Seeing and Being Seen: A psychoanalytic exploration of the impact and risks of Internet Pornography

On Thursday 2 May 2013 at the Tavistock Centre, a Thinking Space Special Event is due to take place between 6.30 – 8.30pm with Dr John Woods as a guest speaker.

Dr John Woods, a Consultant Psychotherapist at the Portman Clinic will be psychoanalytically exploring the impact and risks of Internet Pornography.

Tickets are selling fast for this special event, and are priced at £25 (£15 for staff and students), so make sure you book your ticket soon to avoid disappointment on the day.

Pornography appears to have become a part of mainstream culture. It is not only widely available on the internet but pornographic websites are one of the most frequently visited by internet users. But what is its impact and what do we think about it?

In his presentation, John Woods will argue that the effects of Internet Pornography have reached epidemic proportions and have become an under-recognised public health issue, particularly in relation to children and young people. There is already evidence of the harm it can do to adults and a recent BBC/Portman survey showed that many young men worry that their use of pornography has a deleterious effect on their lives. John will look particularly at the impact of this unregulated stream of perverse and distorted imagery on children, asking why society turns a blind eye to the emotional and psychological harm being done by Internet Pornography. He wonders whether we, the adult world, unconsciously seek the corruption of youth. Like the paedophile spoiling the innocence of childhood, is this a way of expressing envy of the young and gaining perverse satisfaction at seeing children as corruptible, like ourselves?

This event will be chaired by the Trust’s Director, Louise Lyon.

Please book online or contact us on 020 8938 2285 to book and pay by credit/debit card over the phone.