Are mature themes harmful?

#1
Hi!

So...got a question to ask you...

Please don't be mad at me. Or think I'm thinking bad about anyone...

But I'm wondering if I'll be a bad influence on others if I have sex scenes in the stories I put up? I love writing stories, and thinking about how to make them, but where is the line between what's being a good story compared to a story that is going to corrupt other young people reading it?

I'm honestly not sure about this and wondered what you think. I don't think sex is bad. But about like what's being good or evil and affecting other people I wish I could weigh out the pros and cons better.

On one hand you have younger kids , teenagers etc who don't know about sex...is that hurting them by having sex scenes in a story? But you also have older people who are maybe widowed or divorced and maybe they need some kind of relief so they can get it out of their system and not go to a bar and have one night stands....there's also a lot of people who are reading romance and mature themes because of it being an outlet for being neglected by family members.

That's why this is kind of complex.
What do you think?

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#2
Here's my take -

It isn't your job to worry about what others will or will not see on the internet. If a parent believes content on the internet can be harmful to their children, then it is their responsibility to police the content their child sees.

As an author, it isn't your job to decide what will or will not be a bad influence on children. Instead, your work is already done with an intended audience in mind, and should be tailored to reflect that audience. All you are responsible for doing as a content producer on the internet is properly labeling your work with appropriate explanation such that people can make properly informed decisions on whether or not to consume said content.

For this site, just tag the content appropriately. There are already too many fictions containing adult content on this site for you to worry about it.
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RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#7
'unice5656' pid='400244' dateline='1446781681' Wrote: Honestly, it's the idea that sex is somehow corrupt that's gives young adults unhealthy ideas around sex.

Like what? Abstinence?

'unice5656' pid='400244' dateline='1446781681' Wrote: It's quite typical of modern culture to worry that a few sex scenes will harm people, but not worry at all about all the violence present in all kinds of fiction.

Yeah, violence is bad too.

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#8
I am of the opinion that our society is much too overprotective on many aspects of life. Many kids don't even know how real life works.
They think that babies are brought by the stork and the meat on their plates comes from the supermarket!

-Detailed Sex Scenes? Go for it!
-Slaughter and gruesome gore in all its glory? Shock us!
-The reality of life? Destroy our illusions!

All those psychologists are idiots! A child can't be harmed by the reality of life. A child is harmed by throwing it into an illusionary world made out of cushions and flowers. I've someone in my neighbourhood who is still believing in the easter bunny and he is nine! He is the perfect example of a child being brainwashed by his parents.
So don't worry about all that as long as you are telling the truth.

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#10
Mature scenes in a story, if well written is always a good read. Because it calls out to our most primal instincts/needs. (well at least for men, I speak about what I know being a man myself)

However for it to be "enjoyed" and not "consumed" is for some people a thin line to walk. (of course me included)  
Be it the lack of maturity of the author which most of the time tend for the scenes to appear forced, out of nowhere and just written for the sake of making the reader go for a trip to the toilet, or the one who knows how to pull the situation but think that google can't provide for the reader better...

I think that a mature scene can add a flavor of realism to a story if it is well put together.
However, modesty in describing the act also help the readers imagination.

In conclusion, my take is: Mature content, yes.
But don't forget the feelings that come with during the act.
Edit: Of course, when I speak of feelings, that can be blind love. But also doubts, apprehension, eagerness, sharing, fear of unknown etc...

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#11
'Andur' pid='403310' dateline='1446997314' Wrote: -The reality of life? Destroy our illusions!

As if you folks know the reality of life.

'Markus' pid='403060' dateline='1446976476' Wrote: For example, I hated Harry Potter when I was a kid because those bastards never used the "bad" spells. It would have been much more realistic and understandable if they did, but noo they were the good guys and they couldn't do it. If they encountered a decent military unit they'd be wiped out in an instant. OK rant over.

I see. So you're one of those people who will write edgy!Harry stories.

You know nothing about maturity if you think it's all about being "bad".

