Northern Ireland leads UK in online porn consumption rates

In May 2024, new research published by the communications regulator Ofcom revealed that adults in Northern Ireland had the highest online pornography consumption rates in the United Kingdom. The study, part of Ofcom's Online Nation report for 2024, indicated that over one third of Northern Ireland's adult population, approximately 430,000 individuals, visited pornographic content services during that period. This statistic raises concerns highlighted by a Northern Ireland Executive online safety strategy aimed at protecting young people from exposure to inappropriate online content. Moreover, the report noted that adults in Northern Ireland spent an average of four hours and 16 minutes daily online, predominantly using smartphones. This high level of internet engagement was also observed in other popular activities, including social media use. WhatsApp was identified as the most popular app, with over 90% of adults reporting regular usage, whereas Twitter, now known as X, ranked low among the top ten used apps, indicating shifting preferences in social media. In the broader context, the increase in online engagement raises significant implications about exposure to various media types, especially among younger demographics. Previous research has suggested that young females are more frequently exposed to potentially harmful online content, including requests for nude photos or unsolicited pornography. This is particularly concerning given the Ofcom report's indication that high numbers of individuals over the age of 13 witnessed harmful online interactions. The findings from the Ofcom report not only highlight behavioral trends among Northern Ireland's adult population but also signal a need for further discussions on online safety and education, particularly for young people. Building an effective strategy for managing online risks is crucial as digital habits continue to evolve and impact society's interaction with technology. The reliance on smartphones for accessing online content underscores the increasing importance of addressing digital literacy and safety instructions in educational settings.