GET THE FACTS BRAIN HEART WORLD HOW PORN AFFECTS THE BRAIN LIKE A DRUG

It may be surprising, but porn affects the brain in ways very similar to harmful substances, like tobacco. Studies have shown that porn stimu- lates the same areas of the brain as addictive drugs, making the brain release the same chemicals. And just like drugs, porn triggers pathways KEY TAKEAWAYS in the brain that cause craving, leading users back for more and more • To your brain, porn has the same extreme “hits” to get high. effects as drugs. • Porn hijacks the reward pathway in n the surface, tobacco and porn don’t pursuing more of the drug. [8] Essentially, the brain. seem to have much in common. One addictive drugs hijack the brain, turning it • Just like drugs, you build up a toler- is kept behind the counter at the gas around and forcing it in a direction it was ance so you need more porn for the Ostation or supermarket because of its well- never meant to go. Instead of encouraging same effects. known harmful effects; the other is available the consumer toward healthy behaviors, • Withdrawal symptoms can occur virtually anywhere. One can quickly become drugs lead the consumer into things that when you try and walk away. an expensive habit while the other comes aren’t healthy at all, and can even be dan- free with an internet connection. And let’s be gerous. [9] honest, Hugh Hefner doesn’t exactly conjure images of a secretive tobacco executive. Want to guess what else does that? Porn.

So where’s the similarity? Inside the brain. Researchers have found that internet porn and addictive substances like tobacco have In case you’re not a neurosurgeon, here’s a very similar effects on the brain, [10] and crash course in how the brain works. Deep they are significantly different from how inside the brain, there’s something called a the brain reacts to healthy, natural plea- “reward center.” [1] You’ve got one. Your dog’s sures like food or sex. [11] Think about it. got one. For mammals, it comes standard. When you’re munching a snack or enjoy- The reward center’s job is to release “pleasure” ing a romantic encounter, eventually your chemicals into your brain whenever you do cravings will drop and you’ll feel satisfied. something healthy, like eating tasty food, Why? Because your brain has a built-in doing a hard workout, or enjoying a kiss. [2] “off” switch for natural pleasures. “Dopa- The “high” you get from that chemical rush mine cells stop firing after repeated con- makes you want to repeat that behavior again sumption of a ‘natural reward’ (e.g. food and again. [3] Thanks to your reward center, or sex),” explains Nora Volkow, Director of your brain is hardwired to motivate you to The National Institute of Drug Abuse. [12] do things that will improve your health and But addictive drugs go right on increasing chances of survival. [4] It’s a great system… dopamine levels without giving the brain a normally. break. [13] The more hits drug users take, the more dopamine floods their brain, and The problem is, the brain can be tricked. the stronger their urges are to keep using. That’s why drug addicts find it so hard to When addictive substances are used, they give stop once they take the first hit. “[O]ne the brain a “false signal.” [5] Since the brain hit may turn into many hits, or even a lost can’t tell the difference between the drugs weekend.” [14] and a real, healthy reward, it goes ahead and activates the reward center. [6] An important What else has the power to keep pumping chemical called dopamine is released, which dopamine endlessly into the brain? You makes the brain start developing a craving for guessed it: porn. the fake reward. [7] As long as there’s a lot of dopamine floating around in the brain, the Scientists have long known that sexual cravings will keep getting stronger, and the interest and performance can be increased consumer will feel super-motivation to keep simply by introducing something new— Get the Facts on © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org like a different sexual position, a toy, or a America, 110, 2. Doi:10.1073/Pnas.1301228110; Dopamine. Neuron, 76, 470-485. Doi:10.1016/J. change of partner. [15] That’s because the Hedges, V. L., Chakravarty, S., Nestler, E. J., & neuron.2012.10.021 brain responds to new sexual stimuli by Meisel, R. L. (2009). Delta FosB Overexpression In The Nucleus Accumbens Enhances Sexual [8] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). pumping out more and more dopamine, Reward In Female Syrian Hamsters. Genes Brain Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization flooding the brain just like a drug would. And Behavior, 8(4), 442–449. Doi:10.1111/J.1601- Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, [16] And “new” is exactly what internet 183X.2009.00491.X 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Vol- porn sites provide: an endless stream of kow, N. D., Wang. G. J., Fowler, J. S., Tomasi, D., fresh erotic images delivered at high speed, [3] Bostwick, J. M., & Bucci, J. E. (2008). & Telang, F. (2011). Addiction: Beyond Dopamine Treated With Naltrex- Reward Circuitry. Proceedings Of The National in vivid color, 24/7. Before consumers one. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 83(2), 226–230. Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of even start to get bored, they can always Doi:10.4065/83.2.226; Doidge, N. (2007). The America, 108(37),15037-15042. Doi:10.1073/ give themselves another dopamine boost Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Pnas.1010654108; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain just by clicking on something different, Books. (106-108). That Changes Itself. (108) New York: Penguin something more stimulating and hardcore Books. than before. [17] [4] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization [9] Hilton, D. L. (2013). Pornography Addic- Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, tion—A Supranormal Stimulus Considered In The In fact, porn consumption follows a very 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Ber- Context Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective Neu- predictable pattern that’s eerily similar ridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2015). Pleasure roscience & Psychology, 3, 20767. Doi:10.3402/ to drug use. Over time, excessive levels Systems In The Brain. Neuron, 86, 646-664. Snp.v3i0.20767; Kauer, J. A., And Malenka, J. C. of “pleasure” chemicals cause the porn Doi:10.1016/J.neuron.2015.02.018; Paul, P. (2007). (2007). Synaptic Plasticity And Addiction: Nature consumer’s brain to develop tolerance, just Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming Reviews Neuroscience, 8: 844-858. Doi:10.1038/ Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Families. Nrn2234; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That like the brain of a drug user. [19] In the (75) New York: Henry Hold And Co.; Hyman, S. Changes Itself. (106-109) New York: Penguin same way that a junkie eventually requires E. (2005). Addiction: A Disease Of Learning And Books; Hyman, S. E. (2005). Addiction: A Disease more and more of a drug to get a buzz or Memory. American Journal Of Psychiatry, 162(8), Of Learning And Memory. American Journal Of even feel normal, regular porn consumers 1414-1422. Doi:10.1176/Appi.ajp.162.8.1414 Psychiatry, 162(8), 1414-1422. Doi:10.1176/Appi. will end up turning to porn more often or ajp.162.8.1414 [5] Stacy, A. W., & Wiers, R. W. (2010). Implicit seeking out more extreme versions—or Cognition And Addiction: A Tool For Explaining [10] Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Neural Correlates both—to feel excited again. [20] And once Paradoxical Behavior, Annual Review Of Clinical Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In Individuals With the porn habit is established, quitting can Psychology, 6, 551-575. Doi:10.1146/Annurev. And Without Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, even lead to withdrawal symptoms similar clinpsy.121208.131444 PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal. to drugs. [21] pone.0102419; Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Nat- [6] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. ural And Drug Rewards Act On Common Neural T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Plasticity Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key But there’s good news too. Even those with Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Mediator. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434- serious porn habits can break away and Journal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ 3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013 reclaim their lives. Thousands have done it, NEJMra1511480; Berridge, K.C., & Kringel- [22] and if you’re looking for resources for bach, M. L. (2015). Pleasure Systems In The [11] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- yourself or a loved one, click here to learn Brain. Neuron, 86, 646-664. Doi.org/10.1016/J. raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review more. neuron.2015.02.018; Volkow, N. D., & Morales, With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. M. (2015). The Brain On Drugs: From Reward Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017 To Addiction. Cell, 162 (8), 713. Doi:10.1016/J. cell.2015.07.046; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Neural [12] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. Citations Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In Individuals T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The With And Without Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England [1] National Institute On Drug Abuse: The Reward PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal. Journal Of Medicine, 374: 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ Pathway. (2016). Retrieved From Http://Www. pone.0102419; Georgiadis, J. R., & Kringelbach, NEJMra1511480 drugabuse.gov/Publications/Teaching-Packets/ M. L. (2012). The Human Sexual Response Cycle: Understanding-Drug-Abuse-Addiction/Sec- Brain Imaging Evidence Linking Sex To Other [13] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. tion-I/4-Reward-Pathway; Volkow, N. D., & Pleasures. Progressive Neurobiology, 98, 49-81. T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Morales, M. (2015). The Brain On Drugs: From Doi:10.1016/J.pneurobio.2012.05.004 Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Reward To Addiction. Cell, 162 (8), 712-725. Journal Of Medicine, 374: 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ Doi:10.1016/J.cell.2015.07.046; Pitchers, K. K., Et [7] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). NEJMra1511480; Volkow, N. D., & Morales, M. Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Rewards Act On Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization (2015). The Brain On Drugs: From Reward To Common Neural Plasticity Mechanisms With Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, Addiction. Cell, 162 (8), 712-725. Doi:10.1016/J. DeltaFosB As A Key Mediator. Journal Of Neuro- 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; cell.2015.07.046; Yanofski, J. (2011). The Dopa- science, 33 (8), 3434-3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEURO- Hilton, D. L. (2013). —A mine Dilemma—Part II. Innovations In Clini- SCI.4881-12.2013 Supranormal Stimulus Considered In The Context cal Neuroscience, 8(1), 47-53. Retrieved From Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective Neurosci- Https://Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Pmc/Articles/ [2] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. ence & Psychology, 3, 20767. Doi:10.3402/Snp. PMC3036556/ (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain v3i0.20767; Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Natural Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Jour- And Drug Rewards Act On Common Neural [14] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). nal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/NE- Plasticity Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization JMra1511480; Zatorre, R. J., & Salimpoor, V. N., Mediator. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8) 3434- Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, (2013) From Perception To Pleasure: Music And 3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059 Its Neural Substrates. Proceedings Of The National Salamone, J. D., & Correa, M. (2012). The Mys- Academy Of The Sciences Of The United States Of terious Motivational Functions Of Mesolimbic [15] Dewsbury, D. A., (1981). Effects Of Novelty

