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Utah No. 1 in online porn subscriptions, report says
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Way to go Utah! | 5:45 p.m. March 2, 2009
#1 Yeah!
GeeBee | 5:48 p.m. March 2, 2009
Hypocrisy and sexual oppression...nah, not in Utah.
Based on | 5:50 p.m. March 2, 2009
Growing up in Utah this is not a surprise. Not at all.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 5:53 p.m. March 2, 2009
The top two uses of internet are family history and porn. Satan isn't
going to miss out of his share of the pie. Not surprising though, I've
been active LDS my whole life and grew up in Utah. I now live in California and
would never move back to Utah. I always heard the Church was better outside of
Utah, not nearly as many hypocrites and guess what, it's true.
Yeah right | 5:53 p.m. March 2, 2009
and the earth is getting warmer as well.
Hero of Canton | 5:55 p.m. March 2, 2009
I don't know why anyone would be shocked by this. You can't buy porn
very easily in this state and it does not abound on the billboards or
ad's.
I AM shocked that Provo/Orem doesn't figure higher on there though.
I AM shocked that Provo/Orem doesn't figure higher on there though.
Take that Buttars | 5:57 p.m. March 2, 2009
Pornography is the biggest threat to America, not gay people committing to each
other. Apparently, Utah is proving this true. I hope Buttars is listening.
Well.... | 6:00 p.m. March 2, 2009
at least we counteract the problem by doing a lot of geneology too, on the
Internet.......LOL!!
Easy | 6:07 p.m. March 2, 2009
Anonymous: kind of harsh there--I don't think Cali is angelic either and
it's impossible to say what exactly Mormons are doing in each respective
state.
I quote:
"Subscriptions are slightly more prevalent in states that have enacted conservative legislation on sexuality"
Food for thought for our conservative political base here in Utah. Rep. Buttars' comments and others like them are alarming.
I quote:
"Subscriptions are slightly more prevalent in states that have enacted conservative legislation on sexuality"
Food for thought for our conservative political base here in Utah. Rep. Buttars' comments and others like them are alarming.
I guess.... | 6:10 p.m. March 2, 2009
Big Brother is watching so quit doing it Utahns and concentrate on Family
History like you are supposed to.......LOL!!
Biased | 6:13 p.m. March 2, 2009
The findings are skewed to "prove" this pollsters biases: that
conservative legislation on sexuality is wrong, that defense of marriage
amendments are harmful, and that those who have faith in God are hypocrits. And,
based on the first four comments, it's evident that there are a number of
people who would like to have somebody "substantiate" their negative
views of conservatives/Utahns. It's from Harvard, so of course it's
correct, huh?
Roberta | 6:17 p.m. March 2, 2009
Its all INHERITED in Utah blood. You can take the polygamy away from the
Mormons, but you cannot take the girlie thing out of their minds, for it is
deeply embedded into their culture. The Mormon men all have hopeful futures for
the hereafter. And a PORN magazine just gets them that more excited.
Workinglate | 6:24 p.m. March 2, 2009
it must be all the non-Mormons...
Just kidding - better say that before the white powder gets added to my US Mail.
Just kidding - better say that before the white powder gets added to my US Mail.
Ha Ha! | 6:29 p.m. March 2, 2009
Way to go Utah. You people there are female hungry!
Buy porn? | 6:31 p.m. March 2, 2009
Maybe people in Utah are too dumb figure out how to find free porn.
Either way...
We're #1, we're #1!
Either way...
We're #1, we're #1!
Ditto on Canton | 6:32 p.m. March 2, 2009
Please....you can't pin all of that on hypocritical Mormons. With
infinitely fewer adult stores and triple XXX bars in Utah than other states, the
internet's practically the only place for people to get that trash.
This study is flawed.
This study is flawed.
Anonymous | 6:36 p.m. March 2, 2009
ONLY IN UTAH! and it figures!
