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Utah No. 1 in online porn subscriptions, report says
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Yeah | 9:14 a.m. March 3, 2009
#1 baby, congratulations. Can't wait to hear people at work say.
"aren't you from Utah"
RE: Spin | 9:14 a.m. March 3, 2009
Nobody is saying that there aren't mormons who look at porn...what we are
saying is that based on the conclusions of this study it is not right to make a
blanket statement about Utahns and mormons in general being hypocritical and
porn addicts.
State of liars | 9:15 a.m. March 3, 2009
Utah is also the denial state. You people deny anything and everything that
doesn't suit you. And It wouldn't matter if the truth hit you square
between the eyes, you would still tell lies and find a place to hide. Your porn
problems are just another thing to cover up.
Comments continue below
re: LDS Living in CA | 9:16 a.m. March 3, 2009
Not all Utah Mormons take the Church for granted. I moved from Utah years ago
and have since moved back to Utah. I've experienced good and bad Mormons
both in and out of Utah. So rather than being judgemental (since we are taught
not to judge others) how about showing a little more compassion for your fellow
members, some of which are obviously struggling. Criticism directed to those
you call brother and sister is not helpful.
K9 | 9:18 a.m. March 3, 2009
FYI, we have tried a number of web filtering services (Net Nanny, McAfee
Privacy, etc.) and have been disappointed (teenagers found ways around them, or
they locked up and caused problems, etc.) until we found K9 by Blue Coat.
It works INCREDIBLY well, and it's TOTALLY FREE. It works in a different way than the others do, it's faster, stays more current, gives much more control, and even time-of-day restrictions. And it allows you to block any of dozens of categories in addition to porn--alcohol, gambling, even chat rooms.
One other suggestion... set up an administrative password and have MOM be the only one who knows what it is! Don't even let Dad know, he's often the one secretly giving into temptation!
It works INCREDIBLY well, and it's TOTALLY FREE. It works in a different way than the others do, it's faster, stays more current, gives much more control, and even time-of-day restrictions. And it allows you to block any of dozens of categories in addition to porn--alcohol, gambling, even chat rooms.
One other suggestion... set up an administrative password and have MOM be the only one who knows what it is! Don't even let Dad know, he's often the one secretly giving into temptation!
David O | 9:18 a.m. March 3, 2009
Certain morality police will now have more excuses to ignore their other home
schooled children to combat this #1 rating.
elliott | 9:22 a.m. March 3, 2009
Don't kill the messanger, you hipocrit, porn consumers. Next time you judge
someone or proclaim your sanctity just try to remember religion can only satisfy
spiritual needs.
Anonymous | 9:22 a.m. March 3, 2009
John Charity Spring | 9:31 p.m. March 2, 2009
>>we must return to the old fashioned values that made this Country great: morality, modesty, chastity, and respect for others.<<<
Lets just forget Life, Liberty, & the pursuit of happiness no matter how sleazy.
>>we must return to the old fashioned values that made this Country great: morality, modesty, chastity, and respect for others.<<<
Lets just forget Life, Liberty, & the pursuit of happiness no matter how sleazy.
PDX | 9:22 a.m. March 3, 2009
Is anyone challenging the results of this study? I have a funny feeling that
this Harvard econ guy has something against Utah and that he openly supported
Prop 8.
Fredd | 9:23 a.m. March 3, 2009
If SLC is so non-Mormon, will you tell your state legislators to stay out of the
liquor regulating business in SLC?
k9 | 9:24 a.m. March 3, 2009
Those of you who codemn this article by disecting the statistics by population
or zip code are just fooling yourselves !! I have lived in St.George Utah for 14
years and I am proud to say I do not have L.D.S which is a disease of the mind.
I have not lived in a town where hypocracy has ran so rampant in my life. The
state run liquor stores are in no jepardy of closing soon. I go to Mesquite
Neveda to enjoy myself, listening to live bands having a drink and yes gambling
but, always in moderation as for the L.D.S. people I have overheard casino
employees ask more than once "I thought mormons are not allowed to drink
and gamble" the answer is "Oh it's okay sometimes" and
usually they are not just drinking, they are drunk. I have witnessed this many
times and it's not just a few stray lambs it's staunch crowd of people
that go to church every Sunday and are deeply involved in the L.D.S. church I
know them personnaly and they try to convert me. Explain this to me.
Charlie from NYC | 9:25 a.m. March 3, 2009
1.) People from Utah always end up in studies as the healthist Americans so all
those healthy arteries are looking for action!
2.) The study didn't differentiate between straight and gay porn. Humm. Interesting topic for further study.