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#12
'Markus' pid='404358' dateline='1447056721' Wrote: And no, it's not about being bad, it's about being realistic. When my friends and I were 14-15 years old we were getting drunk and having sex.  In those crappy books they were still dreaming of their first kiss and acting like little bitches.

I am sorry for you and your friend.

'Markus' pid='404358' dateline='1447056721' Wrote: And another thing, they shit on the "muggles", but if the normal people had to they could wipe them all out.  If one person had a gun in that crowd Voldemort would be dead in an instant and none of that shit would have happened.

Ahahahahaha, no.

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#14
'Ugoki' pid='404376' dateline='1447058463' Wrote: Ahahahahaha, no.
Actually yes, all you need is a concealed gun, which you'll fire at Voldemort before he gets one of his spells off.
Or you swarm him with soldiers. In fact, I don't believe Voldemort has any anti-projectile shield type spells. He just has ones for killing people, brainwashing, etc.

That said, it's made for kids. If it was realistic then, Harry wouldn't be the main character. It would be some commander in a magical army who's dispatched a squad to take out the terrorists (Voldemort and co.).

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#15
I never understood why those magicians in Potter Harry don't have any sort of fighting force while being obviously highly organized. (Their organisation must be real good because they managed to hide from society.)

Then there is the issue with Potter Harry being an absolute... doofus... and yet... hey, he defeats the reincarnated super evildoer! ... in a fight of power... yeah... sure, why not!

When I watched the ending of the last film I thought: "Man, the author got lazy!"

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#16
'Andur' pid='405095' dateline='1447111751' Wrote: I never understood why those magicians in Potter Harry don't have any sort of fighting force while being obviously highly organized. (Their organisation must be real good because they managed to hide from society.)

Then there is the issue with Potter Harry being an absolute... doofus... and yet... hey, he defeats the reincarnated super evildoer! ... in a fight of power... yeah... sure, why not!

When I watched the ending of the last film I thought: "Man, the author got lazy!"
That's because all of the spells which are effective against Voldemort are.. Forbidden.
Like the one which allows them to kill someone. That's like banning guns, and not even letting the army use them.

It's beyond me how that society survived for so long.

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#17
'Andur' pid='405095' dateline='1447111751' Wrote: I never understood why those magicians in Potter Harry don't have any sort of fighting force while being obviously highly organized. (Their organisation must be real good because they managed to hide from society.)

Then there is the issue with Potter Harry being an absolute... doofus... and yet... hey, he defeats the reincarnated super evildoer! ... in a fight of power... yeah... sure, why not!

When I watched the ending of the last film I thought: "Man, the author got lazy!"

Wow, you totally miss the point of the series.

'Azareal' pid='405159' dateline='1447114489' Wrote:
'Andur' pid='405095' dateline='1447111751' Wrote: I never understood why those magicians in Potter Harry don't have any sort of fighting force while being obviously highly organized. (Their organisation must be real good because they managed to hide from society.)

Then there is the issue with Potter Harry being an absolute... doofus... and yet... hey, he defeats the reincarnated super evildoer! ... in a fight of power... yeah... sure, why not!

When I watched the ending of the last film I thought: "Man, the author got lazy!"
That's because all of the spells which are effective against Voldemort are.. Forbidden.
Like the one which allows them to kill someone. That's like banning guns, and not even letting the army use them.

It's beyond me how that society survived for so long.

And there's this guy who can't understand a simple series for kids.

Really, if the reading comprehension of the people here are that bad, no wonder most of the stories here suck horribly.

'Azareal' pid='404917' dateline='1447103505' Wrote:
'Ugoki' pid='404376' dateline='1447058463' Wrote: Ahahahahaha, no.
Actually yes, all you need is a concealed gun, which you'll fire at Voldemort before he gets one of his spells off.
Or you swarm him with soldiers. In fact, I don't believe Voldemort has any anti-projectile shield type spells.

It's called the fucking Shield Charm, you doofus. And killing Voldemort won't do anything because he has his fucking Horcruxes.

Jesus, what an absolute moron.

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#18
Ahem, on-topic.

Let's be clear: There are multiple definitions for "mature" in regards to fiction. Some might consider it to mean "containing content that is inappropriate for children". Others might define it as "having a well-rounded story, a clear focus, good writing, and a strong, but not hamfisted, message".

Stories with the former do not always feature the latter.

If you've ever watched Sword Art Online (I think that many of the forum's readers probably have, given the genre of most of works here), think of the difference between the first and second arcs. The second arc (Alfheim) is essentially propelled by the protagonist wanting to stop a new antagonist from forcing himself on his helpless girlfriend, while the protagonist's sister, who is actually his cousin (or niether, because he's adopted?), falls in love with him both online and offline. One could argue that the second arc contains a lot more "mature themes" with its sexual tension and the looming threat of non-consensual violation... but is the story more mature? Not really. It was a much more clear-cut "good-vs-evil" scenario, and the incest-y subplot existed for no reason other than fanservice- it added almost nothing to the actual plot, other than tension that all fell away by the end.
In contrast, the first arc, which had a much heavier focus on the internal systems of the game, actually asked bigger questions, and treated its viewers like intelligent, thinking people. What happens when humans are forced to create a society essentially at gunpoint? What happens when one's strength becomes the most important thing in said society? Is mankind inherently self-destructive, or is it capable of reconciling internal conflict for self-preservation?

TL;DR Gore and porn don't make things "mature". If you want "maturity", think about the story first.
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RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#19
Quote:In contrast, the first arc, which had a much heavier focus on the internal systems of the game, actually asked bigger questions, and treated its viewers like intelligent, thinking people. What happens when humans are forced to create a society essentially at gunpoint? What happens when one's strength becomes the most important thing in said society? Is mankind inherently self-destructive, or is it capable of reconciling internal conflict for self-preservation?

You're giving SAO too much credit.

RE: Are mature themes harmful?

#20
'Ugoki' pid='405280' dateline='1447122799' Wrote:
'Azareal' pid='404917' dateline='1447103505' Wrote:
'Ugoki' pid='404376' dateline='1447058463' Wrote: Ahahahahaha, no.
Actually yes, all you need is a concealed gun, which you'll fire at Voldemort before he gets one of his spells off.
Or you swarm him with soldiers. In fact, I don't believe Voldemort has any anti-projectile shield type spells.
It's called the fucking Shield Charm, you doofus. And killing Voldemort won't do anything because he has his fucking Horcruxes.
There's only a massive list of spells, I really don't think anyone here can give a damn about memorising every last one.
Besides, if you shoot him with guns before he can activate it (since every spell requires an incantation) like with.. Oh, I don't know.. An ambush..?, then the guy is dead. Or you could surround him with mages, have them all cast the killing curse on him, and overload his shields.

Also, if you kill Voldemort, then he'll have to spend a long time trying to revive like he did last time.
Didn't it take him a decade or so to revive after he was killed the first time..? During that time, you could find, and destroy the Horcruxes while Voldemort won't be able to cause trouble. Not with a physical body at-least.
Honestly speaking though, if we were to pick out all of Harry Potter's flaws, then we'd be here all night.
It's a kids story, I'll leave it at that. Every argument you could possibly make would be negated by every plot hole in the story.


'Benjinator12' pid='405297' dateline='1447123866' Wrote: In contrast, the first arc, which had a much heavier focus on the internal systems of the game, actually asked bigger questions, and treated its viewers like intelligent, thinking people. What happens when humans are forced to create a society essentially at gunpoint? What happens when one's strength becomes the most important thing in said society? Is mankind inherently self-destructive, or is it capable of reconciling internal conflict for self-preservation?
Unfortunately, it didn't treat it's viewers like intelligent, thinking people. It had potential, and it kinda just.. Yeah..
A good portion of it are time skips, and the MC amassing his harem. A scene of the MC getting some unique power, because his the MC.
The MC soloing a boss. It went from people trapped in a game to.. Everything is about how OP the MC is.

In the end, we had a Deus ex Machina where he came back to life after he was killed by the antagonist.