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org Of Copulatory Behavior: The Coolidge Effect And Foundations In Social Neuroscience . Cambridge, Related Phenomena. Psychological Bulletin, 89(3), Mass.: MIT Press. (565–72). 464-482. Doi:10.1037/0033-2909.89.3.464; Wilson, J. R., Kuehn, R. E., And Beach, F. A. (1963). Modi- [22] See, E.g. Your Brain On Porn. (2010, De- fication In The Sexual Behavior Of Male Rats Pro- cember 5). Rebooting Accounts. Retrieved From duced By Changing The Stimulus Female. Journal Https://Yourbrainonporn.com/Rebooting-Ac- Of Comparative And Physiological Psychology, counts; NoFap. Success Stories. Retrieved From 56, 636-644. Doi:10.1037/H0042469 Https://Www.nofap.com/Forum/Index.php?Fo- rums/Success-Stories.24/ [16] Negash, S., Van Ness Sheppard, N., Lambert, N. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2016). Trading Later Rewards For Current Pleasure: Pornography Con- sumption And Delay Discounting. The Journal Of Sex Research, 53(6), 698-700. Doi:10.1080/002244 99.2015.1025123; Banca, P., Et Al. (2016). Novelty, Conditioning, And Attentional Bias To Sexual Rewards. Journal Of Psychiatric Research, 72, 91- 101. Doi:10.1016/J.jpsychires.2015.10.017

[17] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6: 17. Doi.10.3390/Bs6030017; Negash, S., Van Ness Sheppard, N., Lambert, N. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2016). Trading Later Rewards For Current Pleasure: Pornography Consumption And Delay Discounting. The Journal Of Sex Research, 53(6), 698-700. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2015.1025123

[18] Satinover, J. (2004). Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, And Transportation, Sub- committee On Science, Technology, And Space, Hearing On The Brain Science Behind Pornog- raphy Addiction And Effects Of Addiction On Families And Communities, November 18.

[19] Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Rewards Act On Common Neural Plasticity Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key Media- tor. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434-3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; Angres, D. H., & Bettinardi-Angres, K. (2008). The Disease Of Addiction: Origins, Treatment, And Recovery. Disease-A-Month 54, 696–721. Doi:10.1016/J. disamonth.2008.07.002; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books; Paul, P. (105). Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Families. New York: Henry Hold And Co. (75).

[20] Banca, P., Et Al. (2016). Novelty, Condition- ing, And Attentional Bias To Sexual Rewards. Journal Of Psychiatric Research, 72, 91-101. Doi:10.1016/J.jpsychires.2015.10.017; Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence Of Unrestrained Access To On Adolescents’ And Young Adults’ Dispositions Toward Sexuality. Journal Of Ado- lescent Health, 27(2), 41–44. Doi:10.1016/S1054- 139X(00)00137-3

[21] Angres, D. H., & Bettinardi-Angres, K. (2008). The Disease Of Addiction: Origins, Treatment, And Recovery. Disease-A-Month, 54, 696–721. Doi:10.1016/J.disamonth.2008.07.002; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. (106-107) New York: Penguin Books; Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2002). The Mind Of An Addicted Brain: Neural Sensitization Of Wanting Versus Liking. In J. T. Cacioppo, Et Al. (Eds.)

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org HOW PORN CAN BECOME ADDICTIVE

