I didn't want to further hijack the thread where I made that statement. So I'm moving this discussion here.

So explain to me how they would be harmed? Obviously they aren't going to be physically harmed. Do you really believe that that someone, especially a 13 year old in western cultures, will be seriously scarred by being exposed to some graphic images of sex? What do you expect to happen? Will they become rapists, frigid, what?

I'm not advocating porn here. But I just find it hard to believe that the vast majority of people, of any age, will be seriously affected by seeing some porn. Until someone can convince me otherwise, I stand by my stated opinion above.

wizzkid89

Honestly, it's almost a right of passage in American culture, to see that material, especially in middle school. Which would be around 12-13. Again I am not advocating it, however it has become such a concrete part of society, mainly for men, that I couldn't think of a world without it. And to say that it might harm someone is just ignorant. Considering that generations before mine have been subjected to this stuff at an early age and there has not been an increase in rapists or people with sexual problems. I think it's just all malarky.

valinors_sorrow

I agree with Wizz to a point. But I dont think its tragic either, but I think what harm is done is that it can be viewed without appropriate context, which is something kids are lacking. And in that regard it makes a different kind of impression on them then it would say someone older who has, by exposure to lots of other stuff, had a chance for building context. Granted a wrong impression can get worked out over time and it may not be that difficult to do. But tests have shown that kids do not have the means to process lots of things that adults do nor do they process in the same way either and for that, I would limit exposure to any "adult" things. By limiting, LOL I would presume they'll get their hands on some of it anyway, God knows I did, heck, we all did!! So I think the harm would be measured more by volume than anything. Some is the imperative word.

wizzkid89

Great point val, definitely volume, for instance the porn cards litering Las Vegas is overkill.

bluerose

Maybe it's just different here in the UK. Hope I haven't caused any trouble here, ScottGem?

Curlyben

I'd like to throw an interesting fact into this thread.
OK its slightly off topic, but interesting none the less.

Did you all realise that over 75% of internet content is porn or porn related !?
It is a Multi BILLION Dollar industry.

Quite an eye opener really

Now I really must question the starting statement:
Now just what sites have they been on ?!
I know Googling "Cheats" can produce some iffy sites, but the use of tools such as AdBlocker in FireFox stops this kind of activity.

Remember Surf Safe and Always Wear a Tin Foil Hat.

valinors_sorrow

Actually Ben, I have had that happen more than once and at work too

You don't know its gonna be porn until you get to the page since nothing indicated that until you get there. But after all the emails from the "hot girls" and russian wives for sale or the close to pornographic erection enhancement ads, I eventually assumed no one at work would be accusing me of a porn addiction any time soon so it became like ... so what See, context is everything. But where are you getting tin Ben, will a kleenex box do instead???

bluerose

It is the more explicit stuff I was referring to. Some pictures once seen whether about sex or a serious traffic accident are very hard to un-see. I was quite young when I saw a young boy killed in a road accident on his bike, it affected me so much I couldn’t bring myself to buy my children bikes. Hope that explains a bit clearer what I meant about once seen you can’t un-see it.

I think they might laugh and giggle because that would be their reaction in front of someone but what does images like the more explicit sex scenes do to their psyche. It could make them afraid of sex. Am I just being silly here? Am I that out of touch? If so I will be very, very interested in where this topic goes because I have a 13 year old grandson living with me.

bluerose

"Now I really must question the starting statement:

Quote:
I have gone on the computer looking for cheats for Playstation games for my grandson, and I have to say that some of the 'porn' that 'accidentally' pops up...."

I use a good blocker now but I have got some trash in the past and sometimes stuff still gets through.

Curlyben

Blue, do you use any kind of spyware scanner on your machine such as Adaware or spybot ?

This help to remove "hooks" which are used my the pop up ad suppliers.
Blockers are only so good, if you've not scanned your system then time to do so.