pornography

Pornography, often shortened to porn, is media created to sexually arouse viewers, typically involving explicit sexual acts or nudity. It is usually produced for adult audiences and is differentiated in some contexts from erotica by its emphasis on explicit sexual content.

Formats include videos, photographs, text-based stories, and interactive material, distributed across professional productions, independent creators, and user-generated platforms. Content ranges from traditional film and photo sets to live streams and simulated or animated material.

Historically, erotic material has appeared in art and literature for centuries. The modern pornography industry expanded in the 20th century with adult magazines, stag films, and later cinemas. The rise of the internet in the 1990s transformed production and distribution, enabling rapid growth of streaming sites, search engines, and global markets, along with changes in production practices and consumer access.

Regulation and ethical considerations vary widely by jurisdiction and platform. Common concerns include consent and labor rights for performers, age verification, and the prevention of non-consensual, exploitative, or illegal material. Many platforms implement moderation, content standards, and takedown policies, while legal frameworks address obscenity, copyright, and child protection.

Research on pornography's effects is mixed and ongoing. Debates focus on its influence on sexual attitudes, relationship dynamics, and body image, as well as discussions about potential compulsive use and impacts on well-being. Societal perspectives often intersect with issues of gender, media literacy, and technology, shaping policy, industry practices, and public discourse.