Why is pornography a multibillion dollar industry? What makes voyeurism tick?

Answer 1

Because contrary to what your pastor might tell you, people like sex. Simple as that.

When you watch others having sex, you tend to imagine yourself in that role. It's sort of a role playing game. It's the same with any other kind of movie. When I watch a movie about cowboys, for example, I can get lost in the film, and imagine what it would be like to be a cowboy. So, when you watch someone having sex with an attractive woman, you can get lost and imagine yourself doing that.

Also, it can be very healthy, because the film may give you some ideas that you can carry into your own bedroom, with the person you love.

Now, not all porn is good, which is why there are restrictions (for more illegal acts, such as child or animal porn).

So, even though many religions may put some sort of stigma on sex, the porn industry is no different than the regular film industry, if you think about it. It's all voyeurism. When you watch a movie about anything, you are peeping in on someone's life. It doesn't matter if that person is petting a puppy, saving the world, talking to their friends, or having sex. It's all some sort of voyeurism. And the movies are a way of telling you, it's okay to watch. Which is something that can't be said in "real life". If you're caught staring at someone in the real world, you'll get in trouble. But in the movies, it's what is expected.