Last updated on April 7th, 2024 at 02:27 am
In this climate, where computer security has become a growing wide-ranging issue, it is imperative that all users of computing devices understand the risks associated with their use. It is even more important that we all understand how to protect ourselves from the associated risks. Some of these risks are viruses and malware, exposure to obscene materials, and more.
In any situation where there is no regulation of published content, we have to expect that there will be persons who will disregard the written as well as unwritten rules of society to do their own thing. Likewise, such persons will also find an audience for them in those of like mind. In today’s world, such materials can be found in abundance on the internet. Obscene information refers to information that is morally offensive, typically portraying extremely violent sexual acts, sexual content, and other materials that are socially unacceptable. In today’s article, we will be covering:
- Definition of obscene materials;
- Potential risks associated with obscene materials;
- Types of obscene materials we can find online;
- Current laws and regulations governing obscene materials; and
- The impact obscene materials have on society.
What are obscene materials?
In this digital era, the internet contains a vast amount of information ranging from educational materials to entertainment, news, etc. While we consider these good and resourceful, we can also find a lot of obscene materials being uploaded indiscriminately and on a daily basis. We use the term obscene materials to refer to content of a sexual nature.
In deciding whether or not material is obscene, one must look at: (1) whether “the average person, applying contemporary community standards” would find that work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; (2) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law; and (3) whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
LII Illegal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
Types of obscene information that can be found on the internet
There are many different types of obscene materials that can be found online. Some examples are:
- Pornographic movies;
- Nude pictures;
- Sexually explicit pictures; and
- Lewd sexually explicit written materials.
It is important for individuals to know that the production, distribution, or possession of obscene materials can bring about legal consequences to individuals.
The risks obscene materials can cause to society
There is a long line of societal issues associated with the creation, distribution, and use of obscene materials. Some such issues are:
- Psychological harm: An unhealthy amount of exposure to obscene materials can cause distress in adolescents and teenagers alike. They may become easily susceptible to violence and promote unhealthy attitudes toward sex and relationships.
- Legal consequences: Possession, distribution, or production of obscene material is illegal and punishable by law in many countries.
- Social stigma: In society, as we know it, consumers of obscene materials, such as pornographic videos and other similar content, can end up bullied and ostracized by others if their involvement with such materials becomes known to others.
- Exploitation and abuse: The production of obscene materials often occurs due to individuals exploiting and abusing vulnerable individuals, especially in the case of child pornography or those that are non-consensual. Individuals found supporting and/or consuming these materials contribute to the development of this type of materials and, therefore, the exploitation. They are the reason this type of material exists.
- Impact on relationships: Obscene materials have a negative effect on relationships. This is because they can be the cause of unrealistic expectations. They may also cause distrust, conflict, and emotional distress, which often puts relationships in jeopardy.
- Addiction: Obscene materials, once consumed over a long period, will lead to addiction, loss of control, and withdrawal. It may even cause detrimental consequences.
- Normalization of harmful behaviors: Consuming these harmful materials causes violent and other destructive behaviors. Over time with constant exposure, such behaviors may become normalized and lead to a culture that condones these activities.
Current laws and regulations governing these materials
The current laws and regulations that govern these types of materials are:
- Obscenity law: This law exists in most countries and banns access to such materials.
- Child pornography laws: This law is separate from obscene law. It bans the creation, possession, and distribution of pornographic or any sexually related materials when it comes to minors.
- Internet regulations: There are specific laws governing websites that produce and distribute such materials. These laws also oppose and penalize individuals distributing such materials online.
- Age verification laws: In many countries, there are laws that stipulate that individuals have to verify their age before being able to gain access to such materials. The goal is to prevent minors from accessing them.
- Regulation of the adult entertainment industry: Some countries have specific laws that require that individuals verify their age and give consent, as well as health and safety tests before performing obscene acts.
Different countries have different laws governing obscene materials. We should always ensure we consult knowledgeable individuals on the matter of how obscene materials are governed locally.
Impact of such materials on society
Obscene materials often have a major impact on society. One of the most concerning negative impacts it can have is the normalization of negative behaviors.
The degradation of individuals, especially women, when exposed to those types of materials can distort their perception of what a healthy relationship should look like. The consumption of these obscene materials can lead to a lot of negative drawbacks, such as addiction, compulsive behavior, and mental health issues.
The fact that such content is freely available on the internet poses a challenge when it comes to regulating access to them, especially to vulnerable individuals such as children and adolescents.
How to combat the production, use, and distribution of obscene materials
In today’s society, it is imperative that we launch a campaign against obscene materials and the fact that it is easily accessible to young children. Some strategies that we can implement to address this issue are:
- Social-based education programs: We can implement these to educate our children and adolescents on the dangers that come with the consumption of said materials. We also need to educate them on how to identify such materials and how to respond when they encounter them.
- Parental guidance workshops: Educate parents about the risks associated with obscene materials via workshops. We need to teach them how to filter and monitor their children’s online activities and different ways in which they can have an honest conversation with their children on the topic.
- Community awareness campaigns: We can spread awareness of the issue and the dangers associated with it by posting flyers, and posters, on social media. We also need to share information on how to avoid it and ways to protect your children from it.
- Online safety program: Collaborate with internet safety organizations on the matter of developing safety programs for those who are not knowledgeable about the negative impact obscene material has on society. By doing this, it would teach individuals of all ages how to surf the internet safely and responsibly.
- Peer education programs: We should encourage young people who are knowledgeable about the subject to educate their peers about the risks associated with obscene materials so as to promote healthy behavior online.
- Legal awareness: Spread awareness to the public about the consequences of possessing, producing, and spreading such materials, including laws related to child pornography
By implementing awareness programs on the dangers of obscene materials to the community, we will be able to keep more persons safe. We can also ensure that people learn how to be safe and behave responsibly while scrolling the internet.