Effects of Pornography on Men’s Health: Physical, Psychological, and Social Implications

Abstract

Pornography is commonly used in today’s society due to the enhanced technological development. Increased use can cause psychological, physiological, and social impacts on the lives of the users, especially the men. The studies show that its use in large amounts may lead to such problems as anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, changes in the chemical balance in the brain, and lead to addictive behaviors. Additionally, the use of pornography leads to the deterioration of relationships due to having high expectations and eventual emotional estrangement. This article aims at investigating the various effects of the use of pornography for men based on research data obtained recently to cope with the issue in details concerning its effects on the general well-being and relationships of people, especially men.

Introduction

With the internet’s rapid expansion, pornography has become more accessible, resulting in increased consumption across diverse demographics. Pornography consumption in moderation appears to have possibly positive or at least non-negative effects, heavy and chronic pornography consumption has been associated with numerous diseases to human health specifically men’s health (Ley et al., 2014). The experts conclude that regular use of the substance increases the risk of psychological problems such as increased anxiety, depression, and lowered self-esteem as the drug can distort the expected sexual performance and look of a person. Furthermore, long-term pornography consumption is related to other addictive activities; because the brain releases dopamine when consumers view pornography, many people develop an irresistible urge to continue watching similar videos and develop dependencies like that of substance abuse (Kraus et al., 2016). Interpersonal interactions are also negatively affected studies that increased texting can negatively affect closeness and lead to dissatisfaction with the relationship and a lack of further trust. This article discusses the syncretism effects of pornography on the well-being of a male body, including the psychological and physiological effects of using pornography, addictive behaviors, relational difficulties, and social repercussions.

1. Psychological Effects of Pornography Use

1.1 Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Esteem

In terms of the negative effects pornography use might have on mental health, several studies have indicated that possibly, regular exposure to pornography may lead to anxiety and depression, especially among males, attributing this to the fact that many portrayals presented in pornography are unrealistic. Such unrealistic role models concerning sexual performance and physical looks can make men develop poor feelings about themselves each time they take the role model as a benchmark (Grubbs et al., 2015). It may also lead to poor self-esteem and make the involved individuals or parties lose confidence in themselves and their affairs (Wilson, 2019). These mental health issues may be aggravated with time and even possibly cause a decrease in the average life satisfaction of clients and greater alienation from society.

1.2 Risk of Pornography Addiction

Pornography has the possibility of creating an addiction mechanism during usage because the underlying neurochemistry of this media is akin to that of addiction to substances. The use of food triggers the release of dopamine hormone which forms a rewarding stimulus that promotes use again. This over time results in a compulsive use of pornography to satisfy sexual needs and desires (Kraus et al., 2016). The studies show that men who develop pornography addiction have lower satisfaction with life and loneliness as they may lose real-life social relationships since they spend much time watching pornography (Kühn & Gallinat, 2014).

1.3 Erectile Dysfunction and Performance Anxiety

Pornography-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED) as noted by Park and colleagues (2016) is a condition in which male consumers of pornography struggle to achieve or sustain actual-life intercourse. This is mainly triggered by the fact that regular consumption of pornography results in desensitization which makes many people depend on visual cues for sexual arousal. Subsequently, the absence of a reaction in real-life interaction leads to performance stress in men, thereby making them develop an even greater dependence on pornography, to address perceived sexual satisfaction (Prause et al., 2017).

2. Physiological Impacts

2.1 Brain Structure and Function

Some more current investigations have started looking into how regular use of pornography might affect the brain’s organization and functions, especially the pleasure/reward system. Other studies propose that HPU could induce neuroadaptations within the grey matter volume concerning the reward circuitry of the brain along with resulting feelings of pleasure as well as satisfaction (Kühn & Gallinat, 2014). These changes can lower the brain’s ability to respond to lesser stimuli, in effect requiring more use of pornography to satisfy the individual the same way a lesser stimulus would. In the long run, this leads to a desire escalation and difficulty in deriving pleasure in daily activities or even interest in affairs of real-life relationships (Wilson, 2019).

2.2 Cardiovascular Effects

The effect of pornography is not only in other physiological aspects but also cardiovascular ones. Recurrent exposure to such triggers, as the high arousal components of porn material, raises heart rate and blood pressure levels and places extra demands on the cardiovascular system. In current heavy pornography users, these cyclic fluctuations in cardiovascular workload might worsen existing diseases like hypertension and heart disease and would have the potential for chronic health risks. Despite further data being required to make the connection, early evidence indicates that the stress response could be unhealthy for the heart when the arousal is frequent, and this could ultimately deliver adverse impacts on cardiovascular health over the long term (Steele et al., 2013).

