Can Pornography Ever Be Ethical?

Examining the Ethical Conundrum Through a Biopsychosocial Lens

Warning: this is a long read… also, this may contain sensitive material not suitable for younger readers.

There is no doubt that the very word porn can be divisive. Speak its name and suddenly, the room erupts in lit faces, wide eyes, and wagging tongues. Porn gets us talking, exploring the outer edges of pleasure, human expression, perception, and entertainment while challenging its potential to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and exploitation.

The first time I heard the term “Ethical Porn” (for brevity I shall use EP from here on) was in a London classroom while on my way to becoming a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist.

As I am not a regular user, the world of porn has been lost on me, so I suppose you can excuse me for my naivety. Naturally, when our lecturer reeled off a list of suitable website suggestions my curiosity peaked, and I sent a few to my husband hoping to do some light research.

EP refers to pornography that is produced, distributed, and consumed in a manner that prioritises and protects consent, diversity, safety and fair compensation for those involved (performers, producers, consumers) in the making of the material. (If you’re thinking that this definition is a mouthful, I agree!)

So, because I am curious and enjoy a challenge, I went down a sort of rabbit hole of discovery (pun intended and not intended). I wanted to learn more.

In a nutshell, EP aims to ensure that everyone involved is paid fairly and that there is full consent and safety. The aim is also to promote a more inclusive representation of sexuality, with some focus on authenticity and more ethical production practices.

In the late 20th century, the growing mainstream porn movement came under scrutiny and a shift toward a concept of ethical porn increased in response to concerns in the adult entertainment industry. While issues such as exploitation, coercion, and lack of consent were more openly aired, the earliest examples of EP can be traced back to the 1980s and 1990s when the feminist porn movement sought to create alternative representations of sexuality that were more empowering, consensual, and socially conscious.

Feminist pornographers wanted to challenge the patriarchal narratives (sometimes called the ‘male gaze’) and stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream porn by producing content that prioritised the agency and pleasure of the performers. particularly, women.

Since then, the world of EP has continued to evolve, encompassing a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to producing and consuming pornography ethically. These days, there are dedicated EP studios, websites and platforms that emphasise principles such as consent, diversity, authenticity and social responsibility in their production practices and content offering. Everything from representation in and of the LGBTQI+, people of colour, queer people, those who may be disabled or otherwise abled and amature (home videos) of couples who enjoy sex and want to monetise it. There is something for everyone and it’s easy to find there are various Ted Talks on the topic including debates on whether porn can and should be used in sex education.

Within a few months of searching, I began to wonder whether porn could ever be ethical.

The nature of the question of ethical porn requires a careful examination that considers not only moral perspectives but also the intricate interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. In short, it requires a truly human touch.

Biological Perspectives:

Humans are inherently sexual beings, with varied preferences and desires. As a visual representation of sexual acts, porn can serve as a means of sexual exploration and gratification for individuals. What’s more, research suggests that porn can be beneficial in stimulating sexual arousal for some people who struggle with arousal and sexual stimulation.

There are concerns, however, when we consider the potential adverse effects of pornography on the brain, on relationships with others and on the user himself or herself. There is growing evidence that prolonged exposure to sexually explicit material can lead to desensitization, wherein individuals require ever-increasingly extreme content to experience the same level of arousal. Excessive porn consumption has also been linked to issues such as decreased sexual satisfaction in real-life relationships and distorted perceptions of sexual norms and potential breakdown in relationship trust and personal socialisation.

Psychological Considerations:

The psychological impact of porn consumption is the subject of ongoing research and debate. While some individuals may engage in porn use without experiencing adverse effects, others may develop problematic behaviours or attitudes towards sex and relationships. Several theories suggest that exposure to what may be perceived as ‘unrealistic’ depictions of sex in porn can foster unrealistic expectations and contribute to feelings of inadequacy or performance anxiety. These experiences exist and I have personally encountered them in my own therapy room with real clients.

Growing ethical concerns arise too regarding the production and distribution of porn and these include issues such as consent, exploitation, and the objectification of performers are central to discussions of the ethics of porn. Several sources indicate that the adult film industry often operates in a context tainted by exploitation and coercion, with performers facing risks of physical harm, psychological distress, and economic exploitation. In the past few years, there have been several documentaries interviewing adult film stars and their superfans which leave viewers (and the fans themselves) questioning the true nature of porn-making and the impact on those who are involved (especially the female actors).

