Definition
Pornography is the portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purpose of sexual arousal. Pornography may be presented in a variety of media, including pictures, video and sound recording. The term applies to the depiction of sexual acts and often to the act itself. [1]

History
Depictions and narrations of a human sexual nature have existed since prehistoric times such as cave paintings, ancient frescos, woodcuttings, copper engravings, paintings and erotic literature. In some cases, these works were publicly accessible; in others they were hidden or only reserved for certain social classes, like aristocracy. [1] [HISTORY]

PorNO and PorYES
The porn industry is believed to bring in between $20 and $60 billion on a yearly basis. [2] [3] The biggest business is made over the internet. By means of videos showing explicit sexual content, pornography can be consumed fast and easily. Author Gary Wilson ("Your Brain on Porn", 2014) argues that this has devastating consequences for users [4] since modern pornography can be addictive and has negative consequences on the functioning of the human brain. [1]

Another point of criticism is the omnipresent violence against women in mainstream porn. The study "Aggression and sexual Behaviour in Pornography" (2006) [5] indicated physical forms of violence in 88.2% of investigated erotic movies and verbal forms of violence in 48%. In 94% of all cases, violence was against women. The scientists concluded that porn primarily addresses male sexual preferences while women who are depicted as victims of violence were demoted to sex objects. [1] [5]

The PorNo movement around Alice Schwartzer, Catharine MacKinnon and Andrea Dworkin rejects modern pornography because it provides a false impression of sexuality, demotes women to passive sex objects and promotes sexual violence. [1]

PorYes representatives like Laura Meritt and Erika Lust want to change pornography themselves and offer alternatives for current depictions. Erika Lust, for instance, has established her reputation as demanding director of alternative, humorous erotic movies. She produces images of sexuality beyond porn clichés where men and women meet each other mindfully. Thus, sexuality can be experienced in a sensual way for all participants. [1] [6] [7]

Basically, pornography is neither good nor bad. It rather depends on the consumed amount and in which way the content is reflected. Most porn can be compared with action movies since the actors are experts like stuntmen and women. Furthermore, behind the camera are many make-up artists and others who see to it that everything seems perfect in order to make as much profit as possible. Keeping this in mind, pornography can be used for one's own pleasure or source of inspiration.

Further Links:

TED Talks on the subject of pornography:
TEDxGlasgow - Gary Wilson - The Great Porn Experiment, 2012 (Video)
TEDxVienna - Erika Lust - It's Time for Porn to Change, 2014 (Video)

Erika Lust on the Internet:
ERIKA LUST (Website)
XCONFESSIONS BY YOU & ERIKA LUST (Website)

Petra Joy on the Internet:
PETRA JOY (Website)
Petra Joy, Interview, 2009 (YouTube)

Films on the subject of pornografy:
Don Jon, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 2013 (Trailer)
Zack and Miri make a Porno, Kevin Smith, 2008 (Trailer)