Pinterest or Pornterest?

I admit it. I have an addiction. 

My addiction keeps me awake for hours when I should be sleeping, and it distracts me when my boyfriend is telling me a story.

As much as I loathed the fact that my parents would frustratedly joke that they should’ve named me “Xiomara Internet Maldonado,” I have to say they were probably right.

But there’s a certain Internet site I’ve been particularly addicted to lately: Pinterest.

The thrill that comes from finding a great image to pin or repin is intoxicating, and I just can’t seem to stop.

I’m too busy pinning, repinning, following and liking to remember that I have cookies baking in the oven until I smell them burning. (Especially since I just can’t seem to figure out which of my 28 boards I should pin an image to.)

Read Related: 6 Ways to Promote Your Blog Using Social Media

I refuse, however, to give up my interest in social media and other online programs and services. I’ve learned that the Internet is a great resource for entertainment, creativity, networking and sharing.

I’ve also learned that not everything in this virtual world is wholesome—hackers use Facebook and email accounts to send out spammy messages; stalkers track their prey through Twitter; and sleazy pop-up ads promoting “Sexy Russians” with huge nipples assault your computer screen.

So I shouldn’t have been surprised when I typed “Latina” in the Pinterest search button for my new “Everything Latina Y Latino” board.

In order to maintain Equis Place’s family-friendly nature and in hopes of not promoting these images myself (although by writing about it, I take that risk), I’ve blacked out parts of the images.

I personally use Pinterest to find tips on organizing my home, improving my blog and making Chinese dumplings. I spend hours admiring photos of our world’s intriguing architecture and natural beauty and sharing inspiring quotes.

I happily look to Pinterest as a resource for social issues that are important to me, such as parenting, developmental delays and disorders, social justice, sexual violence and mental and physical health. (Click on any of those links to see and follow these boards.)

So I was astounded by the number of photos objectifying Latina women I saw. Butts, breasts and vaginas of all shapes and sizes flashed before my eyes as I scrolled down the screen.

Some of the pornographic images were of every day women. I didn’t follow through any of the links, but I have to question if these women knowingly put their photos online. Could any of them have been taken advantage of by former sex partners that they trusted not to share their private photos?

Read the full article on Equis Place.