Discussing porn addiction, which is a subset of sex addiction, can refer to a range of behaviours that are done in excess and negatively impact one’s life.
Understanding Porn Habits
Pornography is now often the first experience with sexuality that youth have. Its prevalence in our modern culture has had extensive cultural impacts on sexuality, in general, in terms of preferences, fetishes, body image expectations and relationship dynamics. It can affect relationships and sexuality in multiple ways, detrimentally and could become a porn addiction and manifest in maladaptive relationship behaviours like infidelity.
There is no one porn addiction definition but people who are addicted often exhibit identifiable behaviours. some examples of possible addictive behaviour as it relates to consequences in our own lives and relationships. Some pornography-dependent individuals who exhibit compulsive sexual behaviour lose their appetite for real-life sexual situations and the amount of time spent porn viewing can be detrimental to the relationship.
This can impact the formation or maintenance of romantic relationships. Others cannot climax without porn, or fantasizing about porn. Others still cannot reach sexual arousal or satisfaction without involvement with certain pornographic material or pornography fetishes or acts. This can set unrealistic or impossible expectations in sexual relationships, often causing them to cease in the real world.
Due to the compulsive nature of the symptoms of porn addiction. Often, other compulsive behavioural addictions occur creating cross-addiction scenarios. Personality disorders can also underpin the compulsive and destructive nature of the problem if it is not treated. Learn why pornography is like a comfy couch:
Pornography Statistics
- 40 million adults in the U.S. visit internet pornography sites on a regular basis.
- 1 in 5 internet searches on a mobile device is for pornography.
- Men who are happily married are 61% less likely to look at porn.
- 20% of men admit to viewing pornography at work.
- 88% of porn scenes contain physical aggression. 49% contain verbal aggression.
Pornography viewing can be an enhancement to a great sex life and add a little spice or personal satisfaction or it can become a problem. When it morphs into sexual addiction or sexual dysfunction, it impacts sex drive, relationships, and even productivity in daily life. It can also have negative workplace impacts, financial impacts, and general mental health. The main thing that distinguishes porn use from porn addiction is the compulsive nature of the urge to view pornography and the level of disruption to regular life.