Sweet! | 6:41 p.m. March 2, 2009
Go Utah! When will the high rate of porn users turn into a voting bloc? Some of
the High and Mighty laws that Utah has need to go.
utah mormon defender | 6:45 p.m. March 2, 2009
Dang....looks like Non-Mormons AND now other Mormons are just waiting for
anything so they can jump on Utah members of the Church and brand them as
hypocrites. We're all hypocrites at some point people....
People in Utah who want porn pretty much have to use the internet. There's infintely fewer adult stores and strip clubs in Utah, compared to other parts of the country.
This study doesn't mean much to me.
People in Utah who want porn pretty much have to use the internet. There's infintely fewer adult stores and strip clubs in Utah, compared to other parts of the country.
This study doesn't mean much to me.
Matt Connelly | 6:47 p.m. March 2, 2009
A previous comment said, "I'm shocked that Utah County didn't
show up as a higher consumer of porn." I'm not shocked at all. I went
to school at BYU and the vast majority of people I studied with were good kids
and lived their lives according to their values. Now of course some didn't.
But there's a ton of good kids in Provo and people need to give credit
where credit is due.
RE: Anonymous | 6:48 p.m. March 2, 2009
I also lived in Utah most of my life as an LDS. I also live in California now. I
also lived outside of the country for a few years. I find it quite short sighted
to say that Utah members are hypocritical. People are paople and are not
perfect.
Since the membership percentage in Utah is much higher than anywhere else, there are probably more member who fall from the standards, but it is not because they are more hypocritical than any other states members. It is becuase you hear more about them because because paople in Utah are expected to be more perfect than anywhere else.
I have an Idea!!! Why don't we all just worry about our own actions, and NOT everyone elses, just so we can point the finger at them.
Since the membership percentage in Utah is much higher than anywhere else, there are probably more member who fall from the standards, but it is not because they are more hypocritical than any other states members. It is becuase you hear more about them because because paople in Utah are expected to be more perfect than anywhere else.
I have an Idea!!! Why don't we all just worry about our own actions, and NOT everyone elses, just so we can point the finger at them.
LDS? | 6:52 p.m. March 2, 2009
I'm a little curious about the comment of the Church being better outside
of Utah. I think the biggest difference is that in Utah, you live next members.
Your neighbors down the street are members. Most people you run into are
members.
I grew up in Texas and didn't know who was and who was not LDS. Much of my family now lives in CA and I can't assume that someone is or is not LDS.
I grew up in Texas and didn't know who was and who was not LDS. Much of my family now lives in CA and I can't assume that someone is or is not LDS.
Responsible, concerned Citizen | 6:53 p.m. March 2, 2009
Hey Deseret-news,
"No. 1 in ONLINE porn subscriptions" IS NOT "No. 1 in porn subscriptions"!
Learn to report the news and not try to make it. Change the headline!
"No. 1 in ONLINE porn subscriptions" IS NOT "No. 1 in porn subscriptions"!
Learn to report the news and not try to make it. Change the headline!
THEeyepatch | 6:53 p.m. March 2, 2009
Just proof that we have some sexually repressed people around us. Porn is a
disease kind of like a drug and all drugs are and have been a danger to this
country for years. It's not some foreigner selling this junk, but your next
door neighbor, family member, elected public officals. The internet makes it
impossible to stop. I'm sure that alot of it comes from Eastern European
countries and/or the former Soviet Union. But that's the problem with this
country. We want everything and we want it now. No matter how vulgar or
addictive it is. We are the biggest consumers of junk. "In God we
trust." should be changed to "Gimme some more." Well, if you find
yourself on a porn website either on accident or on purpose remember "In
God I trust."
Hmm... | 6:59 p.m. March 2, 2009
I guess the Latter-day Saints have felt that the prophets' counsel on
avoiding pornography was intended for everyone else...
@ Biased | 7:00 p.m. March 2, 2009
On what, other than your dislike of the results, do you base your comment that
the findings are "skewed?"
Jared | 7:02 p.m. March 2, 2009
Hero of Canton is right (he just reiterated what part of the article said). It
is a lot harder to buy pornographic magazines in Utah than most other places
which means that the internet is more important for accessing it. Also, just
because the subscription rates are higher in Utah doesn't mean that
consumption is higher (maybe people access more free pornography elsewhere).
Additionally, higher rates does not mean it is LDS Church members who are doing
the majority of the consumption - they could be but you can't assume that.
Of course some LDS members do have problems with pornography but you cannot say
that these higher rates are the result of LDS consumers.
Oh oh - Legislature? | 7:02 p.m. March 2, 2009
What law are you going to come up with & pass to keep us safe from
ourselves?
We are depending on you good folks up there.
We are depending on you good folks up there.
Privacy | 7:06 p.m. March 2, 2009
Most people like sex, and since sex is considered bad and evil in Utah, Utahns
get their fix on the "privacy" of their computers.
I am happy we have a poster playing the persecution card. That is also very Utah.
I am happy we have a poster playing the persecution card. That is also very Utah.
Pitiful | 7:13 p.m. March 2, 2009
What a pitiful comment, Roberta. You most be a very sad, lonely, angry
person.
It's interesting that the professor used the reasoning that he did. Why does he assume it is because of belief in God or defense of marriage? Maybe it's true of Utah because of increased skiing or consumption of jello. I always question results when the author's need to draw specific conclusions is so transparent.
It's interesting that the professor used the reasoning that he did. Why does he assume it is because of belief in God or defense of marriage? Maybe it's true of Utah because of increased skiing or consumption of jello. I always question results when the author's need to draw specific conclusions is so transparent.
David | 7:14 p.m. March 2, 2009
This is an absolute embarrassment. We need to be absolutely ashamed. It is
time for a serious call for repentance on behalf of leaders of all Churches in
the area. We are a community - and need to act like it. We like to think that
our sin is our business - but it doesn't work that way.
Demographics | 7:15 p.m. March 2, 2009
Wow, are people really believing this crap. At least your number #1 in something
Utah. I have no idea why people are even surprised. Just think about it for a
second. With any statistic it is all in how the study is done. Put some things
into play: Utah
(1)has the highest number of computer users per capita,
(2)has the largest youth base, and
(3)has the least access to porn.
These factors should have influenced the statistic more than Utah is a conservative state, god believing people. I'm suprised that it wasn't higher.
Men are men and men and men look at porn. I really doubt they look at it more among Mormons and conservatives.
(1)has the highest number of computer users per capita,
(2)has the largest youth base, and
(3)has the least access to porn.
These factors should have influenced the statistic more than Utah is a conservative state, god believing people. I'm suprised that it wasn't higher.
Men are men and men and men look at porn. I really doubt they look at it more among Mormons and conservatives.
mark | 7:16 p.m. March 2, 2009
Utah kinkier than a cheap garden hose.
The NEW UT license plate
The NEW UT license plate
Dixie Dan | 7:21 p.m. March 2, 2009
When you can't drink, smoke or gamble, what else can you do with all that
pent up energy?
Stan | 7:24 p.m. March 2, 2009
Hey Roberta! Don't count me in your lowlife loathsome group of men, or as
one who covets more women or trash magazines! I believe in ONE WIFE, NO
PORNOGRAPHY and absolutely NO POLYGAMY! Not all men are perverted as you may
think.
Flawed?? | 7:35 p.m. March 2, 2009
How is the study flawed or biased? It shows that, per 1000 people with
broadband access, Utahns buy more porn. That is a fact, at least insofar as the
dataset can be generalized. It does not prove anybody's
"point".
I've lived in Utah for the past 21 years, and much of the speculation here... that porn may be more enticing because it's "forbidden", or because there is less of an opportunity to visit sexually-oriented businesses locally... sounds reasonable to me. And yes, I think it can only lead to the conclusion that Utahns tend to be a bit hypocritical when it comes to sex, which (to me) seems like a probable side-effect of the pervasive and misguided "I can be perfect if I just try a little harder" attitude many Mormons tend to exhibit and, in too many cases, preach. Such an unhealthy attitude not only reinforces negativity when a person fails again and again to live up to their own expectations, but it leads IMO to chronic depression as well. (See also how Utah rates on per capita prescriptions for anti-depressants.)
