What Is Porn: Definition, Types, Legal Status, and Industry Statistics

Definition and types of porn

• Explicit sexual content: Pornography refers to material containing graphic depictions of sexual organs or activities, designed to cause sexual arousal
• Visual and written forms: Includes videos, photos, magazines, books, and other media with sexually explicit content, answering the question "what is porn" in various formats
• Categories: May include softcore (partial nudity) or hardcore (graphic sexual acts) content, representing different types of porn

Legal status worldwide

• Varied legality: 34 countries globally ban pornography outright, while others restrict certain types of porn or regulate access
• Cultural influences: Bans are most common in Islamic nations like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Afghanistan due to religious and cultural beliefs
• Unexpected restrictions: Some technologically advanced countries like South Korea and China also prohibit pornography

Age restrictions and access

• Common age limit: Many countries restrict pornography access to those 18 years or older, affecting what is porn available to different age groups
• Verification methods: Some nations require websites to implement age checks like photo ID upload, facial age estimation, or credit card verification
• Early exposure: Despite restrictions, 93% of boys and 62% of girls have seen online porn before age 18

Industry statistics

• Global market: The pornography industry, encompassing various types of porn, is estimated to be worth over $97 billion worldwide
• Online consumption: In 2020, PornHub reported 42 billion visits, with porn accounting for 35% of all internet downloads
• Career length: The average female porn actor's career lasts only 3 years

Concerns and criticisms

• Content issues: 88% of pornographic scenes contain physical aggression, with women as targets in 94% of cases, raising questions about what is porn's impact
• Privacy risks: Age verification laws may compromise user anonymity and put personal data at risk
• Informal sector risks: Parts of the industry operate with low pay, poor conditions, and higher risks of exploitation

FAQ

What is porn?

Porn, short for pornography, is visual or written material containing explicit sexual content intended to stimulate erotic feelings. It includes depictions of nudity and sexual acts between adults, designed to cause sexual arousal.

What is the definition of pornography?

The definition of pornography encompasses any material containing graphic depictions of sexual organs or activities, created with the purpose of causing sexual arousal. This can include videos, photos, magazines, books, and other media with sexually explicit content.

What are the main types of porn?

The main types of porn include softcore (partial nudity) and hardcore (graphic sexual acts) content. There are numerous categories and subcategories catering to different preferences, fetishes, and sexual orientations.

Is porn legal everywhere?

No, porn is not legal everywhere. 34 countries globally ban pornography outright, while others restrict certain types of porn or regulate access. Bans are most common in Islamic nations, but some technologically advanced countries like South Korea and China also prohibit pornography.

At what age can people legally access porn?

In many countries, pornography access is restricted to those 18 years or older. However, despite these restrictions, studies show that 93% of boys and 62% of girls have seen online porn before age 18. Some nations require websites to implement age verification methods to enforce these restrictions.