PornHub: Sauce Code (2023)

Oil on canvas - 100x100cm

Growing up in a world increasingly dominated by the internet, it's impossible to discuss its impact without acknowledging one of its largest industries: pornography. While many shy away from this topic, the business aspect of it is colossal. Adult content websites, notably Pornhub, rake in considerable revenue, significantly contributing to the income generated on the internet.

Indeed, the technical prowess behind sites like Pornhub is often overlooked. The technology required to stream high-definition videos to millions simultaneously is not only advanced but also innovative, offering lessons that extend beyond its controversial use case. I have a number of friends in tech have pointed out that Pornhub's Insights blog offers unique insights and transparency about its operations — something many mainstream companies of their size shy away from.

Yet, this industry isn't without its controversies. Along with accusations of industry-wide inaction to tackle illegal videos, it’s also been suggested that widespread access to pornography might be influencing social behaviours on a grand scale. This includes contributing to lower birth rates and a decrease in sexual activity among certain demographics. While the evidence is mixed, it raises important questions about the broader societal effects of such easy access to explicit content. This piece is a nod to these complexities, reflecting on both the technological achievements and the societal challenges posed by the internet's darker corners.

Extra Information: 

Launched in 2007, Pornhub is a Canadian-owned pornography website. In March 2024, it was reportedly the 13th most visited website in the world. Their 'Insights' reports often reveal trends, such as the most searched terms or the impact of global events on viewing habits, providing a candid look into the digital behaviours that many might not expect to be so openly analysed.