While sex trafficking and porn have both been defined as forms of sexual violence, rooted in a system of gender inequality, what is often overlooked is the way these two industries are culturally, technologically, and economically linked. In the first part of this session, the presenters will explore how porn acts as both a method of recruitment into trafficking, and a major driver of demand. They will provide examples of how social media platforms are fueling sexual exploitation and prostitution, from the exchange of sexual currency in live streams to the grooming and recruitment of young people into prostitution and sex trafficking. In the second part of the session, they will discuss how the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is greatly magnifying the quantity, scope, accessibility, and harms of pornography. They will discuss how traffickers use AI to target, recruit, exploit, and abuse victims, and how sextortion has become a gateway to trafficking. AI now makes it possible for any person of any age to easily create porn - and to be victimized by porn. There are thousands of easy-to-find nudifying apps and websites – that anyone is now a potential victim. And with a few keystrokes, any person can easily become a perpetrator. Finally, they will conclude with how Culture Reframed, through a public health approach, assists parents and professionals who work with young people in navigating the treacherous terrain of social media, pornography, AI, and trafficking.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dr. Gail Dines, Professor Emerita of Sociology, has been researching and writing about the porn industry for over thirty years. Her latest book, Pornland, has been translated into five languages. She is the founder and CEO of Culture Reframed, dedicated to stopping the harms of pornography to children and youth.
Dr. Mandy Sanchez has been educating about pornography and violence for over 20 years. She specializes in sexual violence and the intersectionality of gender, sexualities, place, and trauma. As the Director of Programming for Culture Reframed, she focuses on developing and ensuring comprehensive, impactful programming for parents and professionals.