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 for scientists?

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. The moment you are reading this, 25% of all internet traffic is pornography-related. By the way, the myth that just men watch pornography is wrong. Approximately one third of 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 trillions of views. The internet would shrink by at least 33% if all porn sites would be shut down today. Let that sink in.

There are so many more numbers to state, and if you have not got enough, here is a recent article on Numbers & Facts about pornography and excessive masturbation.

Now, not everyone consuming pornographic material is addicted or has problems. For instance, if you consume pornography once a month, there is little 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. Someone who can not go a day without video games is a gaming addict. The same applies to the man who drinks two beer after work, day by day. Yet “porn addiction” is no medical diagnosis as of March 2024. The current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders rejected it’s inclusion because "there is insufficient evidence to establish the diagnostic criteria and course descriptions needed to identify these behaviors as mental disorders." I actually needed to laugh reading this. My case alone would probably be enough qualitative evidence. But, in order to understand the involved scientists it may be good to know - what are these criteria?

Well, “based on decades of research” they designed an 11 point list, of which one has to be fulfilled in order to be seen as addicted. I will go through them one now.

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 the planned a quick fap. I think this is rather obvious.

Trying to cut down or stop using the substance but being unable to.

Thousands of people diagnose themself with porn addiction every year - with numbers growing rapidly. Also, apps blocking 18+ sites, recovery forums, and YouTube videos with millions of views, speak for guys trying to quit porn and struggling in the process.

Experiencing intense cravings or urges to use the substance.

Everyone quitting has experienced this - yet there is little to no specific research.

Needing more of the substance to get the desired effect.

Multiple scientific studies do showcase that users crave more extreme footage as simple porn gets boring to their brain. This is called tolerance, dear scientists.

Developing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.

Only a few men can go weeks without pornography whilst having no cravings. Addicted man can not go days without it. And I count my former self to this group.

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 get the same “high”, meaning orgasm. It also 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). That is more than ever second divorce.

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 their social life.

Using substances in risky settings that put you in danger.

Every worker watching porn during their work risks being fired immediately. Also, some porn addicts fall for honey traps. Yet, this probably is the only point I can not disproove without conducting further research.

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 as a direct result - yet they still consume it.

Let us stop here now. This was just a quick verification that porn addiction indeed is real Unfortunately, little is so thinly researched as porn and its effects on the human health. The ones exsiting are not 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. I count on you! Spread the word everywhere, so more scientists can not ignore us any longer! Thanks.

Now, this newsletter isn’t solely about porn. However, porn 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 the proverb goes: A fault confessed, is half redressed.