A lot of people are convinced that there’s no such thing as an addiction to porn. But science disproved the old belief that in order to have an addiction to something it has to involve a substance that is physically put into the body; like with cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs. Excessive KEY TAKEAWAYS consumption of internet porn bears all of the signs, and dangers, of a • We now know that when it comes to true addiction. addiction, it’s not necessarily what gets inside the body or how it got there, but rather what reactions it s pornography addiction even a thing? Porn may enter through a different “how” triggers in the brain. There’s an ongoing debate right now in and be a different “what,” but it ultimately the media, and even in academic circles, does the very same things. [8] • Consuming porn triggers dopamine Iover whether compulsive porn consumption release, tricking the brain into think- is truly an addiction. Part of the problem is See, your brain comes equipped with ing it’s a healthy activity. simply that people don’t agree on exactly what something called a “reward center.” [9] Its • As porn consumers become desen- the word “addiction” means. [1] But Dr. Nora job is to motivate you to do things that sitized from repeated overloads of Volkow, director of the United States’ Nation- protect and promote your survival—things dopamine, they often find they can’t al Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), is con- like eating to stay alive or having sex to feel normal without a dopamine vinced that porn addiction is real. She even produce babies. [10] The way it rewards high. suggested changing NIDA’s name in order to you for doing those things is by flooding recognize “addictions such as pornography, your brain with dopamine and a cocktail gambling, and food.” [2] of other “pleasure” chemicals each time you do. [11] In fact, research shows that of all of the forms of online entertainment—like gambling, gam- But your brain doesn’t always reward you ing, surfing, and social networking—porn has for the right things. For example, it pro- the strongest tendency to be addictive. [3] duces higher levels of dopamine when you have chocolate cake than it does for whole- Doctors and scientists used to believe that in wheat bread. [12] Why? Because 3,000 order to have an addiction to something it has years ago, high-calorie foods were really to involve a substance that is physically put hard to come by, so when our ancestors into the body; like with cigarettes, alcohol, or found them, they needed to eat a whole drugs. [4] But once scientists started to look bunch while they had the chance. [13] inside the brain, it changed our understand- These days, a bag of Oreos is only as far as ing of how addictions work. [5] What’s im- the nearest supermarket. If we gorged on portant, we now know, is not necessarily what them every chance we got, we’d have heart gets inside the body or how it got there, but disease and a lot of other health problems. rather what reactions it triggers in the brain. Cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs bring foreign Porn is basically sexual junk food. When chemicals into the body in a myriad of ways: a person is looking at porn, their brain is sniffed, injected, drunk from a glass, or lit on fooled into pumping out dopamine just as fire and smoked. Porn and other behavioral if they really were seeing a potential mate. addictions, like gambling, on the other hand, [14] Sure, filling your brain with feel-good bring no new chemicals or substances into chemicals might sound like a great idea at the body that weren’t already there. But, these first, but just like with junk food, it’s more behaviors initiate strikingly similar processes dangerous than it seems. inside the brain like substance addictions, and that’s what makes them potentially addictive. When porn enters the brain, it triggers the They hijack the brain’s reward pathways. reward center to start pumping out dopa- [6] (See How Porn Affects the Brain Like a mine, which sets off a cascade of chemicals Drug.) That’s what every addictive substance including a protein called DeltaFosB. [15] and habit do. [7] DeltaFosB’s regular job is to build new Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org nerve pathways to mentally connect what United States’ National Institute on Drug Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, PLoS ONE, 9(7), someone is doing (i.e. consuming porn) Abuse agrees. E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal.pone.0102419; to the pleasure he or she feels. [16] Those Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Rewards Act On Common Neural Plasticity strong new memories outcompete other Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key Media- connections in the brain, making it easier Citations tor. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434-3442. and easier to return to porn. [17] (See How Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013 Porn Changes The Brain.) [1] Lewis, M. (2017). Addiction And The Brain: Development, Not Disease. Neuroethics. 1-12. [9] National Institute On Drug Abuse: The Reward Doi:10.1007/S12152-016-9293-4; Hall, P., (2014). Pathway. (2016). Retrieved From Http://Www. But DeltaFosB has another job, and this is Sex Addiction—An Extraordinarily Contentious drugabuse.gov/Publications/Teaching-Packets/ why its nickname is “the molecular switch Problem. Sexual And Relationship Therapy, 29(1) Understanding-Drug-Abuse-Addiction/Sec- for addiction.” [18] If enough DeltaFosB 68-75. Doi:10.1080/14681994.2013.861898 tion-I/4-Reward-Pathway; Volkow, N. D., & builds up, it flips a genetic switch, caus- Morales, M. (2015). The Brain On Drugs: From ing lasting changes in the brain that leave [2] Hilton, D.L, & Watts, C. (2011). Pornography Reward To Addiction. Cell, 162 (8), 712-725. the user more vulnerable to addiction. Addiction: A Neuroscience Perspective, Surgical Doi:10.1016/J.cell.2015.07.046; Pitchers, K. K., Et Neurology International 2, 19. Doi:10.4103/2152- Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Rewards Act On [19] For teens, this risk is especially high 7806.76977 Common Neural Plasticity Mechanisms With because a teen’s reward center in the brain DeltaFosB As A Key Mediator. Journal Of Neuro- responds two to four times more power- [3] Meerkerk, G.J., Van Den Eijnden, R.J., & science, 33 (8), 3434-3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEURO- fully than an adult’s brain, releases higher Garretsen, H.F. (2006). Predicting Compulsive SCI.4881-12.2013 levels of dopamine and produces more Internet Use: It’s All About Sex!, CyberPsychol- DeltaFosB. [20] ogy And Behavior, 9(1), 95-103. Doi:10.1089/ [10] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). Cpb.2006.9.95; See Also Korkeila, J., Kaarlas, S., Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization Jaaskelainen, M, Vahlberg, T., Taiminen, T. (2010). Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, Overloaded with dopamine, the brain will Attached To The Web—Harmful Use Of The 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Ber- try to defend itself by releasing another Internet And Its Correlates. European Psychiatry ridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2015). Pleasure chemical called CREB [21] (It’s called 25(4) 236-241. Doi: 10.1016/J.eurpsy.2009.02.008 Systems In The Brain. Neuron, 86, 646-664. CREB because no one wants to have to (Finding “Adult Entertainment” To Be The Most Doi:10.1016/J.neuron.2015.02.018; Paul, P. (2007). Common Reason For Compulsive Internet Use.) Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming say its real name: cyclic adenosine mo- Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Families. nophosphate response element binding [4] Holden, C. (2001). Behavioral Addictions: Do (75) New York: Henry Hold And Co.; Hyman, S. protein!) CREB is like the brakes on a run- They Exist? Science 294(5544), 980. Doi: 10.1126/ E. (2005). Addiction: A Disease Of Learning And away reward center; it slows the pleasure Science.294.5544.980 Memory. American Journal Of Psychiatry, 162(8), response. [22] With CREB onboard, porn 1414-1422. that once excited a person stops having [5] Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Neural Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In Individuals With [11] Volkow, N. D., & Morales, M. (2015). The the same effect. [23] Scientists believe that And Without Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, Brain On Drugs: From Reward To Addiction. Cell, CREB is partly why consumers have to PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal. 162 (8), 713. Doi:10.1016/J.cell.2015.07.046 keep increasing their porn intake to get pone.0102419; Olsen, C. M., (2011). Natu- aroused. [24] That numbed-out state is ral Rewards, Neuroplasticity, And Non-Drug [12] Johnson, P. And Kenny, P. (2010). Dopamine called “tolerance,” and it’s part of any kind Addictions. Neuropharmacology, 61, 1109-1122. D2 Receptors In Addiction-Like Reward Dys- of addiction. [25] Doi:10.1016/J.neuropharm.2011.03.010; Nestler, function And Compulsive Eating In Obese Rats. E. J. (2005). Is There A Common Molecular Path- Nature Neuroscience 13: 635-641. Doi:10.1038/ way For Addiction? Nature Neuroscience 9, 11: Nn.2519; See Also Berridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, As porn consumers become desensitized 1445–1449. Doi:10.1038/Nn1578 M. L. (2015). Pleasure Systems In The Brain. from repeated overloads of dopamine, they Neuron, 86, 646-664. Doi:10.1016/J.neu- often find they can’t feel normal without [6] ] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., ron.2015.02.018 (“[P]Leasure Can Be Thought Of a dopamine high. [26] Even other things & Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet As Evolution’s Boldest Trick, Serving To Motivate Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, An Individual To Pursue Rewards Necessary For that used to make them happy, like going Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi:10.3390/ Fitness, Yet In Modern Environments Of Abun- out with friends or playing a favorite Bs5030388; dance, Also