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Adult entertainment is sexually-dominated entertainment that is thought to not be suitable for children. The sex industry is made up of commercial organizations who employ sex workers to provide such entertainment. There are a variety of different types of adult entertainment appealing to different audiences. Males are the largest consumer group.
The industry is a significant part of many economies and demand within the industry is a major factor for technological advancements in visual mediums. The adult industry generates approximately $10 billion annually. [1]
Breakdown of adult industry sales in 2006: Video sales, rentals
Internet
Exotic dance clubs
Cable/pay-per-view TV
Novelties
Magazines
Mobile
Total: |
$3.6 billion
$2.8 billion
$2.0 billion
$1.8 billion
$1.7 billion
$950 million
$39 million
$12.9 billion |
Source: AVN Online [1]
Overall sales and rentals of X-rated DVDs have dropped 15% in 2006 because video and photos on the Internet - much of it created by amateurs - are available at a fraction of the cost or for free. PornoTube.com and YouPorn.com send user-generated adult content straight to the PCs, cellphones and Internet-connected TVs of consumers. Internet-based adult sales, by contrast, grew 14%, to $2.8 billion in 2006. [1]
Internet Adult Industry sales (2005, 2006):
Video sales, rentals
Internet |
$4.3 billion, $3.6 billion
$2.5 billion, $2.8 billion |
Source: AVN Online [1]
Religious beliefs and cultural traditions have contributed to moral disapproval of adult entertainment - that is is 'immoral' and 'sinful'. Some people (in particular, feminists) also see adult entertainment as promoting sexual objectification, harm and degradation to women. Censorship, regulation and free speech are significant issues affecting this industry.
In many parts of the world, however, society is starting to approve or at least accept adult entertainment. Those who support the industry say work conditions can be protected by legal and social acceptance of the industry. Supporters also say that adult entertainment is educational, natural and feminist and the sex industry is simply meeting consumer demand. [2]
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Editor: Karene Jade Howie
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