Internet Porn Addiction

Posted under Pornography on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

By Leslie Thompson

Sex is a part of human nature. In an age where the world is available at the touch of a key stroke, it’s no surprise that Internet pornography sites have become so popular. Until recently, porn sites were the most-frequented sites on the Internet, only recently haven been beat out by social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. Needless to say, sex sells. Or at least draws a large amount of viewers.

While viewing online pornography as a couple or alone may be a form of foreplay, for many Americans this simple pleasure can develop into something much more severe—an addiction. It is estimated that 15 million Americans are addicted to and/or compulsively view pornography. Although there are many critics who dispute that porn addiction is a real condition, it is a significant problem for many men and women when it affects aspects of their lives including their relationships and jobs.

Pornography addiction is defined as a psychological addiction or dependence upon pornography, characterized by obsessive viewing, reading, or thinking about pornography and sexual themes to the detriment of other areas in one’s life. Currently, neither pornography addiction nor Internet pornography addiction are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), although that may change in the near future. Regardless, for those suffering from the disorder, it is a very real and serious problem that needs to be recognized and treated.

Internet pornography has become a widespread phenomenon for several reasons, one being the availability of pornography via the Internet. Individuals can view pornography as still images, video clips, or even as live action via Web cams. New content is constantly being added to sites so fresh material is always available to the viewer. Internet porn also brings with it a sense of anonymity for the viewer. Instead of having to buy videos and/or magazines from an adult store, individuals can watch what they want in the privacy of their own home.

Psychologists suggest that individuals who are struggling with pornography addiction often experience five stages, the first being the discovery stage. In this stage, the individual first comes across pornographic material and experiences a rush of excitement. For many people, this introduction to erotica happens at a young age. The second stage is experimentation/exploration, where the individual attempts to rationalize their exploration as “harmless fun.”

The third stage is desensitization, where material that was once exciting now becomes the norm, even mundane. In this stage, the rush one used to get from viewing pornography starts subsiding. The fourth stage is escalation, where the pornographic material becomes more intense in an attempt to reach that initial rush of excitement. The fifth and final stage is performance, where the individual acts out sexual behaviors seen in the pornographic material. It is important to note that not all porn addicts experience each stage described above.

For most people, perusing the Internet for pornography does not lead to addiction. But when the behavior starts to obstruct an individual’s normal everyday life, and is accompanied by feelings of guilt, viewing pornography becomes a problem.

Suggested treatment for Internet pornography addiction is attending a 12-step program where the addict can share their feelings and concerns with those who are going through the same thing. Setting up Internet porn blockers at home and at the office will also help curb the viewing temptation and can help prevent a relapse. Internet porn addiction is nothing to be ashamed of—it’s a disorder that affects millions, and like any other addiction, it can be treated.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.