Influencing Maladaptive Pursuits game, stop providing enjoyment because Such As Addictions.”) of the dulling effects of CREB. [27] They [7] Berridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2015). experience strong cravings and often find Pleasure Systems In The Brain. Neuron, 86, 646- [13] Linden, D. J. (2011). Food, Pleasure And themselves giving more of their time and 664. Doi:10.1016/J.neuron.2015.02.018; Hilton, D. Evolution. Psychology Today, March 30. L. (2013). Pornography Addiction—A Supra- attention to porn, sometimes to the detri- normal Stimulus Considered In The Context Of [14] Hilton, D. L. (2013). Pornography Addic- ment of relationships, school, or work. [28] Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective Neuroscience & tion—A Supranormal Stimulus Considered In Some report feeling anxious or down until Psychology, 3, 20767. Doi:10.3402/Snp.v3i0.20767 The Context Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective they can get back to their porn. [29] As Neuroscience & Psychology 3:20767. Doi:10.3402/ they delve deeper into the habit, their porn [8] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Snp.v3i0.20767; Pfaus, J. (2011). Love And The of choice often turns increasingly hard- Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Opportunistic Brain. In The Origins Of Orienta- Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, tion, World Science Festival, June; Georgiadis, J. core. [30] And many who try to break their Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/ R. (2006). Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Changes porn habits report finding it really difficult Bs5030388; Berridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, M. L. Associated With Clitorally Induced Orgasm In to stop. [31] (2015). Pleasure Systems In The Brain. Neuron, 86, Healthy Women. European Journal Of Neuro- 646-664. Doi:10.1016/J.neuron.2015.02.018; Voon, science 24, 11: 3305–3316. Doi:10.1111/J.1460- If this sounds like the classic symptoms V., Et Al. (2014). Neural Correlates Of Sexual 9568.2006.05206.X Cue Reactivity In Individuals With And Without of addiction, well….the head of the Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org [15] Negash, S., Van Ness Sheppard, N., Lam- ROSCI.4210-10.2011; Ehrlich, M. E., Sommer, J., Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England bert, N. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2016). Trading Canas, E., & Unterwald, E. M. (2002). Periadoles- Journal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ Later Rewards For Current Pleasure: Pornogra- cent Mice Show Enhanced DeltaFosB Upregula- NEJMra1511480; Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is phy Consumption And Delay Discounting. The tion In Response To Cocaine And Amphetamine. Causing Sexual Dysfunc- Journal Of Sex Research, 53(6), 698-700. Doi:10.1 The Journal Of Neuroscience 22(21). 9155–9159. tions? A Review With Clinical Reports. Behavioral 080/00224499.2015.1025123; Nestler, E. J., (2008) Retrieved From Http://Www.jneurosci.org/Con- Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017 Transcriptional Mechanisms Of Addiction: Role tent/22/21/9155 Of DeltaFosB, Philosophical Transactions Of The [28] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 363(1507) [21] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review 3245-3255. Doi:10.1098/Rstb.2008.0067 & Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Bostwick, J. M., & [16] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/ Bucci, J. E. (2008). Internet Sex Addiction Treated raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review Bs5030388 With Naltrexone. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 83(2), With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 226–230. Doi:10.4065/83.2.226; Kalman, T. P. 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Pitchers, K. K., [22] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., (2008). Kalman, T.P. (2008). Clinical Encoun- Et Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Rewards Act & Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet ters With Internet Pornography. Journal Of The On Common Neural Plasticity Mechanisms Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, American Academy Of Psychoanalysis And With DeltaFosB As A Key Mediator. Journal Of Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/ Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4) 593-618. Doi:10.1521/ Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434-3442. Doi:10.1523/ Bs5030388 Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; Hilton, D. L. (2013) That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books. Pornography Addiction—A Supranormal Stimu- [23] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., (110). lus Considered In The Context Of Neuroplasticity. & Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Socioaffective Neuroscience And Technology 3. Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, [29] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- 20767. Doi:10.3402/Snp.v3i0.20767; Doidge, N. Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/ raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. (208-209) Bs5030388 With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. New York: Penguin Books. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Kalman, T. P. (2008). Kal- [24] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- man, T.P. (2008). Clinical Encounters With Inter- [17] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review net Pornography. Journal Of The American Acad- raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, emy Of Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Negash, S., Van Ness 36(4) 593-618. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Nestler, E. J., (2015). Role Sheppard, N., Lambert, N. M., & Fincham, F. Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Of The Brain’s Reward Circuitry In Depression: D. (2016). Trading Later Rewards For Current New York: Penguin Books. (108). Transcriptional Mechanism. International Review Pleasure: Pornography Consumption And Delay Of Neurobiology, 124: 151-170. Doi:10.1016/ Discounting. The Journal Of Sex Research, 53(6), [30] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- Bs.irn.2015.07.003; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain 698-700. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2015.1025123 raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books, With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. 108. [25] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Kalman, T. P. (2008). Kal- T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The man, T.P. (2008). Clinical Encounters With Inter- [18] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England net Pornography. Journal Of The American Acad- & Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Journal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ emy Of Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, NEJMra1511480; Nestler, E. J., (2015). Role Of 36(4) 593-618. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/ The Brain’s Reward Circuitry In Depression: Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Bs5030388 Transcriptional Mechanism. International Review New York: Penguin Books. (110). Of Neurobiology, 124: 151-170. Doi:10.1016/ [19] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., Bs.irn.2015.07.003; Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., [31] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- & Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Hatch, L., & Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, Internet Pornography Addiction: A Review And With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/ Update, Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Kalman, T. P. (2008). Kal- Bs5030388; Hilton, D. L. (2013). Pornography 10.3390/Bs5030388; Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. man, T.P. (2008). Clinical Encounters With Inter- Addiction—A Supranormal Stimulus Consid- (2012). Internet And Gaming Addiction: A Sys- net Pornography. Journal Of The American Acad- ered In The Context Of Neuroplasticity. Socio- tematic Literature Review Of Neuroimaging Stud- emy Of Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, affective Neuroscience & Psychology, 3, 20767. ies. Brain Sciences, 2(3) 347-374. Doi:10.3390/ 36(4) 593-618. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Doi:10.3402/Snp.v3i0.20767; Nestler, E. J. (2008). Brainsci2030347 Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Transcriptional Mechanisms Of Addiction: Role New York: Penguin Books, (111). Of DeltaFosB. Philosophical Transactions Of The [26] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 363: 3245–56. T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Retrieved From Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Pmc/ Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Articles/PMC2607320/; Doidge, N. (2007). The Journal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin NEJMra1511480; Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Books, 107. Internet Pornography Causing Sexual Dysfunc- tions? A Review With Clinical Reports. Behavioral [20] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Kalman, T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The T. P. (2008). Kalman, T.P. (2008). Clinical En- Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England counters With Internet Pornography. Journal Of Journal Of Medicine, 374: 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ The American Academy Of Psychoanalysis And NEJMra1511480; Sturman, D., & Moghaddam, Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4) 593-618. Doi:10.1521/ B. (2011). Reduced Neuronal Inhibition And Jaap.2008.36.4.593 Coordination Of Adolescent Prefrontal Cortex During Motivated Behavior. The Journal Of Neu- [27] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. roscience 31, 4: 1471-1478. Doi:10.1523/JNEU- T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org HOW PORN CHANGES THE BRAIN

