In the near future, I intend to introduce a package of resolutions and bills to protect children from pornographic and other harmful materials, safeguard children’s data privacy in our schools, and strengthen our education laws relating to informed parental consent. Advancements in technology and widespread internet usage have fueled a recent surge of interest in Internet pornography, with one of the most popular pornographic websites reporting approximately 1.6 billion unique visitors per month in 2023. In 2018, there was an astounding 5,824,699,200 hours of content consumption on this same pornographic website – in other words, nearly 665 centuries worth of pornographic material was viewed on a single website in one year.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the significant impacts pornography consumption can have on an individual’s mental health, overall well-being, and personal relationships. Specifically, researchers have made the following findings in recent years: - Addiction & Compulsive Behavior: Several studies have found associations between pornography consumption and symptoms of addiction, including the loss of control, extreme preoccupation with pornography, and withdrawal symptoms with any decline in pornographic exposure.[1]
- Mental Health Implications: Studies have linked frequent pornography consumption with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Researchers suspect that unrealistic depictions of sex and body image in pornographic materials may contribute to feelings of inadequacy, particularly in individuals who are prone to mental health issues.[2]
- Relationship Problems: Some research indicates that frequent pornography consumption may be associated with decreased relationship satisfaction, an increase in conflict and jealousy, and decreased intimacy or sexual satisfaction within romantic partnerships.[3]
- Sexual Attitudes: Numerous studies suggest that exposure to pornographic material may lead to a more permissive attitude towards casual sex, risky sexual behaviors, and the objectification of sexual partners.[4]
- Divorce: Among young adults, studies have found that divorce rates increase dramatically when pornography is introduced into a previously pornographic-free relationship.[5]
America’s consumption of pornography shows no signs of dwindling and with an increase in adolescent use of pornography, we must take action to protect individuals from the harmful effects of pornography.
Please join me in cosponsoring these bills and resolutions to better protect our Commonwealth.
|
