Ctrl+Alt+Consent: Exploring the Digital Generation’s Perspective on Entirely Computer-Generated Pornography

In a recent statement, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai claimed that artificial intelligence (AI) would have a more profound impact on humanity than fire (Nolan, 2023). This bold suggestion is underscored by a surge in public interest towards AI, as reflected by the over 180 million people who have signed up for ChatGPT since its release in 2022 (Tong, 2023). This essay explores the findings produced by a survey focused on Entirely Computer-Generated Images (ECGI) and pornography. It examines both the potential risks and advantages of AI-generated pornographic content, in an attempt to build on a discourse about its potential impact on society. Focusing on some of the findings produced by the online survey, three key themes are discussed including, consent, exploitation, and violence. Fear of non-consensual image creation and distribution, the possible imitation of violence, and the normalisation of violence were respondents’ main concerns regarding ECGI pornography. The prevention of harm and exploitation of performers without damage to income was seen as one of the major benefits along with the safe exploration of fetish pornography. This essay aims to give a brief understanding of young people’s hopes and concerns regarding the future of AI pornography and the implications of these concerns in the real world.