Pornography is spreading as fast as wildfire among the masses. Pornography addiction is a genuine phenomenon, considering the many mental effects of porn. With just the click of your mouse, you can access a wide variety of porn online. In the past, the internet was not very accessible. But now, smartphones rule over our lives. We can surf the internet anytime, anywhere.
The mental effects of porn have been studied, and conclusions have been drawn. But before we move further, you need to know what porn is.
Table of Content
What Is Porn?
Porn includes books, movies, pictures or magazines that contain indecent images which stimulate compulsive sexual interests. Pornography dates back to the cavepeople, who drew suggestive drawings on the walls of their caves. These images were drawn solely to entertain themselves. As time went by and advancements were made, porn became more accessible.
In the 19th century, when the first photograph was clicked, it was the epitome of revolution. People became fascinated by the thought of capturing a moment. But, as time went by and motion pictures also came into existence, people already had their hands on crude magazines and images. Then, motion pictures called adult films were made, which led to the advent of the billion-dollar porn industry.
Good Porn Bad Porn
Many people argue about porn. Some people are strictly against it while many say otherwise. There is no such thing as ‘good porn’. Porn is porn, but it gets from bad to worse. It may start as an exploration, but it intrigues you. It’s like a spider web that pulls its prey towards it. You go on and on watching it and eventually become addicted to it.
Mental Effects Of Porn
Addiction to anything is wrong. Similarly, watching porn is a despicable act. It gives rise to many mental issues. The mental effects of porn are explained below.
1. Social Closeting
Porn is not something you can watch publicly. It requires you to be alone. If you are addicted to it, you spend most of your time isolated. This leads to social closeting. You prefer to stay away from social interactions and gatherings. Avoiding people gives birth to social anxiety, and you prefer to stay alone.
2. Mood Changes
People watch porn to get temporary sexual relief. Once you step into this dark hole, you find it hard to come back. It makes you dependent upon it, and you may feel powerless. In addition, people who are addicted reveal feeling irritable, frustrated and guilty. They know it is a heinous act and yet, feel helpless in front of their needs.
Read more about things that affect your mood.
3. Unhappy Intimate Life
Due to the unrealistic standards set by the porn industry, people fantasize about unrealistic scenarios. They believe what they see and expect the same from their intimate partner. Once they realize that the set standard is unattainable, they become frustrated and despise their partners. According to studies, porn addicts tend to have insatiable demands that usually are unattainable.
4. Sexual Issues
Sexual dysfunctions are prevalent among porn addicts. They are unable to perform well sexually and usually feel out of control. Many feel low attraction towards their partners and find it hard to be aroused. All these issues cause high frustration and unsatisfactory sexual life.
Read more about myths regarding mental health.
5. Self-Hate
In our society, watching porn is considered shameful and is frowned upon. Addicts, forced by their dependence, watch porn but with a lot of guilt. Guilt induces self-hate. You know that you’re doing something wrong, but you feel powerless. Then you hate yourself even more. It becomes a vicious cycle where you watch it and feel guilty and then watch it again.
6. Neglecting Life
Being immersed in your secret life detaches you from your real life. According to a study, porn addicts pay less attention to their jobs, families and personal life. They daydream half of the time and neglect what they already have.
7. Sex Crimes
It is better to avoid situations that lead you to lose control instead of relying on your willpower and jumping into such acts. Porn addiction is like quicksand. It becomes tough to come back. Sexual frustration that stems from porn addiction gives rise to sexual crimes like rape, harassment, and objectifying the opposite sex. All these acts are awful and give rise to evil in society.
COVID-19 And Pornography
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has enforced social isolation and lockdown. Many people are turning to pornography to relieve their anxiety or depression or simply to have some fun. The multibillion-dollar porn industry is capitalizing on the fact that many people are bored at home and are offering free access to premium sites to encourage use. The problem is that quick fixes frequently come with hidden risks, such as gradual dependency, which can lead to problematic use and, in some cases, addiction. It is vital to identify your addiction and seek help.
How To Quit?
The most important question is how to quit porn addiction. The various mental effects of porn addiction are enough reasons to quit it. Mental pollution caused by watching porn can make you psychologically sick. All these mental effects of porn can interfere negatively in your life and produce distress. It is crucial to reach out to a healthcare professional if you need support regarding the mental effects of porn.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to quit porn?
Yes, it is very much possible to quit porn, by taking essential measures and consulting a psychologist.
2. Do married people watch porn too?
Yes, those who are addicted to it watch it even after getting married. This takes a toll on their relationship with their partner.
3. Do women watch porn too?
Yes, women get addicted to porn too.
4. At what age do children start watching porn?
Children are intrigued by it and can start watching it as soon as puberty hits.
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