Does Pornography Deserve Its Bad Rap? Even the critics who say pornography is predictable would have to acknowledge some surprises this year. An author argued that consumers" lust for pornography led to world-changing innovations like the Internet. And H.I.V. experts have called the industry a strangely effective model for reducing the risk of promiscuous sex - even without condoms, which L.A. County now requires. But neither of these claims will silence the two loudest criticisms of pornography: that it exploits performers and that it rewires the minds of the women, men and adolescents who watch it. Is pornography a social ill? Or are there benefits to be recognized, if it creates rewarding work and offers entertainment, education and inspiration?