Kolkata Rape and Murder Highlights Rising Porn Access Impact in India

A brutal rape and murder case in Kolkata has ignited widespread protests across India and in other countries, highlighting the alarming rise in sexual violence. In 2018, a rape was reported every 15 minutes in India, indicating a severe crisis. Experts, including Booyens, argue that the increasing accessibility of pornography on smartphones is contributing to this epidemic, likening its effects to those of addictive drugs. The normalization of violent imagery in pornography is believed to desensitize individuals and escalate aggressive behaviors. Despite the growing concern over sexual abuse, the issue of pornography addiction remains largely overlooked in India's public health discussions. A report in the National Medical Journal of India emphasizes the need for mental health professionals to address this addiction, which has been largely ignored. The report suggests that the consumption of pornography is linked to the rising rates of sexual violence, particularly against children, with child rape cases increasing by 96% from 2016 to 2022. India's rapid economic growth and the proliferation of smartphones, projected to exceed 1.08 billion users by 2024, are expected to further exacerbate the issue. The interplay of psychological factors such as need and desire drives the consumption of pornography, which is seen as a gateway to more severe forms of exploitation, including human trafficking. The situation poses a significant challenge for families and society as a whole, necessitating urgent conversations about the implications of pornography on social conduct. The devastating impact of the Kolkata case on the victim's family underscores the urgent need for societal change. As protests continue, there is a growing call for a comprehensive approach to tackle the intertwined issues of sexual violence and pornography addiction in India, aiming to restore the social fabric and protect vulnerable populations.