Pornography Use is Harmful
It negatively affects the individual using pornography, their spouse and family, and the community.
Individual
According to "Beyond the Porn Phenomenon" by The Barna Group, pornography use is associated with unrealistic expectations about intimacy, greater perceived risk of addiction, and escalation toward more graphic content. Research finds that frequent pornography use may produce lower relationship satisfaction, negative body image, and unrealistic sexual expectations (pg. 35-36).
"Process addictions such as digital gaming, gambling and pornography use chemicals sourced and stored within the body ... Together, these form a cocktail of neurochemicals that hook brains into craving more."
Dr. Sheri Keffer (pg. 49)
In “Clinical Management of Sexual Addiction,” Patrick Carnes describes that internet explicit images combined with intense experiences of orgasm from masturbation determines one’s sexuality, rather than defining it through natural ways of affection and touch in a relationship. So, porn not only affects one spiritually and sexually, but also relationally. Porn conditions the brain to have an erotic arousal template instead of one built on the bonding between two people. Because of this template created in the brain, the ability to bond intimately with a partner is greatly limited (pg. 48).
"Process addictions such as digital gaming, gambling and pornography use chemicals sourced and stored within the body ... Together, these form a cocktail of neurochemicals that hook brains into craving more."
Dr. Sheri Keffer (pg. 49)
In “Clinical Management of Sexual Addiction,” Patrick Carnes describes that internet explicit images combined with intense experiences of orgasm from masturbation determines one’s sexuality, rather than defining it through natural ways of affection and touch in a relationship. So, porn not only affects one spiritually and sexually, but also relationally. Porn conditions the brain to have an erotic arousal template instead of one built on the bonding between two people. Because of this template created in the brain, the ability to bond intimately with a partner is greatly limited (pg. 48).
Spouse & Family
Among women whose spouse or partner regularly viewed pornography:
44% felt “like my partner wasn’t attracted to me”
38% felt there were unrealistic expectations placed on them
38% experienced unhealthy comparison with pornography
38% reported a decline in self-esteem
30% felt they could not trust their partner
27% felt betrayed by their partner
("Beyond the Porn Phenomenon" pg. 57)
"Process addictions such as digital gaming, gambling and pornography use chemicals sourced and stored within the body ... Together, these form a cocktail of neurochemicals that hook brains into craving more."
Dr. Sheri Keffer (pg. 49)
In “Clinical Management of Sexual Addiction,” Patrick Carnes describes that internet explicit images combined with intense experiences of orgasm from masturbation determines one’s sexuality, rather than defining it through natural ways of affection and touch in a relationship. So, porn not only affects one spiritually and sexually, but also relationally. Porn conditions the brain to have an erotic arousal template instead of one built on the bonding between two people. Because of this template created in the brain, the ability to bond intimately with a partner is greatly limited (pg. 48).
44% felt “like my partner wasn’t attracted to me”
38% felt there were unrealistic expectations placed on them
38% experienced unhealthy comparison with pornography
38% reported a decline in self-esteem
30% felt they could not trust their partner
27% felt betrayed by their partner
("Beyond the Porn Phenomenon" pg. 57)
"Process addictions such as digital gaming, gambling and pornography use chemicals sourced and stored within the body ... Together, these form a cocktail of neurochemicals that hook brains into craving more."
Dr. Sheri Keffer (pg. 49)
In “Clinical Management of Sexual Addiction,” Patrick Carnes describes that internet explicit images combined with intense experiences of orgasm from masturbation determines one’s sexuality, rather than defining it through natural ways of affection and touch in a relationship. So, porn not only affects one spiritually and sexually, but also relationally. Porn conditions the brain to have an erotic arousal template instead of one built on the bonding between two people. Because of this template created in the brain, the ability to bond intimately with a partner is greatly limited (pg. 48).
|
PornHurts.helpLiving a lie?Despite my love for God, I would find myself turning to pornography multiple times a month. I tried many things but was unable to stop. I felt like I was living a lie, and that if the people around me knew about my problem that they would reject me.
Real relationships are a necessityI've learned that real relationships are a necessity. They are a need I have (a legitimate need) that I wasn't getting met, and because of that I would try to meet that need in the wrong way. I've also learned that I need to grow in the way I view myself, learning to believe what God says about me as the truth.
|