Effects Of Pornographic Films On Youths
The impact of pornographic films on young individuals is a complex and intricate subject that encompasses various aspects of psychological, social, and emotional well-being. Exposure to explicit content at an early age can significantly influence the development of one’s attitudes towards relationships, sexuality, and self-perception. It is imperative to recognize that the repercussions extend beyond mere curiosity, as studies indicate a correlation between frequent exposure to explicit material and distorted perceptions of healthy intimacy. Moreover, the proliferation of online platforms has intensified the accessibility of such content, raising concerns about its potential desensitizing effects and the formation of unrealistic expectations in relationships. Addressing this issue requires a nuanced approach that combines comprehensive sex education, open communication, and the promotion of critical thinking skills to empower youths in navigating the complex landscape of sexual content in the digital age.
Pornographic materials are the representation of erotic behaviors in books, pictures, statues, motion pictures etc. that is intended to cause sexual excitement. The effect of pornographic films on Nigeria youths was embarked upon with the intention of establishing the impression of youth exposures.
It is apparent that youths exposure to pornographic films will have negative effect on them. Here lies the objective of our research which seeks to find out why youths watch pornographic films and the extent to which these youths practice behaviors acquired from viewing pornographic films
The survey research methodology was in use because the study in question involved the kind of population that would be too large to be observed directly, this method helped us in finding out that exposure to pornographic films affects the psychological state of a person and can influence such a person to participate in or practicalize what is being watched. Also realize was the fact that sexual crimes and abuses meted out by youths in our society today is very much attributed to their exposure to pornographic films.
In conclusion youths are the lewdest of tomorrow as such should be emotionally and psychological; balanced. Youth should therefore not indulge in watching pornographic film because the consequences which is negative, will surely tell on them.
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table Of Content
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction.
1.1 Background Of The Study
1.2 Statement Of The Research Problem
1.3 Objectives Of The Study
1.4 Significant Of The Study
1.5 Research Question
1.6 Research Hypothesis (Including The Null Hypothesis)
1.7 Conceptual And Operational Definition
1.8 Assumptions
1.9 Limitation Of The Study
Chapter Two
2.0 Review Of The Literature
2.1 Sources Of The Literature
2.2 The Review: Theoretical Framework
2.3 Summary Of The Literature Review.
Chapter Three
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Research Method
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Research Samples
3.4 Measuring Instrument.
3.5 Data Collection
3.6 Data Analysis
3.7 Expected Results
Chapter Four
4.0 Data Analysis And Results
4.1 Data Analysis
4.2 Results
4.3 Discussion
Chapter Five
5.0 Summary And Recommendation For Further Study
5.1 Summary
5.2 Recommendation For Further Study
Bibliography
Appendix
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROND OF THE STUDY
This study “The effects of pornographic materials on youths” aim at identifying the influences of pornographic materials on the youth, with particular emphasis on the youth in two Nigeria Tertiary institutions. The study will be able to ascertain whether the widely held view that pornographic materials do not have adverse effect on the moral and behavior of youths is true or not. However, this study will narrowed down to pornographic films only.
In view of the foregoing films began in the minds of people who came long before the film pioneers themselves. In attempt to capture and recreate motion can be traced too when civilization began, the care drawing which showed a horse with eight legs the fleeting arrow from a hunter’s bow and even carefully detailed drawing of kings with one foot outstretched to suggest or walking motion.
Bither j.r (1989) said that history Is somewhat not clear as who deserved glory of inventing still motion pictures, but that Willam Dickson and Thomas Edison were associated with the effects to move.
The earliest forms of pornographic film were seen in France during the 1920s. the development in France brought about fun and all sorts of condemnation from the public. For instance Dellu cinema practitioner and also a French man said that the exhibition of such pornographic films contributed to melancholy fatal condition social and other negative attitude among the people.