I've lived in Utah for the past 21 years, and much of the speculation here... that porn may be more enticing because it's "forbidden", or because there is less of an opportunity to visit sexually-oriented businesses locally... sounds reasonable to me. And yes, I think it can only lead to the conclusion that Utahns tend to be a bit hypocritical when it comes to sex, which (to me) seems like a probable side-effect of the pervasive and misguided "I can be perfect if I just try a little harder" attitude many Mormons tend to exhibit and, in too many cases, preach. Such an unhealthy attitude not only reinforces negativity when a person fails again and again to live up to their own expectations, but it leads IMO to chronic depression as well. (See also how Utah rates on per capita prescriptions for anti-depressants.)
Re: @biased, flawed? | 8:30 p.m. March 2, 2009
skewed: to take an oblique course or direction.
The author admits to adjusting his data. If the findings are so close, that is a red flag to me. I am troubled by paragraph 5 where he intimates that there is a direct correlation to conservative legislation on sexuality/marriage and faith in God to porn use. Another brilliant professor could have said that Utahns consume 11% more popsicles and jello and that is the reason for porn use. You have to show proof of a direct correlation before you start offering your own conclusions people.
The author admits to adjusting his data. If the findings are so close, that is a red flag to me. I am troubled by paragraph 5 where he intimates that there is a direct correlation to conservative legislation on sexuality/marriage and faith in God to porn use. Another brilliant professor could have said that Utahns consume 11% more popsicles and jello and that is the reason for porn use. You have to show proof of a direct correlation before you start offering your own conclusions people.
Shameful | 8:36 p.m. March 2, 2009
This is very sad indeed.
A published article? | 8:56 p.m. March 2, 2009
A statistics class would tear this article apart. This is not science--it's
a Harvard professor's opinion based on how he wants to interpret the data
that he has chosen to include and that he has adjusted.
l | 9:21 p.m. March 2, 2009
According to his article, which provides more details than you'll find in
the newspaper article about his article, online porn accounts for 22% of all
porn sales. So overall, where do we fit in?
Look at The Zip Codes | 9:25 p.m. March 2, 2009
If you take a look at the Zip codes that were highest you'll notice that
most of them are where LDS population is low Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County
and particularly San Juan county @ 38%.
Not to say that the LDS population could not do better.
Not to say that the LDS population could not do better.
John Charity Spring | 9:31 p.m. March 2, 2009
The Internet has been taken over by those who have made it a tool of the devil.
If our society is to atop this degeneration, we must return to the old fashioned
values that made this Country great: morality, modesty, chastity, and respect
for others.
SteveS | 9:41 p.m. March 2, 2009
A published article?: 1) Don't you think a _Harvard_ statistician knows
what he's doing before publishing a paper with his name, and his
institution's name on it, especially on a hot-button topic like this is? 2)
I agree that correlation does not imply causation, but the fact remains that
Utahns are _paying_ for porn at a higher rate per capita than any other state in
the nation. Not just viewing all the loads of free stuff out there. _PAYING_ for
it. Regardless of whether the payment of online porn is higher in
"red" or "blue" states, the state with the highest LDS
population is also the highest for paying for porn online. No statistics class
can tear that data apart.
l | 9:57 p.m. March 2, 2009
I don't find anywhere in the article that he tells us how statistically
significantly different the states are from each other. No matter how good his
data is, if he doesn't report statistical significance, the reader should
wonder what he's hiding.
Mountain Out Of A Molehill | 10:15 p.m. March 2, 2009
The study also found "that subscriptions are more prevalent in regions with
higher measures of social capital."
Apparently those who donate blood, engage in volunteer activities, or participate in community projects are also more prone to view pornography.
Apparently those who donate blood, engage in volunteer activities, or participate in community projects are also more prone to view pornography.
re: Look at The Zip Codes | 10:19 p.m. March 2, 2009
Wow, I just checked those ZIP CODES out. I think they belong to border towns of
Colorado City AZ/UT.
Re: SteveS | 10:20 p.m. March 2, 2009
Au contraire Steve.