Repeated consumption of porn causes the brain to literally rewire itself. It triggers the brain to pump out chemicals and form new nerve path- ways, leading to profound and lasting changes in the brain. KEY TAKEAWAYS elieve it or not, studies show that those But there’s a catch. Your brain is a very • Consuming porn lays down new who consume pornography more hungry organ. It may only weigh 2% of neuronal pathways in the brain. frequently have brains that are less your body weight, but it eats up 20% of Bconnected, less active, and even smaller in your energy and oxygen, [8] so resources • The more porn consumed, the stron- ger the nerve connections become, some areas. [1] are scarce up there in your head. There’s and the more difficult it can be stop. some pretty fierce competition between To be fair, the studies only show that there’s brain pathways, and those that don’t get • A consumer can rebuild those path- a correlation between porn consumption used enough will likely be replaced. [9] ways by avoiding pornography and and smaller, less active brains, but they raise Use it or lose it, as they say. Only the seeking healthy alternatives. the question: Can porn literally change your strong survive. brain? That’s where porn comes in. Scientists used to believe that once you fin- ished childhood, your brain lost the ability to Porn happens to be fantastic at forming grow. [2] They thought that nothing except new, long-lasting pathways in the brain. In illness or injury could physically alter an fact, porn is such a ferocious competitor adult brain. Now we know that the brain goes that hardly any other activity can compete on changing throughout life, [3] constantly with it, including actual sex with a real rewiring itself and laying down new nerve partner. [10] That’s right, porn can actu- connections, and that this is particularly true ally overpower the brain’s natural ability in our youth. [4] to have real sex! Why? As Dr. Norman Doidge, a researcher at Columbia Uni- See, the brain is made up of about 100 billion versity, explains, porn creates the perfect special nerves called neurons, [5] that carry conditions and triggers the release of the electrical signals back and forth between parts right chemicals to make lasting changes in of the brain and out to the rest of the body. the brain. [11] Imagine you’re learning to play an E chord on the guitar: your brain sends a signal to your CONDITIONS hand telling it what to do. As that signal zips along from neuron to neuron, those activated The ideal conditions for forming strong nerve cells start to form connections because neuronal pathways are when you’re in “neurons that fire together, wire together.” what scientists call “flow.” Flow is “a deeply Those newly-connected neurons form what’s satisfying state of focused attention.” [12] called a “neuronal pathway.” [6] When you’re in flow, you get so deep into what you’re doing that nothing else seems Think of a neuronal pathway like a trail in the to matter. [13] You’ve probably experi- woods. Every time someone uses the trail, enced it before, playing a game or having it gets a little wider and more permanent. a conversation with friends or reading a Similarly, every time a message travels down a great book. You were so focused on what neuronal pathway, the pathway gets stronger. you were doing that you lost track of time, [7] With enough repetitions, your neuronal and everything around you disappeared. pathway will get so strong you’ll be strum- You wanted it to keep going forever. That’s ming that E chord without even thinking flow. about it. That process of building better, faster neuronal pathways is how we learn any new When you’re in flow, it’s like you have skill, whether it’s memorizing math formulas superhuman abilities. Athletes call it being or driving a car. Practice makes perfect. “in the zone,” when you seem to do ev- Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org erything right. Your focus is intense. Your ings for porn long after they’ve stopped the [7] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes memory is phenomenal. Years later, you’ll habit. [22] Itself. (242-243) New York: Penguin Books. still recall exact words of the conversation [8] Du, F., Et Al. (2008). Tightly Coupled Brain or details of what you read. The good news is, neuroplasticity works Activity And Cerebral ATP Metabolic Rate. Pro- both ways. If porn pathways aren’t rein- ceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of Now imagine someone sitting in front of forced, they’ll eventually disappear, so the The United States Of America, 105(17) 6409-6414. the computer at 3:00 in the morning, look- same brain mechanisms that lay down Doi:10.1073/Pnas.0710766105, See Also Spence, ing at porn. That person is so absorbed in pathways for porn can replace them with C., Okajima, K., Cheok, A. D., Petit, O., & Michel, C. (2016). Eating With Our Eyes: From Visual his or her porn trance that nothing else something else. [23] If the time has come Hunger To Digital Satiation, Brain And Cogni- can compete for the consumer’s attention, for you or someone you love to begin that tion, 110, 53-63. Doi:10.1016/J.bandc.2015.08.006 not even sleep. This person is in the ideal healing process, learn more about how to (Asserting That The Brain Consumes “Somewhere condition for forming neuronal pathways, get help. In The Region Of 25% Of Blood Flow, Or Rather, and that’s what they are doing. Clicking 25% Of The Available Consumed Energy.”) from page to page in search of the perfect [9] Pace, S. (2014). Acquiring Tastes Through image, not realizing that every image seen Citations Online Activity: Neuroplasticity And The Flow is reinforcing the pathways the consumer Experiences Of Web Users. M/C Journal, 17(1). is forging in his or her brain. By now, those [1] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Retrieved From Http://Journal.media-Culture. images are burned so deeply into their Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet org.au/Index.php/Mcjournal/Article/View/773; mind that they will remember them for a Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. long time to come, maybe the entirety of Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/ (59-60) New York: Penguin Books. Bs5030388; Kuhn, S., & Gallinat, J. (2014). Brain their life. Structure And Functional Connectivity Asso- [10] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- ciated With Pornography Consumption: The raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review CHEMICALS Brain On Porn. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(7), 827-834. With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.1001/Jamapsychiatry.2014.93; Love, T., Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Volkow, N. D., Koob, Like other addictive substances and behav- Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Hajela, R. (2015). G. F., & McLellan, A. T. (2016). Neurobiological Neuroscience Of Internet Pornography Addic- Advances From The Brain Disease Model Of Ad- iors, porn activates the part of the brain tion: A Review And Update, Behavioral Sciences, diction. New England Journal Of Medicine, 374, called the reward center, [14] triggering 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/Bs5030388; Weh- 363-371. Doi:10.1056/NEJMra1511480; Love, T., the release of a cocktail of chemicals that rum-Osinski, S., Klucken, T, & Rudolf, S. (2015) Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Hajela, R. (2015). give you a temporary buzz. [15] (See How OR-95: Neuronal And Subjective Responses In Neuroscience Of Internet Pornography Addic- Porn Affects The Brain Like a Drug.) One Patients With Excessive Pornography Consump- tion: A Review And Update, Behavioral Sciences, of the chemicals in that cocktail is a pro- tion, Journal Of Behavioral Addictions, 4(S1), 42; 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/Bs5030388; Voon, Arnow, B. A., Et Al. (2002). Brain Activation And V., Et Al. (2014). Neural Correlates Of Sexual tein called DeltaFosB. [16] Sexual Arousal In Healthy, Heterosexual Males. Cue Reactivity In Individuals With And Without Brain, 125, 1014-1023. Doi:10.1093/Brain/Awf108. Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, PLoS ONE, 9(7), Remember when we said that building See Also Kuss, D., & Griffiths, M. D. (2012). E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal.pone.0102419; neuronal pathways is like making a trail in Internet And Gaming Addiction: A Systematic Hilton, D. L. (2013) Pornography Addiction—A the woods? Well, DeltaFosB is like a troop Literature Review Of Neuroimaging Studies, Supranormal Stimulus Considered In The Context of mountaineers out there with picks and Brain Science, 2(3) 347-374. Doi:10.3390/Brain- Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective Neuroscience sci2030347 (Discussing Brain Atrophy Among And Technology 3. 20767. Doi:10.3402/Snp. shovels, working like beavers to groom Persons Addicted To Internet Use.) v3i0.20767; Wang, Y., Ghezzi, A., Yin, J. C. P., & the trail. With DeltaFosB floating around, Atkinson, N. S. (2009). CREB Regulation Of BK the brain is primed to make strong mental [2] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Chang- Channel Gene Expression Underlies Rapid Drug connections between the porn being es Itself. (Xiiv-Xiv) New York: Penguin Books; Tolerance. Gene Brains Behavior, 8(4) 369-376. consumed by individuals and the pleasure Kolb, B., Gibb, R., & Robinson, T.E. (2003). Brain Doi:10.1111/J.1601-183X.2009.00479.X; Angres, Plasticity And Behavior, Current Directions In D. H. & Bettinardi-Angres, K. (2008). The Disease they feel while consuming. [17] Basically, Psychological Science, 12(1) 1-5. Of Addiction: Origins, Treatment, And Recovery. the DeltaFosB is saying, “This feels good. Disease-A-Month 54: 696–721. Let’s be sure to remember it so we can do [3] Pace, S. (2014). Acquiring Tastes Through it again.” Online Activity: Neuroplasticity And The Flow [11] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Experiences Of Web Users. M/C Journal, 17(1). Itself. (104) New York: Penguin Books. ; [11] DeltaFosB is important for learning any Retrieved From Http://Journal.media-Culture.org. Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. au/Index.php/Mcjournal/Article/View/773 (102) New York: Penguin Books. kind of new skills, but it can also lead to addictive/compulsive behaviors, [18] [4] Kercel, S.W., (2005). Editorial: The Wide-Rang- [12] Pace, S. (2014). Acquiring Tastes Through especially in adolescents. [19] DeltaFosB ing Impact Of The Work Of Paul Back-Y-Rita, Online Activity: Neuroplasticity And The Flow is referred to as “the molecular switch for Journal Of Integrative Neuroscience, 4(4) 403-406; Experiences Of Web Users. M/C Journal, 17(1). addiction,” [20] because if it builds up Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Retrieved From Http://Journal.media-Culture.org. enough in the brain, it switches on genes (Xv) New York: Penguin Books. au/Index.php/Mcjournal/Article/View/773 that create long-term cravings, driving the [5] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes [13] Pace, S. (2014). Acquiring Tastes Through user back for more. [21] And once it has Itself. (50) New York: Penguin Books. Online Activity: Neuroplasticity And The Flow been released, DeltaFosB sticks around in Experiences Of Web Users. M/C Journal, 17(1). the brain for weeks or months, which is [6] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Retrieved From Http://Journal.media-Culture. why porn consumers may feel strong crav- Itself. (9) New York: Penguin Books. org.au/Index.php/Mcjournal/Article/View/773; Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychol- Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org ogy Of Optimal Experience. New York, Harper- Internet Pornography Causing Sexual Dysunc- Perrennial. tion? A Review With Clinical Reports, Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Negash, [14] Negash, S., Van Ness Sheppard, N., Lambert, S., Van Ness Sheppard, N., Lambert, N. M., & N. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2016). Trading Later Fincham, F. D. (2016). Trading Later Rewards For Rewards For Current Pleasure: Pornography Con- Current Pleasure: Pornography Consumption And sumption And Delay Discounting. The Journal Of Delay Discounting. The Journal Of Sex Research, Sex Research, 53(6), 698-700. Doi:10.1080/00224 53(6), 698-700. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2015.1025 499.2015.1025123; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Neural 123; Brom, M., Both, S., Laan, E., Everaerd, W., & Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In Individuals Spinhoven, P. (2014). The Role Of Conditioning, With And Without Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, Learning, And Dopamine In Sexual Behavior: A PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal. Narrative Review Of Animal And Human Studies. pone.0102419; Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Nat- Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 38(1). ural And Drug Rewards Act On Common Neural Doi: 10.1016/J.neubiorev.2013.10.014; Bridges, A. Plasticity Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key J., & Anton, C. (2013). Pornography And Violence Mediator. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434- Against Women. In Sigal, J. A. & Denmark, F. 3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013 L. (Eds.), Violence Against Girls And Women: International Perspectives (Pp 183-206.). Santa [15] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. Barbara, California: Preager. T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England [20] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., Journal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ & Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet NEJMra1511480; Pace, S. (2014). Acquiring Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, Tastes Through Online Activity: Neuroplasticity Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/ And The Flow Experiences Of Web Users. M/C Bs5030388 Journal, 17(1). Retrieved From Http://Journal. media-Culture.org.au/Index.php/Mcjournal/Arti- [21] Volkow, N. D., & Morales, M. (2015). The cle/View/773 Brain On Drugs: From Reward To Addiction. Cell, 162 (8), 713. Doi:10.1016/J.cell.2015.07.046; [16] Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Natural And Nestler, E. J. (2012). Transcriptional Mechanisms Drug Rewards Act On Common Neural Plasticity Of Drug Addiction. Clinical Psychopharmacology Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key Media- And Neuroscience 10(3) 136-143. Doi:1-.9758/ tor. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434-3442. Cpn.2012.10.3.136; Hyman, S. E. (2005). Addic- Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; Nestler, tion: A Disease Of Learning And Memory. Ameri- E. J., (2008) Transcriptional Mechanisms Of can Journal Of Psychiatry, 162(8), 1414-1422. Addiction: Role Of DeltaFosB, Philosophical Transactions Of The Royal Society B: Biological [22] Negash, S., Van Ness Sheppard, N., Lambert, Sciences, 363(1507) 3245-3255. Doi:10.1098/ N. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2016). Trading Later Rstb.2008.0067 Rewards For Current Pleasure: Pornography Con- sumption And Delay Discounting. The Journal Of [17] Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Natural And Sex Research, 53(6), 698-700. Doi:10.1080/002244 Drug Rewards Act On Common Neural Plasticity 99.2015.1025123; Hilton, D. L., & Watts, C. (2011). Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key Media- Commentary On: Neuroscience Research Fails To tor. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434-3442. Support Claims That Excessive Pornography Con- Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; Hilton, sumption Causes Brain Damage, Surgical Neu- D. L. (2013) Pornography Addiction—A Supra- rological International, 2, 64. Doi:10.4103/2152- normal Stimulus Considered In The Context Of 7806.81427; Nestler, E. J., (2008) Transcriptional Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective Neuroscience And Mechanisms Of Addiction: Role Of DeltaFosB, Technology 3. 20767. 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[18] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., [23] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes & Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Itself. (208-212) New York: Penguin Books. Pornography Addiction: A Review And Up- date, Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/Bs5030388; Hilton, D.L, & Watts, C. (2011). Pornography Addiction: A Neuroscience Perspective, Surgical Neurology International 2, 19. Doi:10.4103/2152-7806.76977; Nestler, E. J., (2008) Transcriptional Mechanisms Of Addiction: Role Of DeltaFosB, Philosophical Transactions Of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 363(1507) 3245-3255. Doi:10.1098/Rstb.2008.0067

