pornographys

Pornography, often shortened to porn, is media created to depict sexual acts or nudity with the primary purpose of sexual arousal. The term derives from Greek porne "prostitute" and graphe "writing" or drawing, and it is commonly used to distinguish explicit sexual content from more general depictions of sexuality. In scholarly and policy contexts, pornography is defined by its intent to arouse and its explicitness, though boundaries between pornography and erotica or sexually explicit art are debated.

Historically, explicit sexual material has appeared in various forms from ancient art to modern printing. The modern pornography industry began to take shape with the advent of photography and cheap printing in the 19th century, grew with film in the 20th century, and expanded dramatically with the internet in the 1990s. Today, porn takes many forms—photos, videos, live streaming, manga (hentai), or virtual reality—and is distributed through studios, independent producers, and online platforms. Access is typically restricted to adults, though enforcement varies by country and platform.

Regulation and ethics: legal status ranges widely. Many jurisdictions regulate age verification, obscenity, or the distribution of explicit material, and producers may be required to document performers' ages (as in certain national laws and the U.S. 2257 record-keeping statute). Industry practices concerning consent, coercion, working conditions, and exploitation are frequently discussed, with ongoing debates about trafficking risk and the treatment of performers. Content moderation by platforms also shapes what material is available, with restrictions on non-consensual content and child exploitation.

Cultural and scholarly debates about pornography address its effects on sexual attitudes, relationships, and well-being, with studies reporting mixed findings. Advocates emphasize sexual expression, education, and economic opportunities for performers, while critics raise concerns about unrealistic standards, consent, and potential harm.