3.) Maybe your internet connections are too fast. The government should legistate dial-up connections only to improve public morals.
2.) The study didn't differentiate between straight and gay porn. Humm. Interesting topic for further study.
3.) Maybe your internet connections are too fast. The government should legistate dial-up connections only to improve public morals.
Thank you | 9:25 a.m. March 3, 2009
Thank you to those who shared statistical flaws of this study so that I
didn't just blindly read this article and jump to conclusions. Grateful
when intelligent people share their insight at the expense of being criticized.
Hypocrites? | 9:25 a.m. March 3, 2009
A hypocrite is someone who publicly espouses an ideal or principle, and
privately acts against it.
I publicly believe that tempers should always be controlled, but privately I lose it with my kids far more than I should.
I also believe that I shouldn't look at a woman lustfully, but I still struggle whenever a beautiful and provocatively dressed woman comes into view.
In a way, we're all hypocrites, at least those of us who try to be better than we are.
By the same thinking, Mormons must be the biggest hypocrites of all, because they publicly believe in pretty high standards but privately repeatedly fail to live them, just like we all do.
Personally, I'd rather set a high standard, fail to meet it and try again and again... than never set the high standard in the first place.
The only non-hypocrites are:
1. Jesus
2. People who lower their standards to the point where they're always lived up to
I publicly believe that tempers should always be controlled, but privately I lose it with my kids far more than I should.
I also believe that I shouldn't look at a woman lustfully, but I still struggle whenever a beautiful and provocatively dressed woman comes into view.
In a way, we're all hypocrites, at least those of us who try to be better than we are.
By the same thinking, Mormons must be the biggest hypocrites of all, because they publicly believe in pretty high standards but privately repeatedly fail to live them, just like we all do.
Personally, I'd rather set a high standard, fail to meet it and try again and again... than never set the high standard in the first place.
The only non-hypocrites are:
1. Jesus
2. People who lower their standards to the point where they're always lived up to
Anonymous | 9:27 a.m. March 3, 2009
re: Utes #1 | 7:56 a.m. March 3, 2009
>>84112, hmmmm, isn't that the University of Utah? Have the Utes finally won an uncontested #1 slot?<<
If the alternate is gazing @ "sweet spirits" in Utah County then I say Go Utes!
>>84112, hmmmm, isn't that the University of Utah? Have the Utes finally won an uncontested #1 slot?<<
If the alternate is gazing @ "sweet spirits" in Utah County then I say Go Utes!
Anonymous | 9:30 a.m. March 3, 2009
I cant believe that ANYONE pays for porn. Its free, why would you pay?
Anonymous | 9:30 a.m. March 3, 2009
re: LIES | 8:57 a.m. March 3, 2009
>>OOOOh a study from a University who teaches global warming, and liberalism. I'm sure this study is on the up and up.
Harvard has zero credibility on social issues.<<
Especially their business school that produced W, Hank Paulson, & (GM CEO) Rick Wagonner. Lets not forget the MPA program of whom we can include Bill O'Reilly.... so I Agree 117%
>>OOOOh a study from a University who teaches global warming, and liberalism. I'm sure this study is on the up and up.
Harvard has zero credibility on social issues.<<
Especially their business school that produced W, Hank Paulson, & (GM CEO) Rick Wagonner. Lets not forget the MPA program of whom we can include Bill O'Reilly.... so I Agree 117%
Mikey | 9:32 a.m. March 3, 2009
HA HA... I find it hilarious that this immediately turns into an argument that
the reasons that we have the highest "porn rate" in America is because
of all the non mormons. Go ahead and just keep thinking that all mormons are
perfect and wonderful and that they would never do anything as horrible as
*gasp* look at porn. The Utah mormon bubble is a disgusting little ball of
insanity. I feel bad for all of you.
No not San Juan | 9:32 a.m. March 3, 2009
NASTY..GONNA HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE MY DAUGHTER!!!
My2Cents | 9:33 a.m. March 3, 2009
Right On!! Now we are not only number 1 in bankruptcy filings and
anti-deppresant use, we are also number 1 in online porn subscriptions.
I don't think it is a coincidence that Utah has the highest concentration of LDS per capita either.
I don't think it is a coincidence that Utah has the highest concentration of LDS per capita either.
research vs interpretation | 9:35 a.m. March 3, 2009
Read the original article. The data are what they are. Subscription
information including time of enrollment and zip code on the credit card were
analyzed. The author tried to find variables that explained the variation. As
written, the analysis avoids social commentary and simply explains what was
observed.