[19] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Journal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ NEJMra1511480; Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org HOW PORN AFFECTS SEXUAL TASTES

Many porn consumers find themselves getting aroused by things that used to disgust them or things that they might have previously consid- ered to be inappropriate or unethical. As individuals consume more extreme and dangerous sex acts, they gradually begin to feel that those KEY TAKEAWAYS behaviors are more common and acceptable than they really are. • Casual porn consumption has the power to change ideas and attitudes. s you’d probably guess, rats don’t like way of making sure that whatever you’re • In many cases, porn consumers find the smell of death. But a researcher doing, you’ll come back to it again. The their tastes so changed that they can named Jim Faust wondered whether association between the activity and the no longer respond sexually to their Athat instinct could be changed, so he sprayed “reward” happens automatically, even if actual partners, though they can still female rats with a liquid that smelled like a you don’t intend it, because “neurons that respond to porn. dead, rotting rat. When he put them in cages fire together, wire together.” [6] (See How • Porn consumers are more likely to with virgin male rats, a strange thing hap- Porn Affects The Brain Like A Drug.) express attitudes supporting violence pened. The drive to mate was so powerful that against women. it overcame the instinct to avoid the smell, The reward center is usually a pretty great and the rats hit it off. Actually, that’s not so thing, even if it didn’t work out so well strange. The strange part was what happened for those poor rats. Normally our brain next. attracts us to healthy behaviors and en- courages us to form life-supporting habits. Once the male rats had learned to associate [7] But when those reward chemicals get sex with the smell of death, Faust put them connected to something harmful, it has the in cages with different objects to play with. opposite effect. The male rats actually preferred to play with the object that smelled like death, as if it were The same process that rewired those rats’ soaked in something they loved! [1] preferences—connecting the pleasure they felt during sex to the stench of death—is We know what you’re thinking: “Now I know triggered in human brains by porn. Porn what I should have done for my science fair consumers may think they’re just being en- project!” No, seriously, that’s pretty gross, tertained, but their brains are busy at work right? You’re probably wondering how rats building connections between their feel- could possibly be trained to go against such a ings of arousal and whatever’s happening powerful natural instinct. Well, here’s how: on their screen. [8] And since consumers of porn typically become accustomed to Rats, humans, and all mammals have some- the porn they’ve already seen and have to thing in their brain called a “reward center.” constantly move on to more extreme forms [2] Part of the reward center’s job is to pro- of pornography to get aroused, [9] the mote healthy living by rewarding you when kind of porn consumed usually changes you do something that either keeps you alive over time. [10] (See Why Consuming Porn (e.g., eating) or creates a new life (e.g., sex), Is An Escalating Behavior.) or enriches your life (e.g. building satisfying relationships). [3] The way it rewards you is In a survey of 1,500 young adult men, by pumping a cocktail of “pleasure chemi- 56% said their tastes in porn had become cals” through your brain. [4] (See How Porn “increasingly extreme or deviant.” [11] Just Changes The Brain.) like the rats, many porn consumers even- tually find themselves getting aroused by Those chemicals do more than make you feel things that used to disgust them or things great. While you’re enjoying that good feeling, that they might have previously considered your brain is also building new nerve path- to be inappropriate or unethical. [12] In ways to connect the pleasure you’re feeling many cases, porn consumers find their to the activity you’re doing. [5] It’s the brain’s tastes so changed that they can no longer

