ADVERTISEMENT

Are You Watching Too Much Porn?

Pornography isn't inherently a vice. Watching it isnt inherently detrimental. The problem with porn is the volume-and the porn industry is a volume business. In 2018, a whopping 114 years worth of pornographic content was uploaded to pornhub.com. A 2016 study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology Reviews estimated that 3 to 6 percent of people may have compulsive sexual behavior, or sex addiction, in which pornography plays a major role. Terry Crews and John Mayer have both spoken openly about porn dam-aging their lives.

Are You Watching Too Much Porn?

So what? Well, over the past decade, research has linked pornography to sexual dysfunction, i.e., problems with arousal, attraction, and performance. Some studies suggest that frequent use of Internet pornography may dull the reward response in the brain. Similar to narcotics , the more porn you watch, the more you want to watch it, and the more you need to watch to satisfy yourself.

Compulsive pornography use is not technically classified as an addiction, yet studies within the past decade found that porn can trigger addictive behaviors. If youre not satisfied with one or two or seven sessions daily or you watch porn where you shouldnt (at the office, in the car), you may want to rethink your habit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Pornhub estimates that its highest traffic occurs between 10:00 P.M. and midnight, with peak activity on Sunday nights. Friday sees some of the fewest visitors of the week, which may suggest that social situations limit opportunities for porn use.

Other flares: Do you turn to porn when youre under stress? When youre bummed out or anxious? Lonely? Pissed off at your partner? If so, then you might use it to self-medicate, which is especially unhealthy, says William M. Struthers, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Wheaton College and author of Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain.

Its not just about stopping viewing pornography, says Struthers. Its about figuring out why you were viewing the pornography and replacing it with something thats healthier. "If youre stressed and regularly fire up a few videos as relief, then taking away porn is only going to make you more stressed. Determine whats upsetting you, and deal with that directly at the gym, through meditation, or with a therapist.

ADVERTISEMENT

Replace your Internet connection with real connection, too. Shut off your phone (67 percent of Pornhub users watch on their smartphone) during those high-usage times and/or make plans with people. You can also safeguard your devices with an app like FamiSafe that blocks pornographic content. Let a very trusted friend set the password.

Then its time to see a sex-addiction counselor. Check with your insurer to find specific providers. You can also visit locator.apa.org to search for and filter qualified therapists by specialty and location.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

The largest snake in the world Ana Julia is dead — unknown gunmen suspected

The largest snake in the world Ana Julia is dead — unknown gunmen suspected

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

10 latest senator styles for men

10 latest senator styles for men

Why You Should Try Anal Fingering Before Having Anal Sex

Why You Should Try Anal Fingering Before Having Anal Sex

5 Sex Positions to Stimulate Her G-Spot

5 Sex Positions to Stimulate Her G-Spot

Dr Akpa Chidinma of Curvy Girl Essentials champions inclusivity in beauty standards

Dr Akpa Chidinma of Curvy Girl Essentials champions inclusivity in beauty standards

Pocketwatching in Relationships: What it is and how to deal with it

Pocketwatching in Relationships: What it is and how to deal with it

Money or love? Which is the most important in relationships, according to science?

Money or love? Which is the most important in relationships, according to science?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT