Gone are the days of poorly-produced, exploitative pornography. Thanks to advancements in technology, the porn industry is undergoing a major renaissance, offering consumers a higher tier of quality content and the opportunity to support sex workers directly. In this article, we’ll explore the exciting developments of the “porn renaissance,” as well as how you can play a role in supporting ethical and consensual forms of adult entertainment.

The Dark History of Pornography

It’s important to acknowledge that the modern porn industry did have its roots in a dark period of exploitation and abuse. However, in recent years, a new era of sex positivity, entrepreneurship, human rights, and sexual wellness has emerged, thanks in part to the rise of independent creators and platforms that prioritize consent and ethical practices.

A Brief History of Sex-Positivity

Sex-positivity, or the belief that all consensual sexual activity is healthy and positive, has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. Despite periods of religious oppression and patriarchy, there have always been individuals who fought for sexual liberation and the rights of all people to enjoy pleasure and agency. Here are just a few examples:

• Hypatia (350-415 AD): Greek philosopher and mathematician who was openly bisexual and fought against patriarchy and religious oppression.
• Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179): German abbess, writer, and composer who wrote about sexuality and the importance of sexual pleasure for all genders.
• Queen Nzinga (1583-1663): Leader of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms in Angola who fought against Portuguese colonizers and promoted resistance to patriarchy.
• Isadora of Seville (6th century AD): Spanish nun who wrote about sexual pleasure for all genders and advocated for women’s rights within the church.

The modern sex-positive movement gained momentum in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, thanks to the efforts of feminists like:

• Betty Dodson (1929-present): American sex educator and author who promotes sexual liberation and self-love.
• Anne Koedt (1928-2006): American feminist writer and activist who wrote about the importance of sexual liberation for women.
• Gayle Rubin (1949-present): American feminist theorist and activist who writes about gender, sexuality, and power.
• Ellen Willis (1941-2006): American feminist writer and activist who worked for sexual liberation and the rights of women to control their own bodies.

The Porn Renaissance: How Technology is Changing the Game

Thanks to the Internet and advancements in streaming technology, the porn industry is undergoing a major transformation. Consumers now have access to a wide variety of high-quality content from independent creators, as well as the option to support these creators directly through subscription-based or pay-per-view models.

In addition to providing consumers with a wider range of ethical and consensual options, the porn renaissance has also given rise to a new generation of entrepreneurs and sex workers who are using technology to take control of their own careers and brands.

Challenges and Limitations of the Porn Renaissance

While the porn renaissance has brought many positive changes to the industry, it is important to acknowledge that challenges and limitations remain. For example, content filters and age verification technologies have sparked controversy and debate around issues of privacy and censorship. In addition, the industry still has a long way to go in terms of ensuring that sex workers have safe and fair working conditions.

How You Can Support the Porn Renaissance

There are many ways you can support the porn renaissance and help to create a more ethical, consensual, and sex-positive industry. Here are a few suggestions:

• Support independent creators: Look for websites and platforms that showcase the work of independent producers, directors, and performers, and consider supporting them through subscription-based or pay-per-view models.
• Use your purchasing power: Choose to support companies and platforms that prioritize consent and ethical practices. Avoid supporting those that engage in exploitation or abuse.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn more about the porn industry and the issues it faces, and share this knowledge with your friends, family, and community.
• Get involved in activism: Join or support organizations that work to promote sexual liberation, consent, and the rights of sex workers.

By taking these steps, you can play a role in supporting the porn renaissance and creating a more sex-positive, consent-based industry.

In conclusion, the porn industry is undergoing a major transformation thanks to advancements in technology and a shift towards sex positivity and ethical practices. As consumers, we have the power to support independent creators and platforms that prioritize consent and fairness, and to create a more positive and consensual industry for all involved. By educating ourselves and getting involved in activism, we can play a role in shaping the future of pornography and promoting sexual liberation for all.

-Kintaro

If you feel your life is negatively impacted by internet pornography, I recommend visiting yourbrainonporn.com. On this website, you can find various studies and resources for exploring your situation and possible next steps.

As a whole, the effects of internet pornography are poorly understood. Currently, medical processionals, sex educators, and businesses with a vested stake in the industry are engaged in debates on the subject.

The inception of virtual reality only adds complication. Like many other aspects of our digital ecosystem, virtual reality technology and internet pornography are evolving faster than our ability to fully understand their impact.

With this in mind, my opinion is that choosing to engage in internet pornography and VR porn is a personal journey that should be taken with conscious intention and moderation. Like many other freedoms, it comes with an expectation of responsibility.

Exploring the current research on the topic can be a great way to develop your own strategy for self-assessment and healthy engagement. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. My personal opinion is that the above website is the best place to get started.

My Own Experience with VR Porn

In moderation, I personal found VR porn to be healthier for me than regular porn.

One of the primary criticisms of 2d porn, a.k.a. non-VR porn, is that it trains the viewer to engage in sexual experiences as an outside participant; to engage as a voyeur.

While VR porn can also offer voyeuristic experiences, I personally found myself gravitating towards the interactive experiences that simulated engaging with a consenting partner.

When consuming VR porn, I find myself regularly engaging in simulated eye contact with the virtual partner, even smiling while doing so. I also find the empathetic parts of my brain activating with the intention of providing the virtual partner with pleasure. While traditional 2d porn trained me to enjoy the models as distant pleasure objects, virtual reality porn trained me to enjoy the models as simulations of real partners.

While “storyline” in pornography has become a joke, I had a contrary experience with VR porn. To my surprise, VR allowed me to actually enjoy the slow build up of the dialogue as it slowly made its way to enthusiastic consent.

Of course, real experiences offer greater ROI than simulated experiences. But when comparing 2d porn against VR porn, I would say that simulated interpersonal experiences (VR) are healthier than simulated voyeuristic experiences (2d).

I do think that VR porn, when consumed in moderation, and with the correct intentions, can be an opportunity to explore simulated interpersonal experiences. Additionally, the right types of simulations can even promote healthy consent practices and empathy.

-Kintaro