THE IMPACT OF FREQUENT PORNOGRAPHY CONSUMPTION.
Problematic pornography use refers to situations where this behaviour causes frustration and/or distress on a personal, relational, social or occupational level. It may manifest itself in feelings of loss of control and continued use despite an awareness of the adverse consequences that such use may entail (Zuckerman, 1994).
Some research suggests that people who regularly view this material may become obsessed with the content and even experience obsessive thoughts about it. This can impair their ability to form interpersonal relationships and have a negative impact on their cognitive and emotional development, potentially leading them to withdraw from social settings, amongst other consequences (Ince et al., 2020).
However, there are not enough studies to confirm with certainty the link between pornography addiction and mental health. According to a US study (the same one mentioned above), participants who repeatedly used pornographic material scored higher on measures of depression, stress and anxiety, which caused insomnia in many of the subjects due to the need to access pornographic material—that is, the need for pleasure through the pursuit of rewards. Many of these participants experienced irritability, agitation and sleep deprivation caused by the continuous viewing of such material (Ince et al., 2020). Although the research concludes that there may be a greater predisposition to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and insomnia, no evidence has yet been identified to suggest that it could exacerbate suicidal thoughts (Ince et al., 2020).
This issue is currently partially recognised in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which includes Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD), characterised by intense and recurrent preoccupation with sexual fantasies, urges and behaviours leading to clinically significant distress or impairment in social and occupational functioning, amongst other things (World Health Organisation, 2018). This may involve excessive consumption of pornography, excessive masturbation, participation in services such as prostitution, and compulsive sexual behaviours within a stable romantic relationship (Kraus et al., 2018).
People who regularly consume pornographic material tend to prioritise unrealistic content that fulfils their individual fantasies and expectations. This content can fuel situations that are neither ethical nor moral in real life, impacting the behaviour and social cognition of the content’s consumers themselves, as they tend to express a greater desire to bring what they see on screen into reality, which may lead to frustration, even with themselves. With regard to couples, there may be a decrease in sexual satisfaction and a tendency to adopt pornographic scripts (Antons et al., 2020). This can lead to unsatisfactory sexual relations, resulting in a loss of intimacy that negatively affects the relationship, or trigger various conflicts such as jealousy, mistrust, frustration, lack of communication, and even the development of problematic behaviours towards one’s sexual partner, such as subjecting the other to degrading or harmful practices (Laier et al., 2013).
Following on from the previous paragraph, it is important to emphasise that pornography can influence a person’s expectations, behaviours and emotions regarding sex; this is of paramount importance for those who view this type of content, given the unrealistic expectations that viewing pornographic material can create, frustration and anxiety arising from a mismatch with real-life expectations, and a disconnect from sexual reality, reducing the experience to the purely physical whilst sidelining the emotional aspect—in other words, the steps to be taken become automated. Sexual performance issues may also develop, potentially leading to erectile dysfunction or an inability to achieve arousal or sexual satisfaction without the aid of this artificial material; distortion of the couple’s relationship due to its influence on relationship dissatisfaction and the inability to share the same interests or capabilities, increasing the disparity within the romantic relationship. And finally, depersonalisation: beginning to view one’s partner as an object of gratification, thereby undermining the quality of the relationship and reducing the intimate satisfaction of both partners (Wilson, 2014).
The risk factors associated with pornography use may arise due to its impact on development, particularly when there is early access and exposure, which influences perceptions of reality, distorts understanding of relationships and the human body, and creates unrealistic expectations. It is also linked to escapism, as seen in cases of depression and anxiety. The lack of adequate sex education, which provides healthy tools for understanding one’s own sexuality and that of others, can lead to misunderstandings about intimacy and to negative or toxic attitudes in intimate relationships. Difficulties in interpersonal relationships can also lead to emotional desensitisation, affecting consideration for the other person and even reducing desire. A lack of autonomy is another risk factor, as pornography is used as an escape mechanism or a way of coping with insecurities, which, in the long term, can exacerbate feelings of emptiness.
In conclusion, as far as we currently know, pornography can alter sexual perception and lead to a disconnect from reality (Wilson, 2014), affecting the structure and function of the brain, even in those who are not addicted (Antons et al., 2020). As mentioned earlier, the influence of culture and social norms that normalise consumption through easy accessibility and stigmatise those who speak out about pornography also plays an important role (Ince et al., 2020). As there is limited information on pornography use and the prevalence of addiction to it, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about its long-term consequences.
WHAT DOES PORNOGRAPHY HAVE TO DO WITH ADDICTION AND IMPULSIVITY?