Interpretation regarding social values and its impact on pornography seem to be the media focus, not the focus of the original article. The Utah zip codes seemingly are a follow-up request for more detailed summary information. This is a distraction. Focus on the real content. The specific measurements reported are not biased; we should start to ask what additional measurements need to be considered rather than doubt the data.
Utah topped the consumption rate when viewed per capita even before the broadband usage was factored in. Broadband exaggerated the effect. I think the most interesting follow-up question is to see if ease (or lack) of local access would explain the remaining variation.
Interpretation regarding social values and its impact on pornography seem to be the media focus, not the focus of the original article. The Utah zip codes seemingly are a follow-up request for more detailed summary information. This is a distraction. Focus on the real content. The specific measurements reported are not biased; we should start to ask what additional measurements need to be considered rather than doubt the data.
Utah topped the consumption rate when viewed per capita even before the broadband usage was factored in. Broadband exaggerated the effect. I think the most interesting follow-up question is to see if ease (or lack) of local access would explain the remaining variation.
honest abe | 9:35 a.m. March 3, 2009
It's good to know that at least we pay for our porn subscriptions.
Let's do a study on those that get it downloaded for free.
Let's do a study on those that get it downloaded for free.
Look at the numbers | 9:37 a.m. March 3, 2009
5 per 1,000 households. Hmmm. That would mean Utah has an online porn
subscription rate of .5 percent. 99.5 percent of the population do not subscribe
to online porn sites. Utah is about 58 percent LDS. So of course we'll all
assume it's the members of the Church. It may be. But it may be buried
completely in the 42 percent of the nonmember. Realistically it's probably
some of both, but the only real correlation you can make is that online
subscriptions go up where access to other forms go down.
Jessica | 9:38 a.m. March 3, 2009
Maybe it has something to do with air quality. After all, Utah has one of the
worst pollution problems in America. Maybe the porn problem is related to our
air quality in some way.
More fuel for the fire | 9:38 a.m. March 3, 2009
Just one more reason for people to rip the Church and Utah. I'm not
certain, but, did the article mention that it was just Mormons looking at porn??
I do believe that non-Mormons live in Utah. I'm sure jumping to
conclusions is just a 'Mormon Thing". All that pent up energy,
uptight laws or just being a Utah Mormon are the ONLY contributory factors to
our porn rate. Or, maybe Non-Mormons should move out of State, hence deflating
out numbers.
Edward | 9:43 a.m. March 3, 2009
There better be a big line at the Bishop's office this Sunday!
Think about it | 9:43 a.m. March 3, 2009
Talk about leading the lemmings with the article. And everyone buys it hook,
line, and sinker. Think about it...do you really think the same person googles
"porn", then googles "Jesus"? Sure I believe Utah could be
high in this area per ratio. But I attribute that because other sources of adult
material are harder to find. And so it is the same people who would look at this
in other states...but they are forced to do it through this media. But assuming
that it is all Mormons, or any other religous group, is silly. I think if we
were honest with ourselves, we all know the bulk of this is the good ol'
boy, bar-going, occasional strip club attending men.
Europe is just as healthy as USA | 9:47 a.m. March 3, 2009
If getting men not to be obsessed with porn is the goal, then don't make it
such a big issue.
Men like looking at females, thats the way god made us.
What purpose does it serve to make people feel guilty and shaming people for doing what comes naturally and hurts no one?
In Europe they have porn on the tv for all to see and even in the churches there are paintings of naked people, men and women. Is there any evidence that we are more mentally healthy than them? That we have any less sex crime than them?
I'd rather doubt it, given that they accept this natural urge and we are made to feel guilty for looking. Since when is being repressed a healthy thing?
Men like looking at females, thats the way god made us.
What purpose does it serve to make people feel guilty and shaming people for doing what comes naturally and hurts no one?
In Europe they have porn on the tv for all to see and even in the churches there are paintings of naked people, men and women. Is there any evidence that we are more mentally healthy than them? That we have any less sex crime than them?
I'd rather doubt it, given that they accept this natural urge and we are made to feel guilty for looking. Since when is being repressed a healthy thing?
Student... | 9:55 a.m. March 3, 2009
Did you know that over 40 percent of the state is non-lds, this is not just lds
people!!!!
Which is it? | 9:58 a.m. March 3, 2009
OK, here are a couple of possible theories to explain this. I learned all of
these on the message boards:
1. The LDS Church is hemmorhaging members by the day. So many are leaving, especially in Utah where "everyone knows" what Mormons "really believe." So it is all those who want nothing to do with the church who subscribe to the porn.
