This is more of a 2 part question. Should child porn that does not include a real child be illegal? If so, who is being harmed by it?

The other question is; does giving a pedophile access to “imitation” children give them an outlet for their desire, so they won’t try to engage with real children, or does it just reinforce their desire, thus helping them to rationalize their behavior and lead to them being more encouraged to harm real children?

I’ve heard psychologists discuss both sides, but I don’t think we have any real life studies to go off of because the technology is so new.

I’m just curious what the other thought out there are from people who are more liberty minded.

  • El Barto@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Gosh, I can’t believe I’m typing this, because I find the topic of child abuse horrendous, heinous and disgusting.

    But I don’t think your argument against it is enough. There are couples who consensually roleplay stuff like rape, murder, necrophilia, sex slavery… aren’t we encouraging these behaviors if we allow them too?

    And I don’t want to think of the things people do to sex dolls, which are perfectly legal to own, in their privacy of their own homes.

    The AI part, I can agree if said AI was trained with actual illegal material (yuck!)

    But banning dolls? There has to be a better argument than “because it’s morally wrong.”

    Again, I reject child abuse 100%.

    Now, if you excuse me, I’ll go take a shower.

    • PropaGandalf@lemmy.worldMEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I totally agree with you. I don’t even want to know what people do in their private spaces. But if the training of an AI or anything similar caused real harm it should be strictly prosecuted even more if it comes to abusing children.

      Nevertheless, I cannot support a ban that is based on personal attitudes and emotions and imposed on others. There are opinions and actions that I deeply detest and yet would not condemn as long as no one is harmed in any way in the process.

    • HappycamperNZ@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I feel disgusting sounding like I’m protecting them, but the fact is its not a choice, only acting upon it is and many dont. Give them an out that doesn’t harm others, that stops them seeking elsewhere, and make sure they have a way to get help to change.