit-democracy.html>
