Categorizing Internet Pornography: A Cognitive Anthropological Approach

The primary objective of this research is to uncover the cognitive schemes and cultural models that explain the principles behind the categorization of pornographic video clips on the internet. The study seeks to provide insights into the cultural thought that informs the interpretation of internet pornography by both its authors and its users. To achieve this, a rigorous methodological approach has been adopted, drawing upon established anthropological tools. Specifically, the research employs ethno-taxonomic analysis, a method used to understand how cultural groups classify and organize their world, and D'Andrade's folk model of the mind, which explores the underlying conceptual structures of individuals and groups. These methods are crucial for dissecting the complex ways in which categories are formed and understood within the context of online pornography. The dissertation recognizes that the organization of categories on web sites is not always straightforward and often requires inferring interrelations between them, moving beyond simple hierarchical structures.

The study also examines the behavior of internet pornography users and their approach to categorization. Users tend to partition the online space into larger segments, within which they then identify specific preferences. This segmentation strategy allows for a more manageable exploration of content. A key aspect of user perception is the relationship between the realistic and the spectacular. Most users perceive pornographic clips as staged fiction, where actors participate for personal gain. This perception indicates a sophisticated level of user competence and a critical engagement with the content. Furthermore, this understanding of the content as artificial allows users to define, justify, and situate their own sexual perceptions within socially acceptable frameworks. The assertion that "no animal was harmed during the making of this movie" serves as a proxy for the perceived harmlessness of virtual activities, mirroring a broader societal belief that online behavior is inherently legitimate due to its virtual nature. This leads to evaluation parameters that often prioritize aesthetic elements and perceived physical safety, with the underlying understanding that all such experiences have a transactional component.

This dissertation posits that internet pornography is not an entirely new phenomenon but rather a consistent continuation of the historical trajectory of pornography. The behaviors exhibited and the ways in which content is consumed and categorized online are seen as side effects of the broader cultural environment from which the user groups emerge. The historical evolution of pornography, from its early forms to its digital manifestations, reflects changing societal attitudes, technological advancements, and evolving modes of sexual expression. The internet has amplified and transformed these trends, making pornography more accessible and diverse. However, the underlying motivations and interpretations, as explored through a cognitive anthropological lens, reveal continuities with historical patterns of sexual representation and consumption. The study suggests that understanding the cultural context of internet pornography is key to understanding its place within the broader history of human sexuality and media.