Abstract
The escalating prevalence of pornography consumption among the youth has raised significant concern within the scientific community. This study aims to systematically examine scholarly literature on adolescence and engagement with pornography. Employing a conceptual framework, a qualitative literature review was conducted. Data analysis involved compiling abstracts and employing the AI coding system of Atlas.ti 23. These narrative approaches include (1) adolescent online health and pornographic education, (2) youth sexual identity shaped by online pornographic content, (3) and government policies promoting (in)formed sex education. The study's conclusions underscore the detrimental effects of unregulated access to online pornographic content on adolescents, manifesting in distorted self-image, diminished self-esteem, and altered body perceptions. This phenomenon highlights the imperative of promoting comprehensive sex education. Media literacy is identified as a pivotal initiative to foster understanding of stereotypical representations and their societal and personal impacts.
TopMethod
We adopted a conceptual approach in our research of adolescent digital pornography consumption by employing a qualitative literature review to explore emerging themes. We concentrated on contemporary research, leveraging prominent databases such as Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, applying a search strategy involving the keywords “porn*” (in the title), “adolescent*” OR “teen*” (in the topic), AND “Internet*” (in the topic), combined with Boolean operators.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Mental Health: The overall well-being of an individual’s cognitive and emotional state, encompassing factors such as psychological resilience, emotional balance, and the ability to cope with life’s challenges.
Normalization Effect: Process by which repeated exposure to certain stimuli, such as explicit content, leads individuals to perceive and accept those stimuli as typical or socially acceptable.
Freedom of Expression: The fundamental right allowing individuals to articulate their thoughts, ideas, and opinions without censorship or restraint, fostering open communication and the exchange of diverse perspectives in democratic societies.
Sexual Misinformation: Circulation of inaccurate, misleading, or false information related to sexual topics. This may include misunderstandings regarding anatomy, reproduction, and safe sexual practices, among other aspects.
Gender Stereotypes: Preconceived and simplified beliefs or ideas attributing specific roles, behaviors, and characteristics to individuals based on their gender.
Age Verification: Mechanism to confirm that a person attempting to access certain online content, such as pornography, meets the required minimum age.
Individual Variability: Recognition of individual differences among adolescents as key factors in the relationship between pornography and sexual attitudes.
Explicit Content: Visual, auditory, or textual material that clearly and directly presents content of a sexual or graphic nature.
Comprehensive Sexual Education: Educational approach that addresses various aspects of human sexuality, promoting knowledge and skills for making informed and healthy decisions throughout life.
Media and Information Literacy (MIL): Skill to analyze, interpret, and produce media messages, empowering individuals to effectively and critically navigate the diverse media landscape.