“I’ve been to psychologists and psychiatrists for the last 8 years. Have been diagnosed with depression, severe social anxiety, severe memory impairment, and a few others. Have tried Effexor, Ritalin, Xanax, and Paxil. Dropped out of two different colleges. Been fired twice. Used pot to calm my social anxiety. I’ve been approached by quite a few women (I guess due to looks/status), but they quickly flew away due to my incredible weirdness. I’ve been a hardcore porn addict since about 14.
For the last two years I’ve been experimenting, and finally realized porn was an issue. I stopped it completely two months ago. It has been very difficult, but so far incredibly worth it. I’ve since quit my remaining medication.
My anxiety is nonexistent. My memory and focus are sharper than they’ve ever been. I feel like a huge ‘chick magnet,’ and my ED is gone too. I seriously think I had a rebirth – a second chance at life.” ~ A guy in his late twenties
The above quote is from physiology teacher Gary Wilson’s TEDxGlasgow talk called The Great Porn Experiment. In this talk (see below), he discusses the science and symptoms of Internet pornography, and how the brain adapts and gets altered to such extreme stimulation.
Erotic words and pictures have been around a long time.
So has the neurochemical rush from novel mates.
Yet the novelty of a once-a-month Playboy evaporates as soon as you turn the pages. Would anyone call Playboy or softcore videos “shocking” or “anxiety-producing?” Would either violate the expectations of a computer-literate boy over the age of 12?
Neither compares with the “searching and seeking” of a multiple-tab Google porn prowl.
What makes internet porn unique is that you can keep your dopamine jacked up with the click of a mouse or tap on a screen. (Source: https://yourbrainonporn.com/doing-what-you-evolved-to-do)
So, you all know that we believe God has blessed us with sex within marriage (1 Corinthians 7:1-40) and that pornography is a sin (Matthew 5:28, 1 John 2:16).
As Plato said: Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.
So, let’s get some knowledge.
But, this time, let’s take “religion” out of the conversation. What is “science” saying about Internet porn?
Let’s start with Gary’s talk:
Recommended Resources to Get Started
Your Brain on Porn
This recommended, comprehensive (secular) website focuses on porn’s effects on the brain—male or female. Understand exactly how today’s extreme Internet porn alters your brain. Armed with that knowledge, you’ll realize that some primitive circuitry in your brain is just trying to do its job. And you’ll see how to outsmart it and restore your balance. Find helpful tools for change and success stories to encourage you on your journey to rebooting.
The Porn Phenomenon
- Statistics on porn use and views about porn among key age and faith segments
- An overview of scholarly research on porn’s effects on individuals, relationships and communities
- Insights from experts and ministry leaders on what the data means for culture and the Church
- Analysis of the cultural factors at play, including technology and the country’s shifting moral center
- Engaging charts, graphs and infographics to help you understand the story behind the numbers
This is an invaluable resource for pastors, ministry leaders, and parents. Get yours today!
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