Need some advice for “just looking”

This is walking a thin line situation. I would recommend not going down this road of "just looking" because it can pull you back in.

 

You should delete any apps/social media that is sexually triggering to you.

 

It's "just a look".

 

Identify replacement activities man. You gotta have an "out" when the screen is trying to trap you. Build up a series of other things you can do or like to do. Go out for a walk, leave the house, call someone. Not good to just sit there and fight the screen. The screen has an advantage in that fight. Have other stuff that you can do.

 

The great @knowbie has said, "it's not his to play with anymore." This type of mentality is really probably the only real effective one.

There are definitely stages to a relapse, it can start with an image, then usually it's looking for a while longer, then fantasy, touching, edging etc. I think the most effective and easiest way to deal with that is to catch the cycle at the beginning. Don't let yourself convince yourself just looking is ok. Don't think you can touch it just for a minute and be ok. PMO is a compulsive addiction, giving in to them is asking for trouble.

 

This is good man, some people do enjoy social media without the triggers as they have other reasons for it such as family and friends so it can be pretty daunting for some people deleting everything.

what I’ve found is making new accounts can be a good way to reset your social media. Deleting current accounts that are full of triggers and starting new ones gives you a fresh slate to work with, make the algorithm about things what you want it to be about. It’s personally helped me by making sure I have nothing on my phone, holding myself accountable for how good or bad my social media is, and made something of it that my girlfriend can look at and be proud of.

I’m not having a dig at you at all for suggesting deleting everything and it definitely works for some people. I’ve found in relationships that proving to your partner that you can in fact have social media without triggers can be really reassuring to them as well as your own motivation to keep it the way it is without triggers.

hope this helps man best of luck