1
Pornography, the Business of Sex
Capella University
PSYC FPX-2800: Introduction to Human Sexuality
2
Pornography, the Business of Sex
Sex is perceived by people in many different ways and can have a multitude of
impacts on a person both physically and emotionally. Although mainstream images
portray sex to be an act performed for pleasure, some individuals use sex as a means
of income. In addition to one performing sexual acts with another person for financial
gain, the use of sexual videos, photos, and stories are also a common practice for
selling sex. Material that contains explicit depiction or display of sexual organs or sexual
acts which are intended to sexually arouse is considered pornography. Pornography
, can be traced back to some 22,000 to 24,000 years ago in the form of statues and
artwork (King, Bruce, M., Pamela Regan, 2018). Today we find it by means of films,
photographs, books, and magazines. Because of the rapid advances of technology, the
majority of the population carries around a device capable of displaying and sharing
pornography with them all throughout the day.
Relatably, pornography has a strong impact on the mental health of all members
involved. “In addition to predicting risky sexual behavior (unprotected sex, casual sex,
sex while drunk or intoxicated, etc.) that can produce negative physical health
outcomes, pornography use is associated with adverse mental and psychological
outcomes, including a greater number of depressive symptoms, higher anxiety and
stress levels, and poorer overall quality of life” (King, Bruce, M., Pamela Regan, 2018).
Many forms of pornography seem to “stretch reality” by perceiving the individuals in the
content to be more beautiful than average, have larger or more favorable sexual body
parts, and even perform acts that are generally less common. A great deal of young
Pornography, the Business of Sex
Capella University
PSYC FPX-2800: Introduction to Human Sexuality
2
Pornography, the Business of Sex
Sex is perceived by people in many different ways and can have a multitude of
impacts on a person both physically and emotionally. Although mainstream images
portray sex to be an act performed for pleasure, some individuals use sex as a means
of income. In addition to one performing sexual acts with another person for financial
gain, the use of sexual videos, photos, and stories are also a common practice for
selling sex. Material that contains explicit depiction or display of sexual organs or sexual
acts which are intended to sexually arouse is considered pornography. Pornography
, can be traced back to some 22,000 to 24,000 years ago in the form of statues and
artwork (King, Bruce, M., Pamela Regan, 2018). Today we find it by means of films,
photographs, books, and magazines. Because of the rapid advances of technology, the
majority of the population carries around a device capable of displaying and sharing
pornography with them all throughout the day.
Relatably, pornography has a strong impact on the mental health of all members
involved. “In addition to predicting risky sexual behavior (unprotected sex, casual sex,
sex while drunk or intoxicated, etc.) that can produce negative physical health
outcomes, pornography use is associated with adverse mental and psychological
outcomes, including a greater number of depressive symptoms, higher anxiety and
stress levels, and poorer overall quality of life” (King, Bruce, M., Pamela Regan, 2018).
Many forms of pornography seem to “stretch reality” by perceiving the individuals in the
content to be more beautiful than average, have larger or more favorable sexual body
parts, and even perform acts that are generally less common. A great deal of young