2. Or, maybe it is active LDS members looking at porn. But that's OK, why? Because their church leaders counsel against it, and if Mormons are going against their leaders' counsel, then they are "thinking for themselves." Especially on the Internet, because "everyone knows" Mormons are told not to look at anything other than lds.org
Yeah, Mormons are "thinking for themselves" and "enlightened" when they support same-sex marriage against the counsel of their leaders but they are "hypocrites" when they look at porn against the counsel of their leaders.
And of course, there are so many ex-LDS and inactives in Utah ... until a study like this comes out.
Fortunately LDS leaders do know what "really happens" and address it appropriately. Not like inconsistent anti-Mormonism.
1. The LDS Church is hemmorhaging members by the day. So many are leaving, especially in Utah where "everyone knows" what Mormons "really believe." So it is all those who want nothing to do with the church who subscribe to the porn.
2. Or, maybe it is active LDS members looking at porn. But that's OK, why? Because their church leaders counsel against it, and if Mormons are going against their leaders' counsel, then they are "thinking for themselves." Especially on the Internet, because "everyone knows" Mormons are told not to look at anything other than lds.org
Yeah, Mormons are "thinking for themselves" and "enlightened" when they support same-sex marriage against the counsel of their leaders but they are "hypocrites" when they look at porn against the counsel of their leaders.
And of course, there are so many ex-LDS and inactives in Utah ... until a study like this comes out.
Fortunately LDS leaders do know what "really happens" and address it appropriately. Not like inconsistent anti-Mormonism.
We're #1 | 10:01 a.m. March 3, 2009
Thank goodness we don't have gay marriage here or else we'd be even
higher in the rankings.
Ute Fan | 10:02 a.m. March 3, 2009
84112 is the area code that surrounds the U of U.
In Denial | 10:03 a.m. March 3, 2009
Not surprised by the arguments for the data. Holy Holy Utahn's are trying
to justify their naughty behavior by saying the data is inaccurate. Face it,
there are perverts in Utah and maybe more than any other state! Yes, your
neighbor, husband, son or daughter are looking at porn. If adults would stop
pointing fingers at others and focus on themselves,they would realize that we
are just human beings and accept that we are sinners.
together | 10:03 a.m. March 3, 2009
The saddest part of the article is the addiction to porn that many fight daily.
People of all religions and backgrounds fight against this evil snare of the
devil. Its sad that so many begin finger pointing and blaming instead of taking
action to solve the problem. I don't think that Utah's are afraid of
sex or are sexually frustrated or pent up as some have stated. We have one of
the highest rates of children per family in the nation, which is great. Its sad
to see so many take shots at Utah and "Utah Mormons" as well. I am
from Arizona but have lived in Utah for 7 years. I came here with many
"Utah Mormon" biases and have found that it is a wonderful place to
live. I will never move by choice. There is so much good in this state and in
its people. Lets not let one article cause us to point fingers and make enemies
of each other. Lets take it for what it is and ask the question "Lord, is
it I" and then move on and solve the problem together as a state
MLM chick | 10:04 a.m. March 3, 2009
Now, if only some enterprising person in Utah could combine our two great
powers--porn and fraudulent MLM pyramids, we would rule the world! Imagine!
PornoNoni! Huzzah! It would make those grandiose Las Vegas conventions every
year even more relevant!
mirror | 10:08 a.m. March 3, 2009
re: GeeBee | 5:48 p.m. March 2, 2009
Hypocrisy and condiscention...nah, not Geebee
Hypocrisy and condiscention...nah, not Geebee
Hot air | 10:08 a.m. March 3, 2009
Ok, bottom line, Utah is NOT a Christian state by any means. These people do
what they please and then blame god.
Dear "more fuel for the fire" | 10:15 a.m. March 3, 2009
Maybe if some Mormons moved out of the state, Utah could normalize.
Why is "move out of the state" always a solution to any disagreement? The disagreement persists, but you don't have to hear it. That's a mature way to learn to get along.
Why is "move out of the state" always a solution to any disagreement? The disagreement persists, but you don't have to hear it. That's a mature way to learn to get along.
Travis | 10:16 a.m. March 3, 2009
This is a Mormon problem. Yes, the statistics are messed up. We do not have
availablity to video stores, and certain clubs like in other states.
I find it hard to believe that even a sneaky mormon would PAY for an online subscription. There is plenty of free stuff out there.
Is Utah the worst in the US as the article states? No we are not. Should we be disappointed by the number of LDS members viewing pornography? Yes we should.
Either way, others reading the article don't realize that Utah bans video stores etc...So this article was meant to present misleading facts.
I find it hard to believe that even a sneaky mormon would PAY for an online subscription. There is plenty of free stuff out there.
