Social pornography

Sosial pornography (Norwegian: sosialpornografi) is a term describing a type of journalism where persons are exposed in an intimate way, especially when it come to situations or matters of private or tragic nature, as a form of entertainment to satisfy a need to "watch" (akin to "peeping"). Sosial pornography often has no other purpose than entertainment, and can be considered an example of invasion of privacy. The term is especially used when concerning persons less able to safeguard their own interests and understand the consequences of making themselves available for the press in this way, i.e. people with few resources or children.

It can be controversial where the limits go for what constitutes social pornography and what is deemed to be newsworthy. For example, a news coverage may transcend to social pornography depending on what details the media choose to make public or focus on. It has been asserted that the media coverage of terror attacks at times are of a social pornographic nature, which can cause an excessive fear of terrorism.

Some reality TV shows are considered to be sosial pornography, for example Big Brother and Ex on the Beach.

Psychologists have have stated that some "help TV" programs border on social pornography. Examples of such types of programs are where the participant(s) are compulsive hoarders, have embarrassing Illnesses or economic problems.

External links

• Sosialpolitikk eller sosialpornografi? En analyse av sosialpolitiske reportasjer i pressen (1984) av Roel Puijk, Helge Østbye og Else Øyen, Universitetsforlaget. (English title: Social Policy or Social Pornography?)