Sleeping scientists and the Porn epidemic
Staggering amounts of porn, an ever-dropping age of exposure and steadily increasing sexual violence - still no need to dig deeper?
As of 2020, more than 42 billion visits were made to Pornhub from all around the world. Approximately every third visitor is under 21 years old. A 2018 study found that around 75% of students asked had seen pornography by age 15, with 15% admitting to having encountered it before reaching the tender age of just 9 years. Shockingly, the age children start viewing porn is decreasing year by year. Back in 2019, a study by IFOP found that virtually all men (97%) ages 18 to 24 consume porn at least once a year. Astonishingly 87% of men watch porn weekly.
Now, all of these studies are pre-covid, and compared to today, the numbers probably have even increased. Today, 25% of all search engine requests are pornography-related. By the way, the myth that just men watch pornography is wrong. Approximately 3 to 4 out of 10 porn users are women, they just watch porn less frequently. Three out of four women watch it monthly.
There are millions of different pornographic websites, billions of videos, and tens of billions of views. The internet would shrink by at least 25% - 33% if all porn sites would be shut down today. There are so many more numbers to state, but this should show the problem waell enough. Now, not everyone is addicted or has problems. For instance, if you consume pornography once a month, there is no damage done to you or your brain. But, as the numbers prove, most people at least watch it once a week, many (men) consume pornography daily. However “porn addiction” is no medical diagnosis as of March 2024. The current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders rejected it because "there is insufficient evidence to establish the diagnostic criteria and course descriptions needed to identify these behaviors as mental disorders." Well, then - what are these criteria?
“Based on decades of research” they found 11 points, one has to fulfill to be addicted enough. I will go through them one by one hoping it will be logical.
Using more of a substance than intended or using it for longer than you’re meant to.
Everyone found himself searching for that one video, suddenly having spent hours, instead of just a quick fap.
Trying to cut down or stop using the substance but being unable to.
Thousands of people diagnose themself with porn addiction every year - numbers growing rapidly. Also, extensions blocking 18+ sites, recovery Groups, and YouTube videos with millions of views speak for guys trying to quit porn and struggling.
Experiencing intense cravings or urges to use the substance.
Everyone has experienced this, again - there is little to no research.
Needing more of the substance to get the desired effect — also called tolerance.
Studies do showcase that users crave more extreme footage as simple digital-sex gets boring.
Developing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.
Only a few men can go weeks without pornography having no cravings.
Spending more time getting and using and recovering from substance use.
Many guys who consider themself addicted and are seeking help, experience sexual dysfunction, seek new ways to watch more porn and actually it takes longer for their brains to rewire.
Neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school because of substance use.
About 25% of workers have accessed pornography on a work computer.
Continuing to use even when it causes relationship problems.
Over 56% of divorces involved one partner having an obsessive interest in online porn (2014, numbers probably increased).
Giving up important or desirable social and recreational activities due to substance use.
See study above. Also, many people spend their time inside (partially watching porn), leading to neglect of the above.
Using substances in risky settings that put you in danger.
See 7.
Continuing to use despite the substance causing problems to your physical and mental health.
As porn IS addictive, this logically accounts too. Many NoFap members report problems like sexual dysfunction or even depression - but still consume it.
Well. This was just a quick proof that porn addiction is real, as further study is missing. Unfortunately, little is so scant researched as porn and its effects. Many studies also aren’t up to date and need to be refreshed. There is a lot of work to do if we want to understand and fight this epidemic.
Now, this newsletter isn’t solely about porn. However, it goes hand in hand with neurological changes, masturbation, orgasm, bad skin and so much more. Porn is the root of so many problems, and as a German saying goes: A fault confessed, is half redressed.
Very nice man keep it up
great read!