Exposure to Pornography Among Students at Educational Institutions in Khulna City Corporation, Southwest Bangladesh

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the underlying factors of exposure to pornography among the students at educational institutions in Khulna City of Bangladesh. Following survey research design, a sample of 304 students (200 male and 104 female) were selected randomly from three educational institutions and data were collected by administering a semi-structured interview schedule. Findings reveal that majority of the students (about 81%), male in particular, are exposed to pornography before sixteen years of age. Students residing in halls or boarding houses are more inclined to pornography than those living with parents or other family members. It is also evident that the exposure to pornography increases with low religious affiliation. In addition, students through the use of technological devices with greater internet data packages are more exposed to pornographic materials. Students’ personal income is also associated with their addiction to pornography, i.e. when income shifts from low to high exposure to pornography also changes from minimum level to maximum. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that policy makers should develop effective measures to thwart exposure to pornography among young men and women with an emphasis on building awareness about the effect of repeated exposure to pornography on their health, behavior and other social issues.

Prevalence and predictors of pornography exposure during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study on students in Bangladesh

“…In contrast, students under 21 may have been spending more time with their peers in offline activities, minimizing online engagement and reducing exposure to pornography ( 36 ). The findings of the current study complement the work of Golder et al ( 27 ) who noted a higher exposure to pornography among older students, while Chowdhury et al ( 28 ) found greater exposure among younger students than among their older counterparts.…”

“…Vera Cruz ( 41 ), for example, found that men with frequent exposure to pornography, especially young men, were more likely to engage in sadistic sexual behavior toward their female partners, largely due to their sexual fantasies. However, the findings of this study supports that of Golder et al ( 27 ), who noted that higher religiosity reduces the possibility of pornography exposure; Mamun et al ( 26 ), in contrast, found no influence of religious and moral values on pornography consumption, because strong religiosity may not always translate into specific activities prohibited by religion, such as pornography use ( 42 ).…”

“…They further noted that pornography exposure was positively determined largely by male sex, urban residence, involvement in romantic relationship, and frequent use of social media, while negative attitudes toward pornography did not impact on pornography exposure ( 26 ). Golder et al ( 27 ), in their study, found that 81% of students had been exposed to pornography before 16 years of age and that pornography exposure was significantly associated with residence, religiosity, and internet access. A similar study on private university students observed that 41.8% of students watched porn, and that the prevalence was significantly higher among male students ( 28 ).…”