Chart 1: Health Risks of Frequent Pornography Consumption

3. Social and Relational Impacts

3.1 Impact on Intimate Relationships

Excessive use of pornography has several effects on intimacy, which makes the gap between partners and can be an obstacle to creating the feeling of togetherness. There is growing evidence that suggests that men who frequently use pornography develop expectations regarding physical attractiveness, performance, and sexual scenarios that are unattainable in real-life relationships, which can lead to frustration (Miller et al., 2019). The discrepancy between the real and virtual intimacy levels leads to feelings of discontentment that cause decreased relationship satisfaction. This dissatisfaction might lead to the lessening of trust and result in physical space and emotional disconnection because of those feelings of neglect and insufficiency. Copper, Griffiths, and Bingley (2014) also argue that clinical research indicates that high levels of pornography use are associated with various negative relationship outcomes, such as conflicts, reduced commitment to relationships, and relationship instability (see Bridges et al., 2014).

3.2 Communication and Emotional Connection

Excessive pornography use may impair open communication and reduce emotional intimacy within relationships. Maddox and his colleagues (2011) foresaw that companions of regular porn users usually complain of a lack of affection, lack of recognition, and lack of intimacy, and thereby relationship solidity erodes over time. This means while people satisfy their needs sexually through pornography they do not work on real-life relations denying themselves opportunities to practice meaningful communication. Besides, pornography use can lead to awkwardness in talking about affection or sexual demands, thus contributing to unresolved anger and unsatisfied longing, which acts as a barrier to partners’ stable and supportive relationship.

3.3 Pornography and Social Isolation

Heavy pornography in excess results in reduced time for social interactions making people recluse as compared to addicts to social life. The more frequently a man uses pornography, the more gradually spends time in friends making, attending parties, or performing functions that favor communal relations, and they end up feeling out of touch (Zimbardo & Coulombe, 2015). This inclination toward living a solitary life only can compound loneliness because the individual not only cuts off the fellowship of others but the means to have fellowship cast off as well. Prolonged isolation progressively pushes the user to a state where he or she does not experience improvements in mental health, resulting in perpetuity where the use of pornography becomes a replacement for social interaction.

4.1 Identifying Addiction

Pornography addiction involves regular patterns such as spending long durations watching pornography, repeatedly trying to cut down the habit and failing, and continuing to use porn negatively affecting one’s self and working life (Carnes et al., 2014). As with most addictions, people suffering from this type of addiction often proceed to cut themselves off from people, choosing pornography over family, friends, and responsibility. In the process, dependency becomes destructive to everyday life schedules and goals, as well as to familial bonds. People must identify the symptoms of addictions because many people do not think that their behavior is a problem and that they can help control it when they persistently become irresistible and hard to resist, and when they cause suffering and/or reduced functioning, are most likely an addiction. It is for this reason that such patterns are best identified at an early stage to seek help before the profound change in peoples’ lives is realized.

Pornography addiction, as the name suggests, to be treated requires therapeutic models that seek to address and minimize the very need for the material, behavior modification, and other related disorders. The table below overviews the main treatment strategies that can be used to address and overcome this specific addiction step-by-step:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT)

CBT restores a sense of control as coping therapy for and in the reduction of compulsive pornography use by addressing specific cognitive and affective processes associated with addictive behavior. The CBT major strategy is to evaluate the maladaptive cognitions thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions that cause the need to repeatedly watch videos and work towards changing them (Mead et al., 2019). For instance, while treating male clients suffering from pornography dependency, cognitive behavioral therapists may employ a technique that interrupts those clients’ habitual thoughts on pornography with good, functional strategies. Other skills under CBT include exposure-response prevention which helps individuals avoid relapse to watching pornography. This approach fosters recovery and enhances the stability of feelings and moods, helping people develop a better sense of self-management.

A diagram has analyzed the features of CBT that can improve the quality of life for patients with pornography addiction, including decreasing anxiety, shame, and self-criticism as the results of addiction (Mead et al., 2019). CBT beneficiaries acquire increased self-esteems and the ability to stand rigid and conquer life’s challenges to acquire better relationships and lifestyles. To put it in layman’s terms, CBT gives them hope for sobriety by providing them with ways how to deal with the trigger constructively instead of getting lost in the undesirable loop of watching pornography. This therapeutic approach is volunteered with a licensed mental healthcare provider or in groups since people’s interaction would also be part of the solution.

