Abstract:
This paper examines the many factors that underpin pornography
exposure, and stresses how the risk factors for exposure and
problematic sexual behaviours intersect to contribute to harm.
An understanding of the complex interplay of factors such as
gender, age, attitude, personal characteristics and social context
of use is important in the development of strategies that will
assist young people to avoid any potential adverse outcomes.
The available evidence remains highly incomplete, and its
interpretation is highly contested, so the paper highlights the
need for longitudinal studies of use and of actual behaviour, and
for studies that focus on cultural contexts and emerging media.