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org respond sexually to their actual partners, (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: though they can still respond to porn. [13] Citations Penguin Books (108); Pace, S. (2014). Acquiring Tastes Through Online Activity: Neuroplasticity [1] Pfaus, J. G., Kippin, T. E., & Centeno, S. And The Flow Experiences Of Web Users. M/C Once consumers start viewing extreme (2001). Conditioning And Sexual Behavior: A Journal, 17(1). Retrieved From Http://Journal. and dangerous sex acts, things that they Review. Hormones And Behavior 40: 291–321. media-Culture.org.au/Index.php/Mcjournal/Arti- thought were disgusting or degrading Retrieved From Http://Www.pphp.concordia.ca/ cle/View/773 can start to seem normal, acceptable, and Fac/Pfaus/Pfaus-Kippin-Centeno(2001).Pdf; See more common than they really are. [14] Also Robinson, M. J. F., & Berridge, K. C. (2013). [5] Hilton, D. L. (2013). Pornography Addic- tion—A Supranormal Stimulus Considered In One study found that people exposed to Instant Transformation Of Learned Repulsion Into Motivational “Wanting”. Current Biology, 23, 282- The Context Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective significant amounts of porn thought things 289. Doi:10.1016/J.cub.2013.01.016 (Transforming Neuroscience & Psychology 3:20767. Doi:10.3402/ like sex with animals and violent sex Rats’ Revulsion To Saltiness Into Attraction) Snp.v3i0.20767; Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Nat- were twice as common as what those not ural And Drug Rewards Act On Common Neural exposed to porn thought. [15] And when [2] National Institute On Drug Abuse: The Reward Plasticity Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key people believe a behavior is normal, they’re Pathway. (2016). Retrieved From Http://Www. Mediator. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434- drugabuse.gov/Publications/Teaching-Packets/ 3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; more likely to try it. [16] Understanding-Drug-Abuse-Addiction/Sec- Hedges, V. L., Chakravarty, S., Nestler, E. J., And tion-I/4-Reward-Pathway; Volkow, N. D., & Meisel, R. L. (2009). DeltaFosB Overexpression Research has also found that watching Morales, M. (2015). The Brain On Drugs: From In The Nucleus Accumbens Enhances Sexual pornography affects attitudes and beliefs Reward To Addiction. Cell, 162 (8), 712-725. Reward In Female Syrian Hamsters. Genes Brain toward sex, women, and relationships. [17] Doi:10.1016/J.cell.2015.07.046; Pitchers, K. K., Et And Behavior 8, 4: 442–449. Doi:10.1111/J.1601- Porn consumers are more likely to express Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Rewards Act On 183X.2009.00491.X.; Hilton, D.L, & Watts, C. Common Neural Plasticity Mechanisms With (2011). Pornography Addiction: A Neuroscience attitudes supporting violence against wom- DeltaFosB As A Key Mediator. Journal Of Neuro- Perspective, Surgical Neurology International en, [18] and studies have shown a strong science, 33 (8), 3434-3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEURO- 2, 19. Doi:10.4103/2152-7806.76977; Miner, M. correlation between men’s porn consump- SCI.4881-12.2013 H., Raymond, N., Mueller, B. A., Lloyd, M., Lim, tion and their likelihood to victimize K. O. (2009). Preliminary Investigation Of The women. [19] In fact, a 2015 peer-reviewed [3] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. Impulsive And Neuroanatomical Characteris- tics Of Compulsive Sexual Behavior. Psychiatry research study that analyzed 22 different (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Jour- Research 174: 146–51. Doi:10.1016/J.pscychres- studies from 7 different countries con- nal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/NE- ns.2009.04.008; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That cluded that there is “little doubt that, on JMra1511480; Zatorre, R. J., & Salimpoor, V. N., Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books (107). the average, individuals who consume (2013) From Perception To Pleasure: Music And pornography more frequently are more Its Neural Substrates. Proceedings Of The National [6] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes likely to hold attitudes [supporting] sexual Academy Of The Sciences Of The United States Of Itself. New York: Penguin Books (63). America, 110, 2. Doi:10.1073/Pnas.1301228110; aggression and engage in actual acts of sex- Hedges, V. L., Chakravarty, S., Nestler, E. J., & [7] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). ual aggression.” [20] (See How Consuming Meisel, R. L. (2009). Delta FosB Overexpression Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization Porn Can Lead to Violence.) In The Nucleus Accumbens Enhances Sexual Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, Reward In Female Syrian Hamsters. Genes Brain 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Ber- Obviously, not everyone who looks at porn And Behavior, 8(4), 442–449. Doi:10.1111/J.1601- ridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2015). Pleasure is going to turn into a rapist, but the reality 183X.2009.00491.X; Bostwick, J. M. And Bucci, Systems In The Brain. Neuron, 86, 646-664. J. E. (2008). Internet Sex Addiction Treated With Doi:10.1016/J.neuron.2015.02.018; Doidge, N. is that even casual pornography con- Naltrexone. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 83, 2: (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: sumption has the power to change ideas 226–230; Nestler, E. J., (2005) Is There A Common Penguin Books (109); Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: and attitudes. [21] When that happens, Molecular Pathway For Addiction?, Nature Neu- How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, changes to behavior aren’t far behind. But roscience, 8(11) 1445-1449. Doi:10.1038/Nn1578; Our Relationships, And Our Families. New York: spreading the truth about the harmful Balfour, M. E., Yu, L., And Coolen, L. M. (2004). Henry Hold & Co. (75). effects of porn helps limit its influence. Sexual Behavior And Sex-Associated Environmen- tal Cues Activate The Mesolimbic System In Male [8] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). Porn can corrupt our deepest, most basic Rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 29(4), 718–730. Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization instincts, but deep down at that same Doi:10.1038/Sj.npp.1300350 Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, instinctive level, we know and want what’s 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Love, healthy. We crave happiness and love. And [4] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Hajela, R. every individual decision to focus on real (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Pornography Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Jour- Addiction: A Review And Update, Behavioral love and real relationships moves us back nal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/NE- Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/Bs5030388; toward the robust, natural lives we’re wired JMra1511480; Negash, S., Van Ness Sheppard, N., Pace, S. (2014). Acquiring Tastes Through to pursue. Lambert, N. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2016). Trading Online Activity: Neuroplasticity And The Flow Later Rewards For Current Pleasure: Pornography Experiences Of Web Users. M/C Journal, 17(1). Consumption And Delay Discounting. The Jour- Retrieved From Http://Journal.media-Culture. nal Of Sex Research, 53(6), 698-700. Doi:10.1080 org.au/Index.php/Mcjournal/Article/View/773; /00224499.2015.1025123; Banca, P., Et Al. (2016). Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Novelty, Conditioning, And Attentional Bias To New York: Penguin Books (95). Sexual Rewards. Journal Of Psychiatric Research, 72, 91-101. Doi:10.1016/J.jpsychires.2015.10.017; [9] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- Berridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2015). Plea- raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review sure Systems In The Brain. Neuron, 86, 646-664. With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, Doi:10.1016/J.neuron.2015.02.018; Doidge, N. 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Negash, S., Van Ness

