Pornography and Sex Online

The Dangers of Intimacy and Sex Online 

While sexual intimacy is desired in most romantic relationships, it is important to be mindful about sharing sexual images with others online. Remember that it is ok to say no and to prioritise your own safety.

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The Consequences of Sharing Illicit Content

Legal consequences of sharing illicit content vary by country. 

In Australia, sending or possessing naked, indecent or inappropriate photos or videos of people under 18 is illegal and anyone found doing so can be charged with possession or distribution of child pornography. 

In Indonesia, it is illegal for people of all ages to send or possess photos, videos or messages that cause sexual arousal and anyone caught doing so could face an imprisonment of up to 12 years.

Personal ramifications of sharing such content also exist. Particularly, losing control of where your images are shared can have detrimental consequences. 

Revenge Porn: sexually charged images or videos being posted onto pornographic websites, or used in blackmail or coercion, by ex-partners seeking revenge.

Revenge porn can have a profoundly detrimental impact on its victims:

• Losing jobs
• Difficulty finding new employment
• Damaged relationships with family, friends or new partners
• Constant fear of the videos or images being redistributed 
• Increased risk of suicide attempts and mental illness‍

‍If you have been a victim of revenge porn, contact the police. You may be able to find an organisation of support here. There are also a range of online services that offer crisis support and counselling.

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‍The Illegality of Porn in Indonesia

The Indonesian Anti-Pornography Law defines pornography as any still or moving image, sound file, conversation or other form of content containing sexually arousing material. Indonesian citizens are prohibited from producing, redistributing or broadcasting porn. Doing so could prompt up to 12 years in prison and a 6 billion Rupiah fine. Anyone found to have downloaded porn faces up to 4 years imprisonment and a fine of up to 2 billion Rupiah.

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Unrealistic Expectations of Porn

In countries where porn is legal, watching it can be a common method of exploring sexuality.

However, it is important to remember the sex has been artificially altered through:

• Airbrushing
• Camera angles
• Lighting
• Sounds
• Sexual enhancement drugs
  

This creates expectations about sex that can lead to:

• Disappointment and anxiety regarding own sexual experiences
• Low self esteem 
• Watching graphic or violent porn has been linked to sexual violence

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The Dangers of Porn Addiction 

Research suggests excessive viewing of porn can be linked to erectile dysfunction in men and the inability to feel sexually aroused by partners. Correlations have also been found between poorer marriage quality and men who view porn daily.

If you have any concerns regarding porn addiction, it is advised to consult a GP or mental health professional.

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de Alarcón, R., de la Iglesia, J. I., Casado, N. M., & Montejo, A. L. (2019). Online Porn Addiction: What We Know and What We Don’t- A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8010091

Fight the New Drug. (2020, January 14). Expectations vs. Reality: Why Watching Porn Can Change What You Find Attractive. Retrieved from https://fightthenewdrug.org/porn-upgrades-what-a-consumer-finds-attractive/

Interrelate. (2020). Australia’s sexting laws. Retrieved from https://www.interrelate.org.au/i-relate-safe-teens/australia-s-sexting-laws

Janssen, E., & J., B. (2007). The Dual-Control Model: The role of sexual inhibition & excitation in sexual arousal and behavior. In E. Janssen (Ed.), The Psychophysiology of Sex (pp. 197–222). Indiana University Press.

Kühn, S., & Gallinat, J. (2014). Brain Structure and Functional Connectivity Associated With Pornography Consumption: The Brain on Porn. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(7), 827–834. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.93

Lofgren-Mårtenson, L., & Månsson, S.-A. (2010). Lust, love, and life: A qualitative study of Swedish adolescents’ perceptions and experiences with pornography. Journal of Sex Research, 47(6), 568–579. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490903151374

McGlynn, P. C., Rackley, P. E., & Johnson, A. P. K. (2019). Shattering Lives and Myths: A Report on Image-Based Sexual Abuse. Retrieved from https://claremcglynn.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/shattering-lives-and-myths-final.pdf

Moore, A. (2019, September 22). ‘There’s no end and no escape. You feel so, so exposed’: Life as a victim of revenge porn. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/sep/22/theres-no-end-and-no-escape-you-feel-so-so-exposed-life-as-a-victim-of-revenge-porn

OpenNet Initiative. (2012). Indonesia. https://opennet.net/research/profiles/indonesia

Park, B. Y., Wilson, G., Berger, J., Christman, M., Reina, B., Bishop, F., Klam, W. P., & Doan, A. P. (2016). Is Internet Pornography Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review with Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs6030017

Perry, S. L. (2017). Does Viewing Pornography Reduce Marital Quality Over Time? Evidence from Longitudinal Data. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 46(2), 549–559. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0770-y