Logo image
Digital Taboo: A Qualitative Study on Pacific Male Experiences of and Attitudes to Pornography in Aotearoa New Zealand
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Digital Taboo: A Qualitative Study on Pacific Male Experiences of and Attitudes to Pornography in Aotearoa New Zealand

Bale Kito, Simon Erickson, Rebekah Kennedy, Gareth Treharne, Simone Rodda and Edmond Fehoko
Kōtuitui, Vol.21(1), e70017
03/02/2026
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/10523/49776

Abstract

cultural digital pacific pornography sexual youth
Pornography use among young Pacific males in New Zealand remains an under‐explored and culturally sensitive issue. This qualitative article explores how Pacific men view and experience porn use, with a focus on how their cultural values and spiritual beliefs influence those experiences. Employing the Talanoa research method, we conducted six kava‐based focus groups with 50 Pacific males (18–30 years), fostering relational spaces for open dialogue grounded in Pacific worldviews. Thematic analysis identified three major themes amongst young Pacific adults. The themes identified include: (i) deep‐rooted taboos that reinforce silence and shame, (ii) the quiet acceptance of addictive behaviours within peer networks, and (iii) tension between digital identities and traditional responsibilities. Findings underscore the urgent need for culturally responsive sexual‐health education and intergenerational conversations to support Pacific youth wellbeing. By centring Pacific voices, this research fills a critical gap and informs community‐led strategies addressing pornography use.
pdf
K tuitui New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online - 2026 - Kito - Digital Taboo A Qualitative Study on Pacific Male288.83 kBDownloadView
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0 Open Access
url
https://doi.org/10.1002/kot2.70017View
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0 Open

Metrics

1 Record Views

Details

Logo image