FAQs: Is this OK online?
Questions about technology, AI, CSAM, porn, lolicon, hentai, shotacon, and more
Sexual content and media, such as pornography, has been used for centuries as a way to explore fantasy and as a tool for sexual arousal. While there are different perspectives about whether porn is “OK” the most important thing to consider is that porn and other types of sexually explicit pictures and videos should not be where anyone looks to answer questions about sex, sexuality or relationships.
If you choose to look at this type of content, it’s important to first understand more about the impacts and realities of what you are watching. That doesn’t mean all sexual content, like pornography, is bad; you just need to consider your own thoughts, behaviors, and feelings.
Watching images of sex is not the same as having your first sexual experiences. Porn, for example, doesn’t show the complex feelings involved, the relationships beyond the sex, the reality of intimacy, or the challenges of navigating someone else’s body and their wants and desires. In most cases, these types of images and videos show paid actors or amateurs acting for the camera - not real relationships and not real sex.
Anyone choosing to watch these images should have a basic understanding of what they are watching, including the laws and ethics around porn production and viewing. Some things to consider:
An image showing anyone under age 18 is child sexual abuse. It is illegal to watch, produce and/or distribute this material.
Research shows that watching violent porn can desensitize people to violent, graphic images and videos. Over time, people who view this content may be more likely to accept sexual violence as normal.
Some people find themselves viewing more and more porn and looking for more and more sexual content, and that their viewing feels compulsive. If you’re worried about yourself or a friend, ask more questions.
Some people who watch lots of porn find it difficult to be in a real relationship. They tell us they don’t know how to go about establishing a healthy, safe, and equal relationship.
It’s OK to ask questions. Here are the most common ones we hear:
