Digital Taboo: A Qualitative Study on Pacific Male Experiences of and Attitudes to Pornography in Aotearoa New Zealand
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: 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.
DOI: 10.1002/kot2.70017
Institutions: University of Otago, Auckland University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7127327773