Typically, the question above elicits responses from the likes of PC Mag and other tech resources recommending VPNs and more cyber-secure software. However, a significant proportion of the population seeking answers about the sanctity of sexually explicit content is referring to their internal wellbeing. This makes “Is it safe to watch porn?” a question for your mental health provider as much as it is for your local IT person. As someone hoping for insight on the former you can find peace of mind with Kindbridge Behavioral Health. We provide effective virtual therapy services for people who struggle with hypersexuality disorders, including problematic use of pornography. Read ahead for a straightforward breakdown of when watching porn may be a problem for a given individual.
5 Questions to Consider When Concerned About the Safety of Pornography as it Applies to Your Mental Health and Wellness
I. Are You Old Enough to Watch?
Older Millennials and Generation-X depended on magazines and VHS tapes which severely limited potential for adolescent exposure to pornography. However, everything changed with digital transformation and the proliferation of online porn. It should come as no surprise that to date, about 93% of males and 62% of females are exposed to online pornography during their teenage years. Of particular concern, are findings which indicate that more than half of teenagers who have had prior exposure to porn exhibit high-risk sexual behaviors. High-risk sexual behaviors (unprotected intercourse, sex with strangers, etc.) can lead and/or contribute to various physical and mental health issues. On this basis alone it can be inferred that it is problematic for young persons to consume sexually explicit content. Further, because the prefrontal cortex has not fully developed, young people have a compromised ability to make rational decisions and regulate their behaviors which is a cocktail that spells trouble regarding the allure of readily available sexually explicit content.
II. Have You Experienced Abuse?
In an analysis of problematic porn use in women, it was unveiled that sexual abuse in adolescence and domestic abuse contributes to ongoing risk behaviors such as problematic porn consumption. While epidemiological data (also referenced in the article) shows that women are more likely than men to report a history of childhood sexual abuse and experience domestic violence, both men and women who have experienced abuse should be more mindful about their use of porn.
III. Were You Raised in an Extremely Religious Home?
Studies find that people with a strongly religious upbringing report having a “porn addiction” more than the general population. It’s important to delineate the difference between a religious and heavily religious upbringing here, because the same research finds that general religiousness is negatively correlated with pornography use. It’s those who report growing up in a highly religious home who more often self-report as being addicted to pornography. One needn’t sound an internal alarm if brought up in an extremely religious environment, but it will be beneficial to examine a relationship with porn more closely.
IV. Do You Have Mental and Behavioral Health Concerns?
There are a number of mental and behavioral health concerns that are closely linked to problematic porn use. Those who have confirmed struggles with any one of the following issues and disorders should be vigilant in regards to habitual porn use:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar Disorder (learn more)
- Chronic Stress
- Depression
- Gambling Disorder
- Gaming Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Substance Use Disorders
On top of comorbidity concerns, is any instance where sufferers of mental/behavioral health issues may use porn as a coping mechanism to deal with (albeit fleetingly so) the negative symptoms of their conditions. Porn as a coping mechanism opens up a Pandora’s box of safety concerns for one’s wellness, which you can read about here.
V. Are You Taking Certain Prescription Medications?
This concern about the mental health safety of watching porn carries over from the issue directly addressed above. Unexpected compulsive behaviors may occur when a person has been prescribed medications to assist with mental health disorders. In an article on Prescription Medications that May Make You Gamble we identified the following medications to be aware of:
- Dopamine agonists
- Antipsychotics (such as aripiprazole)
- Stimulants (such as methylphenidate and amphetamines)
While the referenced article focuses on problematic gambling behavior, it’s the link between the medications and compulsive behavior – be it related to online gambling or online porn use – that highlights the concern. If taking any of the identified meds, consider abstaining from porn.
What If the Above Don’t Apply?
Knowledge is power. Knowledge about a vulnerability to developing a problematic relationship with porn can protect someone by encouraging abstinence or greater mindfulness. However, knowledge can also help protect those who don’t explicitly land in any of the categories above. If you’re concerned about the mental and behavioral health safety of watching porn, you may benefit from access to online materials that will inform you about signs of problematic porn use, and how to manage thoughts, feelings, and emotions that may manifest. Contrary to some opinions, you don’t need to have a given problem to benefit from having access to self-help materials for the problem. Empower yourself by downloading our self-help guide (just $24.99) to restoring balance should porn use become an issue in your life.
If you already struggle with a hard to control urge to watch pornography you will benefit from speaking to a counselor who specializes in the treatment of hypersexuality issues. Reach out via your preferred from of contact below.
Concerned About Your Relationship with Porn?
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