If someone you care about has not seen the video above, send it to him. It is based upon a TED talk called “The Great Porn Experiment.” The facts outlined here should deter porn users the way Fatal Attraction spooked many men out of having an affair–for a little while at least. In this case, the warning is based on fact, not fiction. (And no pet rabbits where harmed in the making of this film.) Continue reading to see a few of the main points in bullet form:
1) Porn affects the brain like a drug and is every bit as addicting.
Exposure releases dopamine (“the pleasure chemical”) which is part of the brain’s reward system. It motivates the brain to do more of what caused the response.
2) There is a clear, documented correlation between porn use and various sexual dysfunctions.
Medical journals report a significant increase in E.D. among 20-somethings–with no precedent of trend among men in that age group.
3) Porn use changes the brain.
The breadth and volume of images available click by click–the novelty–organizes the brain’s structure, reorienting it around novelty rather than towards one’s mate. Porn stimulation masquerades as a real experience, and chronic exposure can “hijack” the bonding system which helps drive commitment in marriage.
Preventative medicine, not self-medication
If you’re using porn, you’re self-medicating. It’s a sign of some unfinished business–an unhealthy approach to sooth anger, frustration, fear, or anxiety which has built up without release. Think you’re impervious? Remember Solomon’s wisdom: “Pride precedes a fall” (Prov. 16:18) Don’t leave your flank unguarded. Here are five suggestions which will help make you less prone to wander:
- Treat web searches like a trip to the mall. Know what you are looking for, get it, and get out.
- Position your computer at work so the screen is visible from the door of your office.
- Set up Covenant Eyes with a trusted friend for accountability.
- Develop friendships with men who are capable of transparency.
- Give permission and encouragement to someone close to look at your browsing history at any time.
At the end of the video warning about porn, the picture of a very bosomy lady popped up. Did you know that would happen?
Thanks for the alert, Margaret. Unfortunately, that’s the risk of using a video hosted by Youtube. The images which populate the window at the end are driven by Youtube, intended to provide a relevant link. Given the title of the video, “relevance” in this case is risky and risque. The code to prevent them from appearing does not seem to affect this one.
This is a great eye opener, especial in this day n age of Internet.
I pray that it will go a long way in deliverance.