The unchecked proliferation of pornography has become a silent crisis, particularly for the youth of Pakistan. With its accessibility, affordability and anonymity, explicit content is infiltrating young minds, leaving a trail of emotional, psychological and societal devastation. The consequences are both personal and generational, threatening the moral and social fabric of a nation already grappling with numerous challenges.
Pakistan is no exception to the global surge in pornography consumption. Shockingly, the country ranks among the top nations for online access attempts to pornographic content, with 20 million daily attempts. Google data further confirms this trend, placing Pakistan among the most active countries searching for explicit material. Globally, 53% of teenagers have seen explicit content online, with 94% exposed by the age of 14.
Scientific research shows that frequent consumption of pornography can result in decreased brain volume. These neurological changes are linked to impaired decision-making, reduced impulse control and increased susceptibility to addiction. Young consumers often experience brain fog, irritability, depression and social anxiety. In a conservative community like Pakistan, the shame and guilt associated with watching such content only worsen these issues, creating a vicious cycle of secrecy and self-loathing. Similar to drugs, frequent exposure triggers the brain’s reward system, leading to dependency. This alters young people’s perceptions of intimacy and relationship, pushing them to seek more extreme content for the same level of gratification.
One of the biggest obstacles in addressing this issue is the generational gap in internet literacy. While children and teenagers are often more tech-savvy than their parents, many adults remain unaware of the games, apps, websites and social networks their children use. This supervision gap, coupled with the taboo surrounding conversations about sex and pornography, leaves young people vulnerable to online hazards.
Pakistan must confront this crisis by implementing awareness campaigns, comprehensive sex education, stricter content filters and age verification systems. The government and regulatory bodies must monitor and restrict access to explicit content. Given that Pakistan’s youth represent a significant portion of the population, it is essential to take collective action to break the silence and protect the nation’s future.
Ayesha Fatima
Lahore
