Some of the evil effects of Porn Addiction
Consuming pornography is an all too common pastime. Studies estimate that between 86% and 96% of men regularly consume porn. Women consume only slightly less pornographic content.
Effects of Porn Addiction
Because porn is so accessible, it’s easy for someone to become dependent on erotic material.
In a study reviewing porn’s addictive nature, subjects that consumed high amounts of erotic material were found to have increased brain reactions when presented with pornographic cues.3
This reaction has also been observed when people with substance or gambling addictions are presented with addictive prompts.
Beyond changes in brain activity, however, excessive consumption of porn has also been found to have the following effects, all of which are outlined below.
Can Affect Intimacy Between Partners:
While anyone can become addicted to pornography, this behavior is more noticeable in men—a trait that can be problematic for their partners.5
In particular, it has been observed that men who frequently watch pornographic content tend to pull away emotionally from their significant others.6 These men tend to develop secretive traits, and may even fall into depressive states following their overconsumption of porn.
The type of porn being viewed may also contribute to dwindling intimacy between partners, as men have a tendency to consume less-affectionate forms of pornography.
It Can Affect Your Partner's Self-esteem:
When a partner observes their partner drawing away physically, preferring instead to turn to porn—it can be a heavy blow to their self-esteem.
Questions around their abilities in bed, the interests of their partner, and what other areas they may be falling short might consume the significant other of a person with this hypersexual disorder.
Pornography Can Affect Satisfaction From Sex:
When a person is constantly viewing the bodies and intimate relations of others, it isn’t uncommon to make comparisons. Soon, they may begin to consider their physical appearance and sexual abilities weaker, in contrast with professional sex workers.
Other times, this dissatisfaction may be targeted at their partners, who may measure themselves against the actors their partner watches.
People with porn addiction may also place an unhealthy amount of pressure on their performance during intercourse which significantly affects their sexual experience. While they’re constantly watching people engage in sex, this person may find that their sex lives may feel less satisfying.
Can Affect Daily Functioning:
Being glued to a screen displaying pornographic material can be very obstructive to your daily flow. It can hinder productivity in the workplace, at home, and in social settings.
The overwhelming need to watch others engage in intercourse can become more important than the meeting scheduled with a client, attending a doctor’s appointment, or even taking much-needed time to relax and enjoy the day.
Porn Addiction May Encourage Mental Health Disorders:
Having a heightened appetite for erotic material has been associated with anxiety disorders. In addition, this hypersexual disorder may also cause mood disorders and even substance abuse challenges.
While this is merely speculative, there have also been links drawn to excessive pornographic consumption and erectile plus other sexual dysfunctions.