Rule 34 is Trending on Reddit!

January 24, 2024
ARIANA LEVI

Rule 34: For every possible topic, there is porn.

In the vast expanse of the internet, a rule exists that is intriguing and perhaps unsettling to some. It is known as Rule 34, and it claims that for every possible topic, there is porn. Yes, you read that right - every possible topic… It's a concept that has taken on a life of its own, giving birth to fan art, writings, animations, images, GIFs, and any other form of media that the internet provides opportunities for sharing.

The origin of Rule 34 can be traced back to an August 13, 2003, webcomic. TangoStari (Peter Morley-Souter) depicted his shock at stumbling upon Calvin and Hobbes parody porn and captured his astonishment in a caption that would change the internet forever: "Rule #34 There is porn of it. No exceptions." Although the comic faded into obscurity, the caption quickly gained popularity and spread like wildfire across the vast corners of the internet.

As Rule 34 continued its journey through cyberspace, it caught the attention of traditional media. In 2009, the Daily Telegraph listed Rule 34 as one of the top 10 internet rules and laws, solidifying its place in internet pop culture. CNN labeled it "likely the most famous" internet rule that had seeped into mainstream consciousness. Rule 34 was no longer confined to the fringes of the internet; it had become a household name.

We must consider its impact on individuals who have ventured into the depths of the internet to discuss Rule 34. Researchers Ogi Ogas, a computational neuroscientist at Harvard, noted that the saying resonated with many people due to its undeniable truth to anyone who has browsed the internet. It tapped into the notion that if something exists, someone, somewhere, has likely created pornography related to it. Ogas suggested that with the consolidation of the porn industry into large market share video aggregators, the visibility of niche market videos has diminished. This raises questions about whether the rule can keep up with market developments.

But is Rule 34 truly facing its demise? Ogas conducted a groundbreaking study on internet porn in 2009 and 2010. His analysis of over 55 million pornography searches hinted at the potential decline of Rule 34. Ogas commented, "I think we're seeing the death of Rule 34. It's out there if you want to find it, but it's not as easy as it used to be."

Despite the speculation surrounding Rule 34's future, its impact is undeniable. Rule 34 has become a reference point for individuals who stumble upon unusual, extreme, or disturbing pornography. Bizarre sexual cartoons and non-sexual images that depict genitalia (such as a carrot resembling a penis) are often cited as examples of Rule 34 in action. It has become a way to acknowledge the vastness and diversity of internet erotica and its ability to cater to even the most specific tastes.

Image Source: H-EAGLE

Interestingly, Rule 34 has also spawned a unique adult drinking game. Friends gather together, conjure up the most bizarre and outlandish ideas for porn, and then embark on a quest to search for it. The first person to find an example of their chosen theme claims victory, cementing once again the accuracy and adaptability of this curious rule.

Intriguing, controversial, and sometimes bizarre, Rule 34 has left an indelible mark on internet culture. It has given birth to many fan art, animations, and media pushing the boundaries of what is "normal." Though its future may seem uncertain, Rule 34 continues to serve as a reminder of the creativity, diversity, and, yes, the sometimes-peculiar corners of the internet.

The most popular NSFW Rule 34 subreddits are:

r/rule34 (3.1m members)

r/rule34_comics (530k members): This is a subreddit for comics of rule 34. No pics or gifs just comics.

r/Rule_34 (93.5k members)