Down here in Nigeria, pornographic films started pervading our country in the late sixties and became more rampant in the early seventies. Today pornographic films have become so prevalent that access to them is with reckless abandon.
“Film” according to Black Africa greatest film producer Ousmance senibene is tool or communicator of social change and culture” he went further to stress that “A film is but a driving belt, a vehicle that convey an idea and by this we will see that communication knowledge and ideas help people make their own decisions about the environment they live in.
more so, film is categorized under mass media. Therefore, associated with the enormous influence of the mass media. To buttress this, Walter Lippman (1922) also said that the media do not only tell the people what to think but also what to think about. That is to say the media shapes the picture in our heads.
Inferentially, there is no consensus of opinion on the power and capabilities of pornographic films or media to propagate sexual abuse, crime, violence etc. among youths by way of projecting such message to them. The stand which one takes on this issue depends on individual perception and indeed prepositions towards the controversial topic. But the air of this research is to investigate this issue scientifically keeping emotion aloof. That is to find out if there is any relationship between youths exposure to media portrayals of pornographic film and sexual pervasion / abuse among the youth.
1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBELMS
Undoubtedly social scientists who are interested in the study of mass media particularly films effects have been involved in the effects to find out the relationship between media and anti-social behaviors like crime, violence, sexual pervasion, abuse, rape.
There has been series of researches and counter researches which shows that audio-visual media can be described as an all powerful all pervasive and all manipulative medium capable of producing the most vociferous outburst through the portrayal of pornography, violence and other immoral acts thus
Therefore this project is geared towards ascertaining if sexual crimes pervasion and abused among the youths could be attributed to their exposure to pornographic films.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study is aimed at the following
To find out the various reasons why youths watch pornographic films
To determine the extent to which the youths respond or practice behaviors acquired form viewing pornographic films
To proffer useful suggestion and recommendations in this area of study.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study in question is very important to the Nigeria society especially now that we witness all sort of negativity tendencies among our youth. Therefore, the researcher hold the view that there do exist significant effect of pornographic films on youths.
The significance of this study therefore is as follows.
To examine how pornography films negatively affect the youth so that the government and society at large can control and eradicate them.
To ascertain how effective the various existing laws aimed at controlling pornographic films have been faring in the responsibilities assigned to them.
To find out if the sexual pervasion among the youths could be attributed to their exposure to pornographic films
To contribute to the already existing knowledge in the area of study.
1.5 RESEARCJ QUESTION
Do audience exposure to pornographic films have effect on them
Do pornographic films tend to prompt the youths to replicate what they have reviewed
Can sexual pervasion/abuse that are prevalent in our society today, among the youths be related to their exposure to pornographic films
Do youth exposure to pornographic films have negative or positive effects on them.
1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Hi: Audience exposure to pornographic films have some effect on them
Ho: Audience exposures to pornographic films do not have any effects on them
H2: Pornographic films prompt the youths to replicate what they have viewed
Ho: Pornographic films do not prompt the youths to replicate what they have viewed.
H3: Sexual pervasion and abuse among the youths are related to their exposure to pornographic films
Ho: Sexual pervasion and abuse among the youth are not related to their exposure to pornographic films
H4: Audience exposures to pornographic films have negative effects on them.
Ho: Audience exposures to pornographic films do not have negative effects on them.
1.7 CONCEPTUAL AND OPERATIONAL DEFINITION.
The variable for this study, “the effects of pornographic materials on youth” are conceptual defined as follows
EFFECT CONCEPTUAL DEFINED
The conceptual definition of effects is the impression produced on the mind of a spectator, bearer, reader viewer etc.
EFFECT OPERATIONALLY DEFINE
The operational definition of effects is as follow
Positive effect
Neutral effects
Negative effect
Positive Effects: This refers to these effects which are in line with the accepted social standards and values or which tends to encourage the development of the youths along this line
Negative Effects: This refers to those effects which discourage the youths from developing alone accepted societal standards and values. Several types of behavioral and emotional responses of a relative or anti- social nature of youths may be associated with exposures to pornographic films
Neutral Effects: This refers to those effects which are neither positive nor negative. It is a condition whereby exposures to pornographic films do not have any effects on youths.
PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS CONCEPTUAL DEFINED
The conceptual definition of pornographic materials are the representation of erotic behaviors in books, pictures, statues, motion pictures etc. that is intended too cause sexual excitement.
PORNOGRPAHIC MATERIALS OPERATIONALLY DEFINED
The operational definition of pornographic materials are films that are made solely for sexual arousement and featuring nudity and explicit sexual acts.
YOUTHS CONCEPTUAL DEINED
A person who has the quality or characteristics of the young e.g. youthful freshness or rigor, youthful wantonness, folly or rashness, youthful appearance or aspect.
1.8 ASSUMPTION
In determining the effects of pornographic materials on youth this research makes the following assumptions.
That the youths in question are normal and are not mentally related and can also reason properly
That youths are exposed to and do view pornographic films
That the pornographic films on media and to which the youth are exposed to either, directly or indirectly affect them.
1.9 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This research basically will focuse on the effects of pornographic films on youth. The study will be restricted within two Nigerian tertiary institutions due to time constraints, lack of logistics and financial problems
The study will dwell exclusively on pornographic films alone. Under this dispensation, pornographic films are the explicit portrayal or exhibition of sexual acts on television films, cinema films and films that have such orientation.
In other words, the media that will be involved in this research are audio/visual only.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Effects Of Pornographic Films On Youths:
The effects of pornographic films on youths are a subject of ongoing debate and research, and it’s important to note that individual experiences can vary widely. Here are some potential effects and considerations:
- Distorted Views of Sexuality: Exposure to pornography at a young age can shape unrealistic expectations about sex and relationships. Porn often presents an idealized and exaggerated version of sexual activity, which can lead to misconceptions about what “normal” sex is like.
- Body Image and Self-Esteem Issues: Some studies suggest that consuming pornography may lead to body image issues and lower self-esteem, especially in young women who may compare themselves to the performers they see in pornographic content.
- Relationship Satisfaction: There’s evidence to suggest that frequent consumption of pornography may negatively impact romantic relationships. Some individuals may struggle with intimacy or have difficulty connecting emotionally with their partners due to unrealistic expectations set by pornography.
- Addiction and Escalation: For some youths, pornography can become addictive. As tolerance builds, they may seek out more extreme or unconventional material to achieve the same level of arousal, potentially leading to problematic behaviors or compulsive use.
- Desensitization: Excessive exposure to explicit sexual content might desensitize individuals to sexual stimuli over time, making it more challenging to become aroused by real-life sexual encounters or less extreme forms of sexual content.
- Social and Academic Consequences: Overconsumption of pornography can lead to a decline in academic performance and social withdrawal, as individuals may spend excessive amounts of time viewing explicit material.
- Influence on Sexual Behavior: Some studies suggest that pornography may influence sexual behavior among youths. It can contribute to early sexual initiation, risky sexual behaviors, and potentially an increased likelihood of engaging in unsafe sexual practices.
- Moral and Ethical Considerations: Exposure to pornography can lead to moral and ethical dilemmas for some youths, as it may conflict with their personal values or beliefs.
- Legal Implications: Accessing or sharing explicit content involving minors is illegal in many jurisdictions and can result in serious legal consequences for youths who engage in such activities.
It’s important to note that not all youths who consume pornography will experience these negative effects, and some may not experience any adverse consequences at all. Many factors, including family communication, education, and individual resilience, can influence how pornography affects young people.
To mitigate potential negative effects and foster healthy attitudes towards sexuality, parents, caregivers, and educators can engage in open and age-appropriate discussions about pornography, relationships, consent, and the differences between fantasy and reality. Promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills can also help youths better navigate the often unrealistic depictions of sex in pornography.