Pornography shows sexual behavior in pictures, films, drawings or texts. People can use pornography to arouse themselves sexually. The focus is on sex. Feelings are usually not shown.
Pornography is now easily accessible to many people – for example on the internet. It's okay if you like and use pornography as long as it is not illegal pornography. Some people like pornography, others do not.
Pornography and sex in reality
The content of pornography can vary greatly. It is as diverse as people's sexual preferences.
The sex that is shown in the pornography, though, is often very different from reality. For example:
- Body parts: pornography sometimes shows people with unusually shaped bodies. Women, for example, often have very large breasts, and men very large penises. However, people with other body types are shown as well.
- Sexual practices: pornography can show sexual practices that few couples want to try themselves.
- Sexual behaviour: pornography often gives the impression that women and men can and want to have sex at any time, which, in fact, is not the case.
Reality is often very different from what pornography depicts. When you have sex, you can find out together with your partner what you both prefer.
Too much pornography
Watching pornography can become a problem. For example, if you look at pornography a lot and feel that you have lost control and are suffering from it. If this has happened to you, you can seek advice by your general practitioner or via the public health centre and school health services.
Pornography and the law
In Norway it is generally permitted to produce, distribute and watch or look at pornography. Pornography that is offensive or degrading, for example involving corpses, animals, violence or duress is prohibited. It is also illegal to produce, own, distribute or watch pictures or video sexualising children younger than 18 years of age (child pornography).
