Porn and ethics: talking about it is not a sin Have you ever thought about all the ways in which pornography influences society?

When we talk about porn, the most common reaction is a mix of curiosity, embarrassment, and guilt. But let’s be clear: talking about it isn’t a sin (and neither is watching it). It’s a cultural, social, and economic topic that touches the sexuality of millions of people. Ignoring it or treating it as taboo doesn’t make it disappear. Porn exists, it’s consumed by people all over the world, and it has real impacts on relationships, on how we perceive the body, and on our desire. Avoiding the conversation isn’t the solution; understanding how it works, what dynamics it carries, and how it can influence sexuality is the first step toward managing it in a healthy way.

Talking about porn is necessary

Let’s start with the assumption that porn is a form of entertainment, not sex or emotional education. It shapes sexual expectations, perceptions of pleasure, and relationships. Talking about it helps us distinguish between fantasy and reality, between staged performances and real desires. Discussing porn also means providing tools to interpret what we see without shame: it’s a crucial part of contemporary sex and emotional education. Let’s not forget about those who work in the industry: talking about consent, safety, and fair pay also means talking about respect for the people who create content.

Porn consumption statistics in Italy

Porn is one of the most widespread phenomena worldwide, and Italy is no exception. According to a Durex 2022 survey, 70% of Italian men and 30% of Italian women reported watching pornographic content. A 2021 study by the University of Milano-Bicocca confirmed similar trends, showing a rise in consumption among women in recent years, even though the gender gap remains significant. These figures highlight the importance of addressing the topic openly, especially within the female sphere.

Ethical porn exists

If there’s a positive side to porn, it’s ethical porn. It’s not just a content category, but an approach to sexuality that centers respect, consent, and transparency. It means that everyone on set freely chooses what to do, without pressure or financial coercion, that wages are fair, that there are breaks and protections, and that personal boundaries are respected. It also means a more realistic representation of sexuality, without sexist or racial stereotypes, without extreme objectification, and a transparency that allows viewers to know who creates the content and how it’s made. Ethical porn is often produced by independent studios or by performers themselves, prioritizing the authenticity of sexual experience over mere profit. In a world where mainstream porn often distorts sexuality, ethical porn offers a real opportunity to make conscious, respectful, and free choices.

Why ethical porn matters

It’s not just about those who watch or produce porn. It concerns us all as a society: it reflects how we understand consent, the body, and sexuality. Talking about ethical porn means discussing respect, inclusion, and freedom, concepts that go far beyond a single video or performer. Ignoring these themes means remaining trapped in stereotypes, misinformation, and shame. Also, how many of you have orgasms at the slightest touch? Because yes, in mainstream porn, that happens too.

We are not "good girls"

We never were, and we don’t need to become them just to fit outdated modesty standards or social expectations. We live in a complex world where sexual choices, desires, and pleasures are a natural part of life. Talking about desire, pleasure, pornography, and sexuality isn’t sinful or improper. It’s dialogue, knowledge, and freedom. Enough with imposed modesty, enough with the fear of being judged, enough with the idea that women need protection from their own desires. We are not "good girls" to be preserved: we are women. Grown, thinking, living in the world, and we always choose for ourselves.