THE DIGITAL DESIRE, REAL CONSEQUENCES: PORNOGRAPHY & SEXUAL ABUSE IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Google ranked Pakistan among the most pornographic searching content countries in the world. At same time, Pakistanis feel uncomfortable while discussing sex and pornography publicly considering this subject as a taboo. On other hand, there is an increase in cases of rape, child abuse, and sexual harassment in the country indicating an alarming threat. This study explores possible relationship between X-rated content consumption and its relation with sexual abuse cases in particular context. The theoretical framework of social learning theory (Bandura, 1977) & cultivation theory (Gerbner, 1969) was employed. Data for this qualitative study is collected through the interview guide method using instrument of semi-structured interviews. The research population comprises the rape convicts currently under jail term in District Jail of Kasur (n=20 convicts). Thematic analysis of the study reveals that the consumption of X-rated content at an early age stimulated the rape convicts to commit the rape. Other factors involved in committing rape are the socio-economic conditions and psychographics of rape convicts. The study recommends that the PTA should increase and ensure its filters with the strict checks upon the online traffic and trends of the search-on-search engines.