How the Porn Industry Is Rewiring People's Brains (with Dawn Hawkins) - Change Agents w/Andy Stumpf
Aug 15, 2023
auto_awesome
Dawn Hawkins, CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, joins Andy Stumpf to discuss the damaging effects of pornography on individuals' self-perception and relationships. They delve into the involvement of website owners in the porn industry, tech industry's response to combat pornography, the negative effects of pornography on the human brain, efforts to implement filters, and the links between porn consumption and psychological issues.
Exposure to hardcore pornography can lead to permanent damage in how individuals view themselves and relationships, altering brain chemistry and desensitizing users.
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) works to expose the negative impacts of the porn industry, advocating for stricter legislation and holding corporations accountable.
Deep dives
The Impact of Hardcore Pornography on Relationships
Studies suggest that the increasing exposure to hardcore pornography from a young age can lead to permanent damage in how individuals view themselves and relationships. Although research is still emerging, it is believed that pornography can alter brain chemistry and desensitize users, leading to a craving for more explicit material. Pornography can also impact the development of sexual templates, changing what individuals find attractive and influencing behavior later in life. Particularly alarming are the effects on children, who are exposed to violent and non-consensual content, leading to increased instances of sexual assault and abuse. Overcoming a pornography dependency can be challenging, as it requires unlearning the distorted messages it presents. However, studies show that with time and effort, individuals can reverse the harmful effects and reconnect with real human connections.
The Role of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCO-S-E)
The NCO-S-E is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to exposing links between sexual abuse, exploitation, and the porn industry. Their primary focus is challenging institutional behaviors and cultural norms that normalize sexual commodification and abuse. The organization engages in corporate advocacy, partnering with corporations and working on policy changes at state, federal, and international levels. In cases where progress is slow, they have also established a law center to pursue legal action against the porn industry. By holding corporations accountable and advocating for stricter legislation, the NCO-S-E aims to curb the negative impact of pornography and protect individuals from exploitation.
The Legal Battle Against the Porn Industry
The NCO-S-E Law Center has filed lawsuits against major pornography companies, arguing that they profited from hosting sexually abusive content. These websites often feature non-consensual and underage content, exacerbating the trauma experienced by victims. The NCO-S-E is fighting to change legislation and ensure that websites are held accountable for the content they host. Currently, the Communications Decency Act Section 230 protects websites from liability for illegal content uploaded by users. Efforts are being made to amend this law and pursue civil litigation that can lead to criminal charges. By pushing for legal changes, the NCO-S-E aims to protect victims and hold the porn industry accountable.
The Need for Parental Controls and Tech Industry Responsibility
Parents must be proactive in protecting their children from the dangers of online pornography. Utilizing parental controls, implementing filters, and setting up barriers are essential measures. However, it is equally important to engage in open and honest conversations with children, preparing them for the digital world and encouraging them to share any concerns or experiences. The responsibility also lies with tech companies to prioritize the safety of young users. Algorithms and content recommendations must be tailored to protect children from explicit and harmful material. While progress is being made, continued pressure and advocacy are necessary to ensure that tech companies take appropriate action.
Partners:
HVMN – You can find Ketone-IQ at https://hvmn.com/changeagents to save 30% on your first subscription.
Dawn Hawkins is CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. NCOSE is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that is dedicated to exposing the links between all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation.
You can learn more about their work at https://endsexualexploitation.org/about/
Change Agents is an IRONCLAD original.
Shop IRONCLAD Apparel: https://shop.thisisironclad.com/
Change Agents is an IRONCLAD original. Visit https://www.thisisironclad.com to learn more.
Be sure to subscribe to @thisisironclad on YouTube and major social platforms.
Follow us on Social -
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ThisIsIRONCLAD#changeagents #Andystumpf #ironclad