With a correlation coefficient (r^2) of 0.163, this is a very weak association. This is a classic example of how a supposedly scientific study can be distorted, twisted, and misinterpreted in order to hawk some stupid political point of view.
It is also a crystal clear demonstration of the flagrant lack of critical thinking among some of those who claim as “liberals” to be intellectually and morally superior. Some of us are not fooled.
The logic goes like this: 1. Southern states are a few percentage points more religious than other states. (Actually about half of southerners never attend church and the Midwest is just about tied for religiosity) 2. A tiny fraction more porn searches emanate from the South than from other regions. 3. The South is more politically conservative than some other regions.
Conclusion: “Religious conservatives lead the nation in search for porn”. Since it is known that some religions preach against pornography I suppose we are to conclude that all religious conservatives are disgusting hypocrites,
Has anybody stopped to ask WHICH southerners it is who are searching for porn? The South is a vast region of over 120 million people, containing every personality type under the sun.
Has anyone stopped to consider REASONS why this minuscule difference shows up? Could it be that the median age in that paragon of virtue, New Hampshire being 42.4 while in slutty lustful Texas the median age is 33.9 has anything to do with it?
Finally, who the hell cares and what does it matter? Is there something dirty about human sexuality? Is anyone actually harmed by the watching of pornography?
BTW, I recommend the Japanese version.
Is that per capita? What is the demographic spread?
What is the sample size?
Can you provide with source as, as it stands, this is just graphics and no data.
What is your source? Just because a particular region is higher in porn searches doesn’t mean that it’s religious conservatives doing the searching.
I suspect there is some major stereotyping going on here.
Google it.
@Jolanta I’m not upset, just very eager to point out erroneous thinking that unjustly demonizes and slanders groups of people and entire regions. If Australia were under constant attack wouldn’t you react?
Nothing personal against you but Patheos employs some very scummy journalism.
@WilliamFleming A lot of people constantly attack the Australian politicians with reason.