The dangers of overindulgence in online pornography....by Gurjot Singh Kaler

Chandigarh: In today’s digital times of high-speed internet era, access to online pornography is just a click away for anyone who has a smartphone and an internet connection. A lot of people spend a considerable amount of time every day to watch porn as they feel addicted towards it. 

There is limited scientific research available to determine specific boundaries regarding pornography consumption. However, a study published in the Sociology journal suggests that watching porn for leisure or during free time can serve as a stress-reliever by triggering the release of endorphins.

While it may not seem harmful and dangerous at the outset, but regular and excessive-cum-obsessive consumption of online pornography can have serious ramifications with devastating effects on the physical and mental health of the viewers. Porn addiction refers to a psychological reliance on pornography that significantly affects one's daily life and societal obligations. 

If a person has an uncontrollable desire to watch porn, irrespective of the time, place, and surroundings, one might have a porn addiction. In other words, when an individual finds it difficult to cease watching pornography despite a desire to do so, and when it disrupts their relationships, daily functioning, and well-being, they may be classified as addicted to porn.

Men and women who frequently watch pornography often express dissatisfaction with their sexual experiences in real life with their partners. Furthermore, there's evidence of pornography-induced erectile dysfunction, affecting the crucial aspect of virility in men. 

Habitual exposure to porn can lead to a reliance on increasingly explicit material, leading to erectile responses solely triggered by hardcore content, which can be harmful. 

Thus, pornography consumption can act as a form of psychological conditioning, resulting in performance anxiety during sexual activities. Men and women who consume too much pornography and indulge in frequent masturbation are prone to experiencing sexual dysfunction, i.e., problems with arousal, attraction and performance. 

Similar to drugs, the more porn you watch, the more you want to watch it, and the more you need to watch it in order to satisfy yourself, which finally leads to porn addiction. Sooner, it becomes a vicious cycle and an individual finds it extremely difficult to overcome one’s addiction to it.Watching porn can create unrealistic expectations during sex in real life, leading to criticism of your partner and damaging emotional connection. 

It diminishes affection, causes dissatisfaction with your partner, and can lead to premature ejaculation and a decline in libido. Excessive porn use fosters a craving for extreme hardcore acts, selfish attitudes, and a disconnect between sex and emotional intimacy, ultimately degrading relationships.

Regularly watching pornography diminishes one's ability to resist temptation over time. This addiction often leads to struggles in other areas of life. Porn consumption usually occurs in secrecy and solitude, leading to embarrassment and shame. 

This isolation can cause social awkwardness, especially among young people, reinforcing feelings of guilt and secrecy. This cycle hinders the development of intimacy and personal growth. 

Thus,pornography encourages isolation and secrecy, which can lead to carrying feelings of shame into everyday life. Excessive consumption of porn often results in depression, causing individuals to withdraw further, perpetuating the cycle.

Pornography, similar to alcohol, can be problematic for those with excessive dependency and additional risk factors. Extended reliance on porn can lead to violent crimes like rape and sexual violence, especially among individuals already predisposed to sexual aggression and anger issues. 

Excessive indulgence in pornography promotes multiple sexual partners, heightening Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) transmission risks, while also perpetuating sexist attitudes and unrealistic sexual expectations, especially among men lacking assertiveness. 

Furthermore, the culture of openness in porn may lead individuals to seek more partners and consider extramarital affairs, potentially leading to willingness to pay for sex. Condom use is not widespread in the industry, relying on STD testing instead, which may discourage the use of protective measures and increase the spread of infections.

Steps to overcome addiction to pornography:

Limiting pornography consumption has to be a conscious decision which you make for yourself and it can lead to development of healthier relationships and prevent the adoption of false beliefs about sex. It's important to recognize that porn is not an educational tool for understanding love, sex and intimacy.

Many individuals experience feelings of humiliation and sadness due to pornography use, which can hinder social interactions and their work productivity in life. However, reconnecting with old friends through social media can help initiate a transition toward healthier relationships.

It's essential to discern between healthy and unhealthy habits for your brain and prioritize actions that support mental well-being. For those struggling with nightly porn consumption on a daily basis, establishing a nightly routine of creating a to-do list for the next day can help redirect focus and productivity. 

Rewarding oneself for completing tasks on the list with meaningful incentives, other than porn, is crucial for progress. Invest your energy to divert your mind to some good hobbies like running, exercising, reading books, etc. 

The addiction to online pornography will not vanish suddenly but if proper focus and personal discipline is maintained, positive results will soon appear on the horizon.It's essential not only to motivate yourself to stop viewing pornography but also to analyse-cum-understand the underlying reasons for doing so and replace it with healthier alternatives. 

If you typically turn to porn as a means of stress relief, simply eliminating it may exacerbate your stress levels. Instead, identify the root cause of your distress and address it directly through activities such as exercise, meditation, or therapy.

In addition to changing your online habits, prioritize genuine human connections. Consider disconnecting from your digital devices during peak usage times and make plans to spend time with friends or loved ones in person. 

Utilizing tools like FamiSafe can help block access to pornographic content on your devices, with the added security of having a trusted friend set the password. Focus on developing your personal connection with your partner. 

Overindulging in pornography can desensitize you, but it's vital to understand that intimacy involves more than just physical aspects. Building emotional closeness is equally important. Concentrate on cultivating this emotional bond with your partner, and you may find yourself reducing reliance on pornography. 

If the problem still persists and you feel helpless by your urge to watch pornography, it is best to consult mental health experts and sex addiction counsellors. 

Do not be ashamed to talk about your problem and give yourself adequate time and sympathy to deal with it. Porn addiction, similar to other forms of addiction, is a genuine issue that can have severe consequences. Recognizing that you have a problem is the initial step towards overcoming it, albeit a challenging one.

 It's normal to feel guilty and ashamed, but it's important to reach out to someone you trust for support. Seeking professional help, if necessary, is also crucial in the journey towards recovery. 

Addiction to porn can be managed and treated with the right determination and assistance of trusted professionals. Recognizing and acknowledging the adverse effects of pornography consumption is the first step towards managing its impact. 

To summarize, let us tread cautiously in the digital realm, mindful of the potential pitfalls of excessive online pornography consumption. By fostering awareness and embracing responsible viewing habits, we can navigate this complex landscape with greater clarity and respect for ourselves and others. Let's strive for a future where we are liberated from the shadows of the screen, empowered to lead fulfilling lives both online and offline.

March 8, 2024