Are You A Porn Addict?
I've recently become fascinated with the concept of not watching porn and masturbating, and how finding the strength to give up the tandem can be physically, emotionally, and mentally benefiting. I've read a countless amount of stories from people (okay, from men) citing the differences they are seeing in their own lives after weeks of abstinence.
With it being the internet, it's hard to know what's true and what isn't. We have no way of knowing whether or not these stories are factual or merely exaggerated (or even fabricated) cases of men feeling different. Conceptually, it makes sense that one would benefit from abstaining. If someone is truly addicted to porn, abstinence will result in more free time, a clearer mind, and maybe a lessened feeling of shame. However, to think that everything in life is going to suddenly come together seems like a stretch.
I began thinking about XHamster, a place where pornography and resulting masturbation is at abundance. I couldn't help but wonder how many users would identify themselves as porn addicts and ponder whether or not their consumption of porn is getting in the way of their daily lives. Even more, does the consumption of porn get in the way of their goals in regards to social behavior and relationships?
There was a time, years ago, where I would call myself a legit porn addict. I fell into the dangerous trap of following porn viewing with masturbation and an orgasm. While it would take me time to create a direct correlation, it should be noted that I didn't date or socialize often during that time, and what few relationships I had were a result of girls being attracted to my body, and me going along for the ride.
My gut tells me that the connection to porn addiction and social behavior is linked to a sense of loneliness. It's no different than guys who walk into strip clubs alone in the middle of the week. There is something missing, and entering that club can fill a void while erasing the social risk of being rejected or feeling awkward. I look back at the past few years and see the difference in how am I now from a social perspective compared to the past. I didn't make a conscious choice to scale back. It just gradually happened over time. Regardless, the changes have been noticeable.
I personally don't see anything wrong with a moderate viewing of pornography. I also don't see anything wrong with moderate masturbation and orgasms. I think there is a big problem with doing either one of those things chronically, and I especially think that combining the two is toxic to one's overall psychological health. I do believe that combo generates a unknowing social awkwardness with females, and a lack of motivation with seeking out the real thing. In a sense, porn with masturbation is safe, but also handicaps the mind with handling real-life situations.
I told this to a good friend of mine who I do consider a porn addict who utilizes the PMO combination on a regular basis. If there are socially-based issues in your life that you have taken notice to and wish would change, you should stop and consider your porn consumption. I'm not saying watching a lot of porn is the devil. I just think it's something you should think about. I thought about it years ago, and I continue to progress and be all the better for it.
With it being the internet, it's hard to know what's true and what isn't. We have no way of knowing whether or not these stories are factual or merely exaggerated (or even fabricated) cases of men feeling different. Conceptually, it makes sense that one would benefit from abstaining. If someone is truly addicted to porn, abstinence will result in more free time, a clearer mind, and maybe a lessened feeling of shame. However, to think that everything in life is going to suddenly come together seems like a stretch.
I began thinking about XHamster, a place where pornography and resulting masturbation is at abundance. I couldn't help but wonder how many users would identify themselves as porn addicts and ponder whether or not their consumption of porn is getting in the way of their daily lives. Even more, does the consumption of porn get in the way of their goals in regards to social behavior and relationships?
There was a time, years ago, where I would call myself a legit porn addict. I fell into the dangerous trap of following porn viewing with masturbation and an orgasm. While it would take me time to create a direct correlation, it should be noted that I didn't date or socialize often during that time, and what few relationships I had were a result of girls being attracted to my body, and me going along for the ride.
My gut tells me that the connection to porn addiction and social behavior is linked to a sense of loneliness. It's no different than guys who walk into strip clubs alone in the middle of the week. There is something missing, and entering that club can fill a void while erasing the social risk of being rejected or feeling awkward. I look back at the past few years and see the difference in how am I now from a social perspective compared to the past. I didn't make a conscious choice to scale back. It just gradually happened over time. Regardless, the changes have been noticeable.
I personally don't see anything wrong with a moderate viewing of pornography. I also don't see anything wrong with moderate masturbation and orgasms. I think there is a big problem with doing either one of those things chronically, and I especially think that combining the two is toxic to one's overall psychological health. I do believe that combo generates a unknowing social awkwardness with females, and a lack of motivation with seeking out the real thing. In a sense, porn with masturbation is safe, but also handicaps the mind with handling real-life situations.
I told this to a good friend of mine who I do consider a porn addict who utilizes the PMO combination on a regular basis. If there are socially-based issues in your life that you have taken notice to and wish would change, you should stop and consider your porn consumption. I'm not saying watching a lot of porn is the devil. I just think it's something you should think about. I thought about it years ago, and I continue to progress and be all the better for it.
10 years ago