Authors: Kennley Cook
Mentors: Crystal Koenig
Insitution: Southern Utah University
This research examines a brief history of pornography and then the porn industry itself. Specifically what has been driving men and women to perform lewd acts in front of a camera. It explores the mental, emotional, and social impacts that porn stars face from their line of work. The early days of the porn industry were permissive with acts that are considered highly immoral by today’s standards. Early porn included bestiality, child sex abuse, and highly violent pornography. While such acts have been illegalized, the industry continues to be exploitative. The ease of exploitation in the industry is largely driven by the stigma which pornography carries. Those who perform in pornographic settings are often shamed so much that it drives them to stay in the industry long after they may have wished to depart. While porn has always been taboo, it’s become far more taboo in recent years which has left many workers in the industry unprotected and open to abuse. Despite many of the dangers of pornography, porn itself is not inherently evil. In proper settings, pornography can be helpful for individuals in coming to terms with their sexuality. It can also be used to help couples equalize libidos and form bonds. It can also be liberating for some performers, with some research even suggesting porn stars have higher self esteem than those not in the porn industry . The dangers of pornography come about due to lack of regulation and outside shaming forces. To truly minimize the harms of pornography (and maximize its benefits), it’s crucial that the stigmas surrounding it be reduced so that laws and regulations may be enforced to protect its performers and viewers.