Porn distorts reality, abets ills

DELVING DEEPER | The Free Press Journal tries to understand psychological impact of porn and how it raises its head again despite attempts to block it

- Somendra Sharma and Dhairya Gajara

In May, a 13-year-old boy, living in the Khandeshwar area of Navi Mumbai, was booked for allegedly raping and impregnating his 15-year-old sister after they watched porn together. In November 2023, the Malad police arrested a 27-year-old delivery executive who allegedly saved phone numbers of female customers and sent them porn clips. In 2022, a 14-year-old boy was booked by the Sahar police for allegedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy from his locality.

The common thread in these cases is the easy availability of pornographic material on the internet. The Free Press Journal takes a deep dive to understand the psychological impact of pornography, penal provisions to restrict its circulation, as well as measures taken by the police to curb it. The report will also try to figure out how many in India easily access porn despite checks in place.

Dr Harish Shetty, a psychiatrist, said consumption of pornography distorts reality, promotes myths about sexuality, and leads to intimacy issues. It kills the joy of love, conversations and emotional nourishment that is important in a relationship, he said.