4.3 Support Groups and Peer Counseling

Specific self-help organizations for group members include Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) where male individuals, struggling with issues with pornography, can afford to have a forum where they share issues, difficulties, etc. The difference between support group and individual therapy is that the former is based on the idea of peer support where members can share their experiences, proffer suggestions to other members as well as ensure each other is adhering to the required standards of recovery (Weiss, 2018). Members of these groups can find companionship and understanding from others in their situation; this can be imperative for those who may feel ostracized due to their dependency. The study found that having a social support system is very essential for long-term recovery and sustenance because of the support, encouragement, and mitigation of relapse through accountability pressures.

Besides the psychosocial aspects, mutual support in groups allows people to learn patience, be empathetic, and find the meaning of life. The main components of programs such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) include peer counseling where one can find out how the other person deals with desires, how one signs for relapse, or how to change thinking patterns in response to emotions. During such sessions, the male client gets to know the causes of substance use and easily get to embrace a change-oriented perspective. Users can find loyal understanding and normal individuals to whom they can relay their experiences and also learn different strategies that can help them to recover and implement what best works for them.

4.4 Awareness Campaigns

The problem of pornography addiction has been recently discussed in the context of societal responsibility and the promotion of safe sexual practices in mass media. Such campaigns may ensure that people change their behavior by raising awareness about the possible effects of excessive use of pornography on psychological, relational, and physical functioning.  Informational resources and media appeals, social networks, and community events can help to overcome stereotypical perceptions of pornography, eliminate barriers to seeking help, and provide information about helpful resources. Campaigns may also obtain of managing time on devices and being mindful about having devices, which can help prevent addiction. Furthermore, awareness campaigns also benefit the preventive purpose, especially for young generations who are to discover the negative impacts of excessive consumption of pornographic material. To increase essential knowledge that will assist different people in making proper decisions, seemingly there is a need to involve schools, universities, and workplaces collaboratively with public health campaigns to spread awareness information on sexual health and addictions. These campaigns have sought to bring awareness of use and addiction following the idea that normal conversations are likely to be of help to affected individuals.

5. Public Awareness and Prevention

5.1 Education on Healthy Sexuality

Efforts to implement public health promoting sexual health literacy can prevent problematic relationships with pornography among young people. Because sexual health programs intervene in knowledge deficits and promote more accurate expectations for relationships, they underscore the themes of respect, consent, and relative relationship dynamics (Owens et al., 2012). If youth can obtain correct information about the subject of sexual relations, they will not develop perverted notions of intimacy, which he says comes from watching pornography frequently. In addition to educating youth, these programs help to empower them and develop their critical thinking skills so that they would be able to reject unattainable images as well.

5.2 Parental Guidance and Monitoring

Those include parents who guide children on how to use the internet responsibly and where they can seek help in case they stumble across inappropriate information. This indicates that children whose parents discuss sex-related matters and guide their use of the internet will likely reflect better sexual health than other children (Padgett, 2020). It is even recommended that parents engage in these discussions without using biased terms so that all questions can be permitted and explained to children about good habits. Furthermore, one can block some internet sites using special software, or by using a ‘parental lock,’ and setting the necessary time for TV and other electronic devices. This way parents can take an interest in their children’s internet usage and ensure they set a good example of the usage of the internet.

5.3 Workplace and Educational Policies

Employment and learning institutions also have their part to play in creating knowledge concerning pornography and mental health. In offering resources like counseling and educational seminars for example in dealing with pornography-related problems meant for the institution’s stakeholders, the institutions can help in forging appropriate structures for those involved in the menace. Adopting measures such as supporting mental health, setting rules regulating Internet use, and preventing bullying and abuse may help decrease the use of pornography as an outlet (Fagan, 2019). For instance, internet use policies and corporate wellness plans where the Corporation can educate its employees on the right healthy practices to embrace. The invention of mobile communication technology in educational settings can be protected by offering internet safety training and ensuring that students are encouraged to take part in other structured activities such as receiving training on ways to maintain their mental health.

Conclusion

Modern pornography also has a diverse impact on men’s health which is based on psychological, physiological, and social domains. Although it is suggested that moderate or sparing use of the substance does not have negative effects, the dependent use may cause several adverse effects. The consequences include mental problems like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as well as physiological side effects like erectile disability. Also, pornography use results in poor relationships, less partner bonding, and assortative tendencies. Such issues can be treated using specific techniques, including CBT and attending support groups that provide good strategies to deal with these difficulties. Legal and social education, parental supervision and control and propagation, workplace policies, and related public awareness are critical for the prevention and adoption of safe and healthy sexual behaviors. To mitigate the effects of pornography, a multi-faceted approach with emphasis on education for the male population, individual therapy, and social support must be employed to promote male health and encourage positive interaction with sexual material.

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