No Consent, No Condoms, Lots Of Bias: Why Adult Films Are Not An Ideal Reference For Sex-Education

In India, there is a lack of sex education for teenagers and adults. They often seek it in adult or erotic films, which are, by definition, selling sex as an act with the ultimate goal of orgasm only. It has perfect women flaunting heavy breasts and tiny waists who throw themselves at men.

If we begin with what is wrong with adult films, it will be a never-ending list. Therefore, we connected with Artika Singh, an award-winning sexual health educator, who spoke in detail about how erotic movies are flawed and why they are not recommended for sex education.

She says in our country, while there is nary limited sex education, people often familiarise themselves with sex by watching erotic films. She added, “We can no longer overlook the fact that representation in most porn movies is simply a choreographed performance that fails to address important aspects of real-life sex including consent, contraception, communication, after-care, protection and more.”

Here are eight reasons why porns is not the ideal reference for sex education.

Selling The Myth Of Orgasm Every Time

In most of the erotic films, everyone experiences orgasm every time they have sex. It is far from reality. Most importantly, these movies sell the idea that unless one climaxes, they haven’t had a pleasurable experience.

However, Singh says that the act of intimacy can be pleasurable even without orgasms. Climax is one among many outcomes of sex. A person might not orgasm, but they still would have enjoyed sex thoroughly.

Missing Contraceptives

Erotic films sell the concept of haphazard and rough sex with no contraceptives in sight. There are no conversations around condoms, pills or any other contraceptives to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases (STIs/ STDs) and unwanted pregnancies.

Having learnt about sex from adult films can increase the risks for pregnancy and STDs among youth and teenagers. There has to be a conversation between a couple about the preferred mode of contraception. For example, many women are extremely uncomfortable with using oral contraceptives pills.

Setting Unrealistic Body Standard

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In porn, all women are neatly dressed and have large breasts and tiny waists, playing a stereotypical view of an 'ideal' shape. They have impeccable bodies with no stretch marks or blemishes in sight.

Singh says everyone has a different body, shape, size of genitals, hair bumps, etc. These adult films are constantly setting unrealistic body images by promoting people with a certain colour, body type and genitals. If the movies are your recommendation for learning about sex, you would build an idea of a desirable body in your head.

Selling The Idea Of Perfect Sex

If you have ever seen an erotic film, they showcase people having impeccable sex from start to finish. However, Singh says that in reality sex is messy, sweaty and includes funky smells.

It is not as smooth as shown in the adult movies, without hiccups. In reality, a couple can expect some awkward moments, periods of rest, challenges and silences.

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Damaging Labels

Singh believes the labels that define these films are often sexist, homophobic and offensive to kids. The categorisation of these movies showcases the bias of society towards certain sections.

Showcasing Unreal Duration

Most erotic movies showcase a couple having sex for several minutes and sometimes hours. However, Singh says people must know that the duration has nothing to do with the quality and experience. There might be times when you would be able to stretch it for several minutes, and other times, you might need a break.

Lack Of Consent

Several adult films sell the idea that women throw themselves at men. "The narrative lacks consent," Singh added. There are many intimate practices in which a couple is involved, and these movies show that a person does not need the consent of their partner.

Singh believes that the topic of consent (Inculcating Consent Among Kids) must be discussed at an early stage. "Consent is absolutely important to be discussed in terms of sexual experiences," Singh added.

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Skewed Representation

Most adult films have white heterosexual couples. It promotes that only people of a certain race identifying with heterosexuality are normal, while others are not. These films are making it more difficult for society to accept people identifying with other sexualities and gender identities.

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