Is porn good but we just abuse it?

The article you cited states that porn makes me less introverted and less isolated. I can definitely tell you right now that that statement is false and I know this just from my own experience but from the accounts and testimonies of numerous people on here who have created threads addressing the issue of their social isolation increasing or becoming worse due to porn use.

 

I don't really care to wade into this debate, but will say that the articles I've read from Psychology Today convince me they have an interest in not only excusing pornography but in outright propagating its use. Just yesterday I read one of their articles on HOCD which essentially said that the condition doesn't exist and that if one has sought out homosexual pornography, one should also seek out real-life homosexual encounters, as they are likely just a part of your wonderful sexual tapestry (or words to that effect).

 

Yes a lot of articles from their site tend to push a liberal, leftist agenda especially when it comes to matters of sex.

 

I agree, i feel that many people think because they have visited a website all about psychology there must be only truth, however psychology is a science and any good scientist will tell you that a theory remains a theory until it is proven beyond any reasonable doubt, I accept that my arguments might be wrong and others might be correct, but what works for one person might not work for another. The problem I think with disecting sexual behavioural issues is the emotional, societal and legal aspects that come along with it, there are going to be elements of bias in that respect for that kind of research. I'm bias because I believe porn to be harmful, it was for me and it is for others, yet that bias also helps to keep me away from trouble and causing further damage to my life or others. With regards to homosexuality, which seems to be a common theme for some people who view porn, I agree that if you are certain that you are homosexual, then you should embrace it because that's who you are, but if you feel disturbed about those thoughts and can't imagine yourself actually having an intimate relationship with someone of the same sex, then it could be a symptom of desensitisation through porn use. I know from experience if you have acquired certain fetishes or interests throughout your porn viewing experience which were not there prior to embarking on viewing porn, you can revert to a more comfortable way of thinking about sex and intimacy where you respect your own boundaries and other peoples.

 

I'm with you guys about Psychology Today leaning liberal, but this particular article is only a collection of data from various studies around the world. Besides the headline, it doesn't seem to be pushing an agenda. Also, not trying to be condescending here, but something becomes a theory only after it has been thoroughly tested. Doesn't mean it's set in stone, but if a hypothesis is elevated to the level of theory, you can bet it's been heavily tested and yet to be disproved. The homosexuality aspect is interesting... what you watch in porn or fantasize about does not define your sexuality. It would be much less of an issue if there wasn't so much shame associated with being gay. Because of that shame, it seems to be a big fear that doing x makes you gay, or you're possibly gay because you're much more feminine than other men. Let's be honest, we must all enjoy the penis to some degree if we've ever masturbated. Although it's your own, it's still a penis. So moving on, liking the penis does not make you gay. If you're a man and attracted to other men, then yes you're possibly gay. If you're afraid porn use has desensitized you so far that you're not comfortable with your sexual preferences, then definitely stop watching it! I think getting away from the porn for a long period of time is a good way to know if your preferences are porn induced or it's something you've always had but not realized.

 

I'm not saying these studies are the ultimate truth, or that I agree with all the results. These studies had particular results with these particular groups of people, nothing more. Porn definitely did the same for me. I can attest to being much more isolated when I was heavily watching it. One flaw I do find with these studies, is they don't seem to take into account personality types or the individual's mental state when viewing porn. I never did it in a "healthy" way, and being introverted, never discussed it with anyone. This is my opinion, but I think maybe certain personality types are more susceptible to being addicted and having a negative effect on their life. Also, another aspect not taken into account is here in the USA, sexuality is very repressed compared to European countries or Japan. Since it's so repressed, porn and masturbation are almost always viewed as a "shameful act" and entirely hush hush. If you make something taboo, people only lust after it more. I think that factors into the porn use here. If it wasn't so taboo to see a naked man or woman, or to be naked yourself, we as a society probably wouldn't be so eager to seek our porn. Hell, many teenagers do it out of pure curiosity because it's not a subject that gets talked about. Then they're seeing way more extreme stuff than they should be, further distorting their view of sex and the human body.

 

I remember that there was something called the "sexual revolution" and sex is heavily promoted right now in the US, so I don't think it's repressed and people should be shamed into not PMOing, it is a very perverted act.

 

I know all about the "sexual revolution," which wasn't entirely a bad thing I might add... you know, ideas like women deciding what to do with their own bodies, not demonizing people for having sex before marriage, or my favorite, mistreating children birthed out of wedlock and referring to them as "bastards." Ahhh... the glory days of the 50s! Anyway, I'm not talking about what is promoted in mainstream culture, I'm talking about what individual family's are discussing at the dinner table. Things like your parents discussing sex in front of you, or talking about masturbation. Another example is the way schools promote abstinence only instead of having real conversations about sexuality. That is not the normal here, hence it's repressed... kids are getting all their info from porn or their equally uneducated friends. Your comment is a perfect example of the repression I'm pointing out. Just because *you* think masturbation is shameful, does not mean it's a fact or right for everyone. There's plenty of information out there that suggests masturbation alone (not discussing PMO here, or excessive masturbation), is healthy and natural. The only material I ever find that suggests otherwise is overtly religious or sponsored by a religious institution. If that's where your belief that it's perverted derives from, I'm not knocking that.

 

Did I say that I agree with demonizing for the choices they make? No I didn't because I can't judge others. Disagreeing with someone's stance on a particular issue and demonizing someone for their life choices or said stance on an issue are two different things.

 

Actually, you are passing judgement and demonizing the choices people make with your statement: people should be shamed into not PMOing, it is a very perverted act. You constantly reaffirm my points. We should be looking to help people, not shame them. Shame is why many people don't seek help.

 

Ok fine, I realize that my statement was judgemental and could have been stated better but PMO is unhealthy and just by looking at the increasing number of people who NoFap everyday, I think I can make the case that it shows that PMO, which is a vice, is not something that is easily done in moderation by many.