Perception of pornography has transformed over time. Initially seen as a novelty in the 80s where it was openly discussed, it gradually became associated with shame and embarrassment as it became more easily accessible on the internet. The shift towards shame was largely attributed to the addiction aspect of pornography. The speaker highlights that feeling ashamed of an activity is often a sign that it might be harmful or addictive, leading to a sense of secrecy or denial. The narrative is illustrated using a personal anecdote about a friend's struggle with weight loss referencing a comedian named Ralphie May.