How Porn Has Impacted Us

It has been a part of mainstream society and easily accessible since the '80s, and has well and truly made its way into our lives today... Yep, we're talking about porn.

Young adults are notoriously condemned for being 'obsessed' with it, yet it's as easy to view online as pretty much any other subject. I don't know about you, but when I was younger, I was super curious as to what sex and intimacy was actually meant to look like, how my body compared and what the opposite sex would expect. 

And as you get older, the conversation around sexual health, hygiene and partners becomes a norm in our lives.

But have you ever sat back and thought of the colossal impact it's had on young adults and, more importantly, how it has moulded our sexpectations? Our expectations in intimate situations have defo changed since porn came on the scene, and not for the better.

Now, we're not saying your private incognito browsing is bad or anything to be ashamed of at all. In fact, it can add healthy dimensions to your relationships, can be a safe way to validate sexuality as well as normalises desires and taboos. But let's not lose sight of the real world:

Gals have to look like perfect, hairless goddesses 100% of the time

Okay, so this can be a bit of a shock, but women do have hair in places other than our heads! On our legs, under our arms, on our toes, heck I've got a few chin hairs (devastating).

For decades it was the norm to let those locks grow out–all wild and free. But since the '90s, it's come into fashion for women to shave, wax, or even laser those bad boys off (ouch). Whatever you want to do, the more confident you are, the fewer people will care. Fancy having hairy pits? Pop off, sis. Don't let porn, or anyone else, tell you that you can't be au naturale 🌺

Massively unrealistic expectations 

Getting a little older, you might find yourself in a few awkward situations where you've been expected to do or say something, as well as look or act in a certain way, just like the peeps in those vids. Whether that's expecting intimacy straight away, a little bit of dirty talk or just something that'll no doubt put us outside of our comfort zone. Not to mention guys comparing their manhood (it's not always real, guys).

Putting unrealistic expectations onto someone (especially at an early age) contributes towards body image issues, low self-esteem and anxiety.  We're all absolutely perfect and normal exactly the way we are - porn is notoriously unrealistic. For both women and men.

Can lead to sexism 

Can we not? Seriously, men and women body-shame, slut-shame, name call and...yeah. All the shaming. It's not cool, it's not nice and it's definitely triggered in part by porn and this idea that women are inferior and somehow objects.

Women are not inferior nor do they owe anyone anything. It's not just guys that have this kind of behaviour either - gals can absolutely shame other girls too.

We gotta stop the shaming, so as you navigate the world on your own self-discovery adventure, remember to be nice to each other. With thorough sex education (outside of putting a condom on a banana in PE) and making sure we treat others with respect, we'll be just fine! Any questions? Don't be afraid to ask your teachers or trusted friends. Bit worried? Remember to always stay within your comfort zone - you're awesome and I believe in you! Sure, sex might be an uncomfortable conversation for some but as long as you're staying safe, that's all that matters.