Exploring the Influence of Pornography on the United States Military
Abstract
This study posits that pornography, combined with the pervasiveness of smart phone technology, possesses the ability to negatively affect individual and social behaviors, impact command climates, and influence military culture writ large. Military leaders are encouraged to recognize the pornography threat and address the connection between the psychological and cultural impacts of pornography on individual and social behaviors such as loneliness, depression, and inappropriate sexual conduct. This study acknowledges the ongoing debate surrounding the censorship and definition of pornography. Therefore, a broadly accepted definition is used to help frame the problem. The study defines pornography as "professionally produced or user-generated pictures or videos (clips) intended to sexually arouse the viewer." The study then provides evidence from the field of neuroscience supporting the hypothesis that repeated and sustained exposure to internet pornography can be both personally and interpersonally harmful. Indeed, available research indicates that internet pornography contains the potential to influence cognitive functionality producing cascading effects on the user's personal and social behaviors. The study then explains how the pervasiveness of the smart phone may exacerbate the negative effects of internet pornography, and how Gen Z, the generation to which young servicemembers belong, is disproportionately affected. Finally, the study identifies steps taken by organizations outside of the military to mitigate the negative effects associated with intent pornography use.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1178138
Entities
People
- Benjamin J. O'donnell
Organizations
- Marine Corps University