The role of the pornography industry in the development of videotape and the Internet

The paper examines the significant role of pornography in promoting the diffusion of new communication technologies and how these new technologies have altered the nature of pornography in the last few decades. These technologies include VCRs, camcorders, Minitel, computers, and the Internet. Pornographic products have served to stimulate initial interest in these new technologies, despite their higher initial costs. The attractions are greater perceived privacy and easier access. As each of these technologies matures and prices drop, the role of pornographic products diminishes relatively, but not absolutely. Another pattern is the elimination of the distinctions among producers, distributors and consumers as do-it-yourself video and computers have permitted a "democratization" of pornography.