ON THE MEDIA: Playboy

PHYSICAL:
Playboy announced that in March 2016 they will be adjusting their image.  Playboy will not feature nude models in their magazines.  The availability of nudity on home computers has cut into the subscribers of Playboy.  In 1975 there were 5.6 million subscribers compared to just over 1 million subscribers currently.  A shift in the images will permit Playboy to expand its reach and perhaps appeal to a wider audience.

PSYCHOLOGICAL
The psychological implications of Playboy in general relate to the entire pornography industry.  By depicting photoshopped, flawless, nude women it alters the image of the mind.  Women, or men for that matter, are not seen as individuals.  Rather, they are seen as objects. These objects are used to gratify sexual desires. Absent is the relational process of learning about another person and developing a healthy relationship.

CULTURAL
In our country it is not acceptable to depict nudity.  Magazines at grocery stores and covered, and the "dirty" magazines are out of sight.  Billboards and commercials adhere to the guidelines which keep America "clean."  But under the cloak of the internet the pornography industry is bustling.  It is not that our society is anti-sexualized, it is that it is not okay culturally to discuss it openly.

SOCIAL
One benefit for Playboy opting out of the nude pictorials is that socially and culturally their magazine will be acceptable to the public.  This means that articles from Playboy could be shared via social media without offending those that "believe" nudity is wrong.  It takes away a reason for people to hate Playboy.  Because of the free pornography available on the internet it makes sense for Playboy to try something new.  At least they are fighting to keep a remnant of their historic magazine alive.

TEMPORAL
Playboy and its iconic Playboy bunnies are not easily forgotten.  Playboy has place in American history and has generated many young boys first memories of what a naked woman looks like.  As Playboy shifts its direction and image it may lose some subscribers, but it also may pick up a different generation of users that are interested in actually reading the articles.

Playboy has depicted nude women for many years.  These women agreed to be a part of this magazine and knew that their images were for another's pleasure.  In the free market system there is a need and a fulfillment of the need.  If it isn't right for someone morally then opt out of the magazine.