Social Dimensions:

Notwithstanding the arguments above, there are questions as to whether a concept of ethical porn can ever exist against the backdrop of the industry as a whole regardless of how the material is produced or remunerated.

The social ramifications of porn extend beyond individual behaviour to encompass broader cultural attitudes and norms and can shape societal perceptions of gender, sexuality, and relationships, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and others. Critics argue that mainstream pornography often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces power imbalances, particularly concerning gender and sexuality

Moreover, concerns about the accessibility of pornography to minors and its potential influence on adolescents' sexual development highlight the need for ethical considerations in regulating its distribution and consumption. This leads to the question that got me thinking about ethical porn in a different light altogether. Whose code of ethics are we considering in the world of ethical porn? While some advocate for censorship or stringent age restrictions, others emphasize the importance of comprehensive sexual education and media literacy to empower individuals to critically evaluate and navigate sexual content responsibly. Some proponents suggest that the use of porn as an educational tool is more helpful than harmful for developing sexual perceptions as it’s the only way we can demonstrate sex in a controlled way. I have my doubts, and in any case, the sociocultural dimension raises more questions than answers.

Navigating the Ethical Terrain:

Given the complex interplay of factors outlined above, the question of whether porn can ever truly be ethical remains a matter of ongoing debate. While acknowledging the potential benefits of sexual expression and exploration, it is essential to address the ethical concerns surrounding the production, consumption, and wider societal impact of porn of all forms.

There is no doubt that greater efforts are needed to promote ethical practices within the adult entertainment industry, such as prioritizing performers' consent, safety, and fair compensation, which are crucial. I believe that fostering open dialogue and education around sexuality, consent, and media literacy can empower individuals to engage with porn responsibly, but there remains a need for us to learn how to critically evaluate its influence on human attitudes and behaviours.

Regardless of which side of the screen you sit on, porn, ethical or not, can challenge the moral imperative. I’m not writing this article as a means of swaying anyone in one direction or another, but there is a need for accountability when we start using the word Ethical to describe something as intimate as sex, even when the participants are happy to be watched by millions of people and paid for the pleasure. I’m also aware that I don’t know enough about the issues that exist on both sides of the argument to pass judgment, but I am willing to do the work of learning more and helping the clients I serve and the people I talk with to make the best decision for themselves in the area of porn use. I aim to push the narrative with these people and ensure that all aspects are considered and understood so informed choices can be made with the knowledge of potential consequences and impacts.

Ultimately, achieving a balance between individual freedom of expression and societal responsibility requires a multifaceted approach that considers the diverse perspectives and complexities inherent in the debate surrounding porn’s ethics. By integrating insights from a biopsychosocial perspective (biological, psychological, and social sciences), we can transition to a more nuanced understanding of porn's ethical dimensions and work towards creating a culture that promotes healthy, respectful expressions of sexuality - without and without porn!

And until next time, let’s talk about it!

Here are some of the sources I have researched and referenced in this article:

Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., Sun, C., & Liberman, R. (2003). Aggression and sexual behaviour in best-selling pornography videos: A content analysis update. Violence Against Women, 9(9), 1065-1085.

Dines, G. (2010). Pornland: How porn has hijacked our sexuality. Beacon Press.

Kühn, S., & Gallinat, J. (2014). Brain structure and functional connectivity associated with pornography consumption: The brain on porn. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(7), 827-834.

Peter, J., & Valkenburg, P. M. (2016). Adolescents and pornography: A review of 20 years of research. Journal of Sex Research, 53(4-5), 509-531.

Schauer, E. J., & Zeoli, A. M. (2008). Forced sexual assault in intimate relationships: Exploring the role of economic dependence. Violence Against Women, 14(12), 1363-1377.

Sun, C., Bridges, A., Johnson, J. A., & Ezzell, M. B. (2017). Pornography and the male sexual script: An analysis of consumption and sexual relations. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46(3), 869-878.

Voon, V., Mole, T. B., Banca, P., Porter, L., Morris, L., Mitchell, S., ... & Irvine, M. (2014). Neural correlates of sexual cue reactivity in individuals with and without compulsive sexual behaviours. PloS One, 9(7), e102419.

Wright, P. J. (2011). Mass media effects on youth sexual behaviour: Assessing the claim for causality. Communication Yearbook, 35(1), 343-386.