– Sheefa Parveen
Margao, Goa
In the digital age, pornography has become increasingly accessible, raising important question about its effects on individuals and society. In the world where everything is just a click away, the spread of pornography has quietly become one of the most alarming social issues. What was hidden and limited is now open and easily accessible to anyone – even children.
Over 4% of websites now feature adult content, and 20% of mobile searches are for pornography. According to Business Today, India ranks third in Pornhub traffic. Since the lockdown, internet use has increased, with 9 out of 10 boys being exposed to pornography before turning 18. Many young people now talk about pornography openly and see it as normal.
Addiction and challenges are that once people start visiting these sites, it’s hard to stop. They face many ads and constant suggestions to watch more. Pornography has become so common that many people don’t think it’s harmful. This widespread use affects everyone, from teenagers to older adults.
Pornography became legal fifty years ago and has grown from simple images to a large industry. This growth has led to serious societal issues, including sex trafficking, rape and other crimes. Many people seek short-term pleasure from pornography, which can have devastating effects on others.
“It is said that addiction to pornography is more serious than the addiction to drugs. Where it can be detoxed and clean from the body but images are hard to remove from the brain.”
For example, a parent in a WhatsApp group shared her distress when her eight-year-old daughter saw adult content from a cousin. This situation highlights the risks of children accessing inappropriate content.
Parents are worried about their children’s exposure to explicit content. Many don’t realise that inappropriate ads can appear during innocent activities like gaming. As explicit content becomes more common, it becomes harder to protect children.
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Effects of pornography can have several negative effects like it can lower self-esteem, damage morals, and cause dissatisfaction. It can lead to loneliness, depression, and compulsive behaviour. Even in relationship trust between couples can weaken, and there may be less interest in family life. “Pornography is a silent killer of intimacy, trust, and genuine connection in relationship.”
We see our society is weak not because of poverty, immorality, illiteracy rate or lack of resources but it’s weak because people tend to forget the divine guidance and morality which is the main pillar of a healthy society.
We need to raise awareness about the dangers of pornography and challenge its growing acceptance in society. If we don’t address these issues, future generations may face even greater problems.
