A recent study has issued a warning concerning the impact of pornography on a considerable portion of the UK population. Almost a fifth of adult individuals in the UK who acknowledge watching porn have disclosed that the nature of the sexual content they consume has evolved towards more aggressive or extreme material over time. Research conducted by a charity revealed that individuals who engage in this behaviour may end up viewing illegal content, such as child abuse, as a result of becoming desensitised to legal adult pornography.
The survey, commissioned by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, indicated that out of the 40% of adults who confessed to watching pornography, over a quarter stated that their consumption of such material has increased in frequency. Additionally, 19% mentioned that the type of content they view has progressively become more violent or extreme. These findings have emerged following a comprehensive review of pornography, which highlighted that the free and effortless accessibility of online content has led to an increase in violence, degradation, and misogyny portrayed in such material.
After the review conducted by Conservative peer Baroness Gabby Bertin, the Government has pledged to take measures against the display of certain explicit content, particularly scenes depicting women being choked. Dr. Alexandra Bailey, the head of psychology at the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, emphasised the potential dangers associated with developing a tolerance for explicit pornographic material. She stated that individuals may start seeking more hardcore content, including illegal material like child sexual abuse, in their pursuit of gratification.
Dr. Bailey underscored the importance of recognising when an individual’s consumption of pornography transforms into a problematic behaviour. The charity is urging those who are concerned about their own actions or the behaviour of others to seek assistance promptly. She cautioned that engaging with illegal content online can have severe repercussions, not only for the individual but also for their family, including potential criminal convictions and other detrimental consequences.
Assistant Chief Constable Alastair Simpson of the National Police Chiefs’ Council emphasised the concerning rise in online child abuse facilitated by technological advancements. He commended the efforts of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation in intercepting individuals who pose a risk to children through their online activities. Furthermore, he stressed the responsibility shared by society in safeguarding children from online harms, advocating for increased accountability from technology companies in regulating access to explicit content on their platforms.
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation conducted polling among 2,520 adults in the UK in January, shedding light on the evolving landscape of pornography consumption. The findings underscore the need for greater awareness and vigilance regarding the potential dangers associated with escalating patterns of pornographic material consumption, urging individuals to seek help if they feel their habits are becoming problematic. The issue of online pornography remains a complex and multifaceted challenge that necessitates collaborative efforts from both authorities and society at large to safeguard vulnerable individuals and prevent the proliferation of harmful content online.