Various studies conducted in this field suggest that the use of pornographic material and substance use are potentially addictive behaviours, as they are considered rewarding behaviours (Testa et al., 2023). Rewarding behaviours are those that elicit positive feelings, satisfaction or pleasure in the individual, such as eating, exercising, etc. The problem with these behaviours arises when they become excessive or compulsive, as the brain begins to prioritise these rewards over long-term needs and they become adaptive processes (Berridge, 2000).
By triggering adaptive processes, the brain becomes hijacked or is subjected to an ‘emotional hijacking’, becoming less responsive to the current consumption of pornographic material and seeking to renew those pleasurable sensations through some further stimulus, thus potentially leading to a more aggressive or dominant pattern of pornographic consumption (Antons et al., 2020). It is said that ‘the brain is hijacked’ or that there is an ‘emotional hijacking’ when the amygdala—the part of the brain where intense emotions such as anger or rage are stored and managed—takes control of the rational part of our brain, generating rapid and intense reactions in a hasty manner because there is no conscious assessment of the situation (impulsivity); this phenomenon is also known as ‘amygdala hijacking’, a term coined by the psychologist Daniel Goleman (Goleman, 1995).
In the case of problematic consumption of pornography or substances, this is characterised by a loss of self-control; in other words, it affects behaviour, potentially leading to impulsivity or cravings due to the need for immediate gratification. It is important to emphasise that not everyone who consumes pornography or substances develops a problematic pattern of use (Testa et al., 2023).
The most effective interventions are based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), using approaches such as psychoeducation, motivational interviewing and mindfulness. These therapies are usually delivered through both individual and group sessions, helping to develop strategies to improve self-regulation and self-control, amongst other aspects. The techniques mentioned are particularly effective in reducing behaviours such as impulsivity and anxiety, and are fundamental in the treatment of addictive behaviours, as situations charged with intense emotions, both positive and negative, are often the main causes of relapse (Testa et al., 2023).
Pornography addiction is influenced by psychological, biological, social, technological and personal factors. It is shaped by an individual’s life history; factors such as sex education or a history of abuse can play a crucial role in determining the consumption of this type of material. Lifestyle and environment can lead to an active search for sexual gratification and/or emotional escape. With regard to impulsivity, individuals with high levels of impulsivity may be more likely to seek out and consume such material as they fail to recognise risky situations (Kraus et al., 2016; Volkow et al., 2014; Peter et al., 2016; Voon et al., 2014).
When we talk about cognitive and emotional development, it is well known that recurrent and excessive consumption can significantly affect different areas of the brain, given that addiction, as defined by the Royal Spanish Academy, is a dependence on substances or activities that are harmful to health or mental well-being, as well as an extreme fondness for someone or something (RAE, 2021). This creates a distorted perception of ourselves and thus contributes to future depression, anxiety, low life satisfaction and even emotional dependence (Zhou et al., 2011).
As mentioned earlier, addiction is also associated with alterations in the reward system, as is impulsivity, since these two concepts are usually linked. Continued exposure to stimuli causes more dopamine to be released than usual, so that on subsequent occasions the same amount or higher doses will be needed to achieve the level required to satisfy our brain. This also happens with any addiction, but is perhaps most evident in those involving the use of narcotics, hence the development of tolerance to them, which continues to increase. Some effects of addiction, as previously mentioned, may include: impaired attention and working memory, reduced ability to manage negative emotions, social isolation, sexual anxiety, decreased self-esteem, distorted sexual expectations and erectile dysfunction, amongst others (Volkow et al., 2015).
In the case of pornography consumption, research has examined its link to various impulsive traits, with particular emphasis on the pursuit of diverse, novel and complex emotions and experiences. This tendency is associated with exposure to sexual content and the frequency of viewing such material, particularly among adolescents and young adults. (Antons et al., 2020).
In conclusion, research into the consumption of pornographic material and substances shows that both behaviours can develop into addictions due to the immediate gratification they provide. These behaviours activate the brain’s reward system, and when they become excessive or compulsive, they alter brain processes, creating a cycle of constantly seeking new rewards. Whilst not everyone who consumes pornography or substances develops problematic use, the risk is higher in individuals with high levels of impulsivity or those with a history of abuse or inadequate sex education.
HOW TO TELL IF I AM ABUSING PORNOGRAPHY.
Consuming pornography is not necessarily problematic in itself, but when it becomes a compulsive habit or interferes with daily activities and interpersonal relationships, it can be considered excessive.
- Excessive consumption.
- Loss of control.
- Lack of interest in social or personal activities.
- Tolerance and the need for more explicit content.
- Negative effects on sex life.
- Guilt, shame or anxiety.
- Impact on productivity and emotional well-being.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FIND YOURSELF OVERUSING PORNOGRAPHY?
- Think about how this behaviour is having a negative impact on your life; be aware of it.
- Set limits, such as using filters or apps that restrict access.
- Seek support from people you trust.
- Talk to a mental health professional.