The "fact" is not that "Utahns are _paying_ for porn at a higher rate per capita than any other state in the nation."
The study didn't look at X-rated movie viewing, porn magazines, or a multitude of other ways people pay for porn.
"No statistics class can tear that data apart"?...Hardly.
The "fact" is not that "Utahns are _paying_ for porn at a higher rate per capita than any other state in the nation."
The study didn't look at X-rated movie viewing, porn magazines, or a multitude of other ways people pay for porn.
"No statistics class can tear that data apart"?...Hardly.
l | 10:22 p.m. March 2, 2009
RE SteveS,
In addition to lacking verifiable statistics and in spite of the fact that he works at Harvard, his list of references is suspect. For good scholarly journal articles, the majority of citations are other scholarly journal articles. In this case, he included only one scholarly journal article out of the 27 references he cites. That reference, at 13 years old (a lifetime when it comes to the internet) is the second oldest reference in the list, after an almost 50 year old book. Most citations are 2003 to present, so while up to date, they are mainly from newspapers, industry magazines, and books, none of which have to meet any kind of scientific standard in order to be published (think of the last book or magazine you read and how much of it was likely accurate). He cites three of his own personal blog postings and one of a former classmate's unpublished articles as well.
newspapers/magazines 9
books 7
own blog 3
commercial stats organizations 3
congressional reports 2
governmental stats 1
classmate's unpublished article 1
scholarly journal article 1
The real question is who was the reviewer that let this article through?
In addition to lacking verifiable statistics and in spite of the fact that he works at Harvard, his list of references is suspect. For good scholarly journal articles, the majority of citations are other scholarly journal articles. In this case, he included only one scholarly journal article out of the 27 references he cites. That reference, at 13 years old (a lifetime when it comes to the internet) is the second oldest reference in the list, after an almost 50 year old book. Most citations are 2003 to present, so while up to date, they are mainly from newspapers, industry magazines, and books, none of which have to meet any kind of scientific standard in order to be published (think of the last book or magazine you read and how much of it was likely accurate). He cites three of his own personal blog postings and one of a former classmate's unpublished articles as well.
newspapers/magazines 9
books 7
own blog 3
commercial stats organizations 3
congressional reports 2
governmental stats 1
classmate's unpublished article 1
scholarly journal article 1
The real question is who was the reviewer that let this article through?
l | 10:48 p.m. March 2, 2009
lol, SteveS, it's been awhile since you've had a statistics class, I
guess...I guarantee any beginning statistics student, given access to the data
could manipulate it to say whatever they want. Even if the numbers are totally
accurate, there's not much you can infer from the data without looking at
more data. The conclusion of every article is always 'more research is
needed.' Okay, so the state with the highest population of LDS pays for
the most porn online. But who is paying for it? Is it active members, inactive
members, former members, or those who have never been LDS? Are they people who
would normally purchase retail, as Edelman admits, but can't because retail
availability is more limited here? What are overall porn sales per capita here,
not just online sales?
What does the data tell us? Nothing. Is it important to look into more? You bet it is.
What does the data tell us? Nothing. Is it important to look into more? You bet it is.
Know your spouse and children. | 12:08 a.m. March 3, 2009
I know my husband and know that Porn is not his thing, and that is visa versa.
I remember a Stake President once telling wives to not let their husbands be on
the internet in a private room. And how many hundreds of times did I hear that
children should not have computers in their bedrooms. I have a former boss who
is in a bishopric and works for the church, he does not use the internet, he has
his wife do that for him. He never said really why, but I believe it was his
way of staying away from something he was not sure he could be strong about.
You know if you tend to like substance abuse, you stay out of bars.
My husband and I are addicted to sweets, today at a store we walked by a counter of all kinds of candy, we both stopped and looked, it was pretty pathetic. Sweets are our porn and we need to learn to not be a slave to that, as do those who are weak when it comes to porn.
My husband and I are addicted to sweets, today at a store we walked by a counter of all kinds of candy, we both stopped and looked, it was pretty pathetic. Sweets are our porn and we need to learn to not be a slave to that, as do those who are weak when it comes to porn.
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