Kilka smutnych słów o (nie zawsze) smutnych książkach

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyse the literary genre known as “smut”, characterised by its strong erotic content. The first part discusses the key genre features of smut, along with its origins and development, with particular attention given to the platforms on which it gained popularity. The next section addresses publishing pathologies associated with the genre, including the lack of appropriate age ratings and the deliberate targeting of erotic content at underage audiences. The article then examines the phenomenon of grooming as a mechanism used to normalise and romanticise relationships rooted in sexual violence. Special attention is devoted to analysing problematic narratives present in smut literature that trivialise issues such as rape, abuse, and sexual exploitation. The article aims to provide a critical reflection on the impact of this type of literature on young readers and to highlight the necessity of implementing protective mechanisms in the publication and distribution of such content.