This podcast explores the impact of age verification laws on the online porn industry. It delves into a judge's ruling on restricting access to explicit material and discusses the influence of violent pornography on sexual expectations. The speakers also discuss arguments on access to explicit content in books, the legacy of feminism in the sexual revolution, and the changing cultural dynamics that have led to a backlash against men. They conclude with a discussion on the future of technology and the need for alternatives for those experiencing loneliness.
Unequal enforcement of age verification laws may drive irresponsible platforms to corners of the internet without age verification.
Texas' law requiring age verification and warnings on porn sites faces constitutional and privacy concerns, especially regarding users' identification and browsing history.
Comprehensive research, unbiased sex education, and open communication are crucial in addressing porn addiction, fetishes, and the impact of the sexual revolution on societal norms.
Deep dives
Pornhub's Reaction to Age Verification Laws
Pornhub announces blocking access in three US states due to age verification laws in June. They argue that while they support preventing children from accessing harmful materials, the unequal enforcement and compliance of these laws could lead to migration of irresponsible platforms to corners of the internet that don't require age verification.
Texas Law and Preliminary Injunction
A Texas law requiring age verification and warnings on porn sites faces a preliminary injunction. The judge highlights constitutional, privacy, and free speech concerns with the law, particularly the requirement to submit government identification and create a permanent database of users' browsing history without deletion or access control mechanisms.
Discussion on Porn Addiction and Fetishes
The issue of porn addiction is debated, with a recognition that addiction may exist but requires careful examination without biases. Fetishes are also discussed, with insights that early onset fetishes are more deeply rooted and challenging to change, while late onset fetishes due to conditioning are more malleable. The importance of unbiased research and comprehensive sex education is emphasized.
Debating the Impact of the Sexual Revolution
The question of whether the sexual revolution failed sparks a discussion about the impact of cultural changes on women's happiness and societal norms. Arguments include the potential drawbacks of a more permissive sexual culture, such as the homosexualization of heterosexuality and women feeling pressured to live up to certain sexual ideals. The need for open communication, comprehensive education, and understanding individual differences is highlighted.
The Cultural Shift: Men's Shift from Traditional Roles
The podcast discusses how men's roles have shifted throughout history and the challenges they face in the modern era. It explores the idea that men used to fulfill roles related to war and hunting, while women had the burden of childbirth and childcare. As societal roles and expectations have evolved, there is a perception that men are now seen as unnecessary or even detrimental. This shift in societal norms, combined with the backlash against traditional gender roles, has led to a sense of confusion and resentment among some men.
The Importance of Anonymity and Privacy Online
The podcast delves into the value of anonymity and privacy in the digital age. It recognizes the benefits of anonymous speech, which allows for the exploration of different ideas and perspectives without fear of social repercussions. Anonymity also serves as a form of protection for individuals, especially in the context of sex work, where privacy is crucial for safety. The conversation highlights concerns regarding the erosion of online privacy and the impact of government surveillance and regulations. It emphasizes the need to strike a balance between online safety and preserving individuals' rights to anonymity and privacy.
This is an audio version of The Reason Livestream, which takes place every Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern on Reason's YouTube channel.
On June 30, Pornhub—America's most-trafficked adult website—announced that it was blocking access in Mississippi, Virginia, and Utah. Why? Well,Pornhub was reacting to the passage of age-verification laws in those three states. Similar laws have passed in Louisiana, Texas, Montana, and Arkansas, leading Politico to declare that "A Simple Law Is Doing the Impossible. It's Making the Online Porn Industry Retreat." But the industry is fighting back and won a preliminary injunction against Texas' law.
Reason's Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe talked about these developments with Aella, a former OnlyFans star and outspoken libertarian defender of sex workers who leverages her sizable social media following to run sex polls and surveys, the results of which she analyzes and publishes on her blog Knowingless. In this conversation, they discuss Aella's sex surveys, delve into the psychological literature examining online porn consumption, unpack the privacy implications of age verification laws, and talk about a recent debate Aella attended hosted by The Free Press and FIRE about the effects of "the sexual revolution" on American society.