Is Utah the worst in the US as the article states? No we are not. Should we be disappointed by the number of LDS members viewing pornography? Yes we should.
Either way, others reading the article don't realize that Utah bans video stores etc...So this article was meant to present misleading facts.
The real k9 | 10:22 a.m. March 3, 2009
whom ever you are posting advice to K9 my mom has been dead for 8 years if you
want to say something to me don't use my handle and for your information I
am very comfortable with my sexual orientation are you? and I don't
subsribe to any porn sites. Sounds like you do though. If my comments on the
hypcrocy of the LDS church offended you, good !!! I think I saw you in Mesquite
having a drink.
Hypocrisy? | 10:24 a.m. March 3, 2009
It is NOT hypocritical to try to live a high standard and fail, then try again,
and again, and again, and eventually succeed. The whole point of weaknesses is
to keep us humble enough to try again. I've lived long enough to overcome a
number of weaknesses--inlcuding pornography addiction--and find that, hiding
behind the big weaknesses are smaller ones that also need attending to.
Hopefully, before I die, I will be working on weaknesses so small that only I
know about them!
I believe the use of porn stems from human nature, not from our chosen creed--unless that creed is one of degredation. And hence, I don't believe it is a Mormon/non-Mormon issue, but a human issue.
I dont believe MOST Mormons wear their religion on their sleeves. MOST Mormons will not accept even polite invitations to go to the sports bar, etc. These "turn-downs" can be misinterpreted as "put-downs," and hence the mis-belief that Mormons have a "holier than thou" attitude.
I believe the use of porn stems from human nature, not from our chosen creed--unless that creed is one of degredation. And hence, I don't believe it is a Mormon/non-Mormon issue, but a human issue.
I dont believe MOST Mormons wear their religion on their sleeves. MOST Mormons will not accept even polite invitations to go to the sports bar, etc. These "turn-downs" can be misinterpreted as "put-downs," and hence the mis-belief that Mormons have a "holier than thou" attitude.
Ed | 10:26 a.m. March 3, 2009
Aren't we also above the national average in sexual assault/abuse?
Merv | 10:27 a.m. March 3, 2009
I think it is time to investigate the LDS members and do a massive
excommunication.
george | 10:33 a.m. March 3, 2009
Interesting statistic. And here we have mormons who condemn that
"perverted" gay-life style and yet these same mormons obviously see
nothing wrong with porn. I guess as long is it is straight, then it must be ok.
Anonymous | 10:33 a.m. March 3, 2009
Ok people on here who are talking about statistics classes and everything just
sound ignorant. This wasnt published in a peer reviewed magazine. It was in a
newspaper. Get a life stop being embarrased you buy so much porn.
Interesting | 10:34 a.m. March 3, 2009
I don't know about all of the counties listed but Salt Lake county which
has 2 of the zip codes listed. Has a much lower percentage of LDS people than
most of the state. So much for the idea that it is just hypocritical mormons.
The problem with stats is that most people don't bother to really find out
what they mean. They just want to use them to prove themselves right. If you
think I am wrong you have not been reading these posts.
Re: Junk analysis | 10:38 a.m. March 3, 2009
To follow up on the observation from the Wall Street Journal, I wonder if all of
the states nationwide had Utah's pornography access laws, what the per
capita numbers would be for other states. Even in Utah, while those are not
numbers to be proud of, I would suspect that a pretty small fraction of that
1.69 would be attibuted to temple recommend carrying members of the LDS Church
and their kids.
Nyal D | 10:40 a.m. March 3, 2009
Is this logically consistent:
Fact 1: Utah ranks first in online porn subscriptions.
Fact 2: The other 49 states have non-member majorities.
Excuse for Fact 1: The numbers in Utah are affected by the non-members in a few bad areas.
Wow, Utah non-members buy porn in GREATER numbers than non-members everywhere else in the country!
Fact 1: Utah ranks first in online porn subscriptions.
Fact 2: The other 49 states have non-member majorities.
Excuse for Fact 1: The numbers in Utah are affected by the non-members in a few bad areas.
Wow, Utah non-members buy porn in GREATER numbers than non-members everywhere else in the country!
Anonymous | 10:41 a.m. March 3, 2009
What's with you people in Utah? Polygamy is ok, porn is okay, but no
caffeine! Although many Mormons I know guzzle coke and red bull just as they do
porn sites.
Brandon | 10:52 a.m. March 3, 2009
Maybe before you fly off the handle trying to meddle in another state's
government's decisions regarding their morals and spewing hateful
invective, YOU COULD START IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD! ...for a change
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