Exposing pornography's true nature: A conceptual framework

This article challenges the consumer-centric view of pornography, which overlooks the exploitation and abuse of individuals documented in its production. The lack of conceptual clarity surrounding the nature of pornography obscures these abuses, leading to significant consequences for those affected. To address this, a conceptual framework is proposed—rooted in the lived experiences of individuals documented in pornography, informed by feminist scholarship, and grounded in the principle that technology-facilitated sexual violence is equivalent to its offline counterparts. The framework begins by asking the critical question, “What is the nature of the act that has occurred?” before examining the implications of its documentation and dissemination as pornography. Understanding the nature of the act, alongside its documentation and dissemination, is crucial for establishing the realities of pornography, exposing exploitation and abuse, correcting public perceptions, and informing policy and legal reform. By exposing the underlying nature and consequences of pornography, this framework aims to transform public discourse and drive the development of robust protection and support systems for those directly harmed by pornography. • Consumer biases in understanding pornography conceal exploitation • Conceptual framework exposes the true nature of acts in pornography. • Incorporates the lived experiences of those documented in pornography • Equates technology-facilitated sexual violence with offline forms • Provides guidance for enhanced legal, policy, and support responses