Sex scientists are accused of ‘normalising’ porn in 10,000-strong survey of people’s most private habits
- Porn will be treated as ‘neutrally’ as any other sexual activity in a national survey
- But concerns have been raised that this risks normalising a ‘harmful activity’
Sex scientists have been accused of ‘normalising’ porn for the way they intend to ask the public about it in a survey of our most private habits.
Researchers from University College London are dedicating a whole section to porn in the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal), carried out every decade.
After being lobbied on the ‘importance of treating porn neutrally as another sexual activity’, the Natsal team agreed. Respondents will be asked if they think using porn has a positive or negative impact on their sex lives, but not about how it might affect their relationships.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of campaign group Christian Concern, said: ‘I am deeply concerned that in treating porn “neutrally”, this survey risks normalising what is a harmful activity. Using pornography is not a “neutral” act – and it doesn’t just affect one person.
‘It affects the user’s relationship with their partner, with family, as well as affecting the individual’s own mental wellbeing.’
Researchers have been accused of ‘normalising’ porn in a national survey focused on attitudes towards sex (file image)
Last week, a report from Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza discovered half of children have been exposed to porn by the age of 13, which she said is ‘deeply concerning’.
In the new survey 10,000 people will be asked more than 600 questions. Respondents will be able to use a computer to answer the most sensitive questions.