Too Often Watching Pornography? This Is The Impact On The Brain And Mental Health

Illustration of watching pornography (freepic)

JAKARTA - In today's digital era, access to pornography is very easy. According to the Paint Bottle website, 30 percent of all data transferred on the internet is pornographic content. This figure shows how high pornographic consumption is, especially among men.

However, what needs to be observed is how this habit affects the human brain. Here's what happens to the brain if you watch pornography too often, as reported by the NY Post page.

1. Dopamine, Enjoyance, and Addictivity

Every time we do something fun, such as eating delicious, getting praise, or watching pornography, the brain releases dopamine, which is a chemical that gives you joy.

The problem is, when the brain is too often flooded with dopamine from pornography, it starts to become immune. We need stronger stimulation or more extreme content to feel satisfied. This is the beginning of a process called desensitization.

"Pornography works like drugs. It activates a reward system in the brain that can take a long time for users to lose control," said Dr. William Struthers, professor of psychology at Wheat College.

2. Risk of Addiction that is similar to drugs and gambling

Although not all scientists agree, many psychologists and therapists admit that there is a pattern of addiction to pornography users. Symptoms are similar to other addictions, namely difficulty stopping, guilt, but still repeating it.

"We don't have enough evidence to state that pornography is addictive like heroin. But obviously there is a compulsive pattern that can't be ignored," said Paul J. Wright, professor of psychology from Indiana University Bloomington.

This addiction can interfere with daily activities, even damage social and intimate relationships with partners.

3. Focus and Motivation Disruption

Consumption of excessive pornography makes the brain accustomed to instantaneous enjoyment. As a result, ordinary activities such as studying, working, or socializing feel boring.

Brains addicted to pornography often find it difficult to feel satisfaction with normal things. This can lead to reduced motivation and concentration disorders, "said Dr. Valerie Voon, a neurologist from the University of Cambridge, in a study of sexual compulsive behavior.

4. Affecting Mental Health

Some gross pornography users report the emergence of anxiety, depression, and feel inferior. In many cases, pornography is used as an escape from emotional problems, but it actually worsens long-term mental conditions.

"In many cases, pornography is not the main cause, but it exacerbates existing mental disorders," explained Ian Kerner, psychotherapist and sex counselor from New York.

5. Change How To View Sex And Relationships

Porn content not only affects the brain from a biological point of view, but also our perspective on sex, body, and love. If you consume too often, a person can start to think of sex only as physical activity without emotional meaning.

"Pornography can reduce the desire to marry, increase the risk of cheating, and even normalize sexual violence," said a proposed law proposed in Virginia state, United States.