Jessica Drake: CNN Doc on Adult Biz Is 'Behind the Times' (XBIZ)
Read the full article by JC Adams at XBIZ.com
LOS ANGELES — The new season of docu-series “This is Life With Lisa Ling” debuted Sunday on CNN focusing specifically on “porn literacy” and addiction to porn. Sensationalized teasers ahead of the premiere raised a few red flags with Jessica Drake, the noted sexpert and Wicked Pictures contract star, and after watching the episode twice, she shared her concerns with XBIZ.
“I have so many thoughts about tonight’s ‘This is Life’ with Lisa Ling,” she tweeted on Sunday. “I’m going to let them marinate overnight. So much to unpack.”
Justin J. Lehmiller, Ph.D., is an educator and Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute. He previewed the episode and subsequently raised concerns with Ling. “While there’s much that we agree on, including the idea that porn is not an effective substitute for sex education, there are some aspects of the episode that I worry could potentially leave viewers with the wrong impression of how porn impacts people, especially the idea that it is ‘addictive,’” he said.
"The show focuses on people’s personal opinions about and experiences with porn and doesn't explore the science — in fact, no researchers or doctors are interviewed on screen during the episode," he observed. "So while it's certainly a thought-provoking show, there were some missed opportunities for a data-driven discussion."
“Blaming problematic behavior on porn does everybody a disservice. Whether it’s an addictive personality or diagnosed compulsive behavior, porn is just the scapegoat so often. And with the men [in the film], it really seemed like they have a lot of shame to unpack, not just around porn, but things like masturbating. The constant blaming of porn for any addictive or compulsive behavior — I’m just tired of it. It happens a lot.”
It disappointed her that no scientific or medical experts were included in this segment.
“I’d have liked to have seen more research. Where’s the science? Where’s the facts? Give me the knowledge that really backs this up. Don’t just give me a roomful of men that are commiserating because they [never] unpacked their shame around sex.”