smh.com.au
Surge in Porn Addiction Treatment Requests Linked to OnlyFans Growth
A significant rise in Australians seeking help for sex and pornography addiction coincides with a substantial increase in OnlyFans users and revenue; experts link this to the platform's normalization of pornography as a career and readily available explicit content.
- How has the increase in OnlyFans usage and revenue impacted the demand for sex and pornography addiction support in Australia?
- The number of Australians seeking help for sex and pornography addiction has surged by 184 percent in the past six months, coinciding with a near 30 percent rise in OnlyFans users and a 19 percent increase in its gross payments to \$6.63 billion. This increase is linked to the platform's normalization of pornography as a career path, potentially glamorizing harmful behavior.
- What are the contributing factors to the rise in pornography addiction, and how do platforms like OnlyFans exacerbate the problem?
- The rise in OnlyFans usage and revenue directly correlates with the increase in those seeking help for porn addiction. Experts attribute this to the platform's readily available, personalized explicit content, creating a more reinforcing addiction compared to traditional forms of pornography. This is further compounded by the normalization of pornography as a career, leading to potentially harmful consequences.
- What policy recommendations should be considered to mitigate the negative consequences of online pornography, particularly its impact on young people and marginalized communities?
- The NSW government's inquiry into harmful pornography's effects on mental and physical health is crucial. The inquiry needs to consider the impact of platforms like OnlyFans and address the normalization of pornography as a profession. Future preventative measures should focus on media literacy and harm reduction strategies, particularly for young people.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening paragraphs immediately establish a connection between the rise of platforms like OnlyFans and the increase in support requests for sex and pornography addiction. This framing predisposes the reader to view OnlyFans and similar platforms as a primary cause of the problem. The article primarily highlights the negative consequences and expert opinions that condemn the platform, rather than presenting a balanced view.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as "glamorised something that is actually very harmful," and "devastating impacts." These phrases carry strong negative connotations and contribute to a biased tone. More neutral alternatives could include "presented in a way that may not fully reflect the potential risks" and "significant negative consequences." The repeated emphasis on the addictive nature of pornography contributes to a negative framing.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative consequences of pornography addiction linked to platforms like OnlyFans, but omits discussion of potential benefits or alternative perspectives on the role of OnlyFans and similar platforms. It doesn't explore the economic empowerment some creators might find, or the potential for consensual adult entertainment. The lack of diverse viewpoints might create a one-sided narrative.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the 'harmful' effects of readily available online pornography and the lack of awareness or discussion surrounding it. It doesn't fully explore the nuances of pornography consumption, the variety of content available, or the potential for responsible use. The framing implies a binary choice between complete abstinence and inevitable addiction.
Gender Bias
While the article doesn't explicitly use gendered language in a biased way, the focus on the potential negative impact on young people might inadvertently perpetuate existing gender stereotypes about vulnerability and susceptibility. Further, the inclusion of the Scarlet Alliance's statement advocating against anti-sex work policies is a positive aspect that shows awareness of gendered power dynamics in this context.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant increase in inquiries for pornography or sex addiction support, indicating negative impacts on mental health and well-being. The ease of access to explicit content through platforms like OnlyFans, coupled with its normalization, contributes to addiction and its detrimental effects on individuals and relationships. The quoted expert opinions directly link online pornography consumption to harm, including altered brain circuitry and negative interference in daily life and relationships.