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org Sheppard, N., Lambert, N. M., & Fincham, F. Contentious Problem. Sexual And Relationship Doi: 10.1177/1077801203256003 D. (2016). Trading Later Rewards For Current Therapy, 29(1) 68-75. Doi:10.1080/14681994.20 Pleasure: Pornography Consumption And Delay 13.861898; Sun, C., Bridges, A., Johnason, J., & [20] Wright, P., Tokunaga, R. S., & Kraus, A. Discounting. The Journal Of Sex Research, 53(6), Ezzell, M. (2014) Pornography And The Male (2015). A Meta-Analysis Of Pornography Con- 698-700. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2015.1025123 Sexua Script: An Analysis Of Consumption And sumption And Actual Acts Of Sexual Aggres- ; Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Sexual Relations. Archives Of Sexual Behavior. 45, sion In General Population Studies. Journal Of Rewards Act On Common Neural Plasticity 1-12. Doi:10.1007/S10508-014-0391-2. Doidge, N. Communication, 66(1), 183-205. Doi:10.1111/ Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key Media- (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Jcom.12201 tor. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434-3442. Penguin Books. (130). Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; Layden, [21] Peter, J. & Valkenburg, P. M., (2016) Adoles- M. A. (2010). Pornography And Violence: A [14] Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence Of Unre- cents And Pornography: A Review Of 20 Years New Look At The Research. In J. Stoner And D. strained Access To Erotica On Adolescents’ And Of Research. Journal Of Sex Research, 53(4-5), Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: Young Adults’ Dispositions Toward Sexuality. 509-531. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2016.114344 A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). Princeton, Journal Of Adolescent Health, 27, 2: 41–44. 1 (“Existing Research Has Produced Consistent NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Angres, D. H., & Retrieved From Https://Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ Evidence That Adolescents’ Pornography Use Is Bettinardi-Angres, K. (2008). The Disease Of Pubmed/10904205 Related To Their Sexual Attitudes.”); Bridges, A. Addiction: Origins, Treatment, And Recovery. J. (2010). Pornography’s Effect On Interpersonal Disease-A-Month, 54, 696–721. Doi:10.1016/J.dis- [15] Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence Of Unre- Relationships. In J. Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) amonth.2008.07.002; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain strained Access To Erotica On Adolescents’ And The Social Costs Of Pornography: A Collection Of That Changes Itself. (105) New York: Penguin Young Adults’ Dispositions Toward Sexuality. Papers (Pp. 89-110). Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Books; Paul, P. (2007). Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: Journal Of Adolescent Health, 27, 2: 41–44. Institute. How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, Retrieved From Https://Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ Our Relationships, And Our Families. (75) New Pubmed/10904205 York: Henry Hold And Co. [16] Layden, M. A. (2004). Committee On Com- [10] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- merce, Science, And Transportation, Subcommit- raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review tee On Science And Space, U.S. Senate, Hearing With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, On The Brain Science Behind Pornography 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Kalman, T.P. (2008). Addiction, November 18; Cline, V. B. (2001). Por- Clinical Encounters With Internet Pornography. nography’s Effect On Adults And Children. New Journal Of The American Academy Of Psycho- York: Morality In Media; Zillmann, D., & Bryant, analysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4) 593-618. J. (1984). Effects Of Massive Exposure To Pornog- Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Doidge, N. raphy. In N. M. Malamuth And E. Donnerstein (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: (Eds.) Pornography And Sexual Aggression. New Penguin Books, (109); Cline, V. B. (2001). Pornog- York: Academic Press. raphy’s Effect On Adults And Children. New York: Morality In Media; Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence [17] Weinberg, M. S., Williams, C. J., Kleiner, S., Of Unrestrained Access To Erotica On Adoles- & Irizarry, Y. (2010). Pornography, Normalization cents’ And Young Adults’ Dispositions Toward And Empowerment. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, Sexuality. Journal Of Adolescent Health, 27, 2: 39 (6) 1389-1401. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9592- 41–44. Retrieved From Https://Www.ncbi.nlm. 5; Doring, N. M. (2009). The Internet’s Impact nih.gov/Pubmed/10904205 On Sexuality: A Critical Review Of 15 Years Of Research. Computers In Human Behavior, 25(5), [11] NoFap Survey (2012) Http://Www.reddit. 1089-1101. Doi:10.1016/J.chb.2009.04.003 com/R/NoFap/Comments/Updy4/Rnofap_sur- vey_data_complete_datasets/ [18] Hald, G. M., Malamuth, N. M., & Yuen, C. (2010). Pornography And Attitudes Supporting [12] Wery, A. & Billieux, J. (2016). Online Sexual Violence Against Women: Revisiting The Relation- Activities: An Exploratory Study Of Problematic ship In Nonexperimental Studies. Aggression And And Non-Problematic Usage Patterns In A Sample Behavior 36, 1: 14–20. Doi: 10.1002/Ab.20328; Of Men. Computers In Human Behavior 56, Berkel, L. A., Vandiver, B. J., And Bahner, A. D. 257-266. Doi:10.1016/J.chb.2015.11.046; Park, B. (2004). Gender Role Attitudes, Religion, And Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornography Causing Spirituality As Predictors Of Domestic Violence Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review With Clinical Attitudes In White College Students. Journal Of Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/ College Student Development 45(2):119–131. Bs6030017; Paul, P. (2010). From Pornography To Porno To Porn: How Porn Became The Norm. In J. [19] DeKeseredy, W. (2015). Critical Crimino- Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of logical Understandings Of Adult Pornography Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 3–20). And Woman Abuse: New Progressive Directions Princeton, N.J.: Witherspoon Institute. In Research And Theory. International Journal For Crime, Justice And Social Democracy, 4(4), [13] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- 4-21. Doi:10.5204/Ijcjsd.v4i4.184; Simmons, C. A., raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review Lehmann, P., & Collier-Tenison, S. (2008). Linking With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Male Use Of The Sex Industry To Controlling Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Behaviors In Violent Relationships: An Explor- Neural Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In atory Analysis. Violence Against Women, 14(4), Individuals With And Without Compulsive 406-417. Doi:10.1177/1077801208315066; Shope, Sexual Behaviors, PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. J. H. (2004), When Words Are Not Enough: The Doi:10.1371/Journal.pone.0102419; Hall, P. Search For The Effect Of Pornography On Abused (2013). Sex Addiction—An Extraordinarily Women. Violence Against Women, 10(1), 56-72.

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org WHY CONSUMING PORN IS AN ESCALATING BEHAVIOR

Frequent porn consumption tends to escalate. Because of porn’s addic- tive nature, porn consumers usually need an ever-increasing dosage over time in order to feel the same level of enjoyment, and they often have to seek out more extreme and hard-core forms of porn. Porn con- KEY TAKEAWAYS sumers can reach a point where they enjoy porn less and less, but want • Many consumers start on free porn, it more and more. but it doesn’t end there.

• Researchers have discovered that ave you ever wondered how pornog- feelings you get when you win a game, the reward center is actually two raphers who charge for their material share a kiss, or experience any natural, different brain systems, a “Liking” stay in business when there’s so much healthy reward. [8] Unfortunately, it also system and a “Wanting” system, Hporn available for free? As Wendy Seltzer—an lights up for counterfeit rewards like ciga- that work in different—sometimes attorney and fellow at Yale Law School—ex- rettes, drugs, or porn, which is why addic- opposite—ways. plained, the answer is actually pretty simple: tive substances feel enjoyable at first. [9] • As some consumers develop toler- once porn consumers get hooked, they’ll ance, the porn that used to excite want more and more. “Seeing [free porn] just When something activates your reward them starts to seem boring and they whets their appetite for more,” Seltzer said. center and you feel that intense high from often need more extreme versions of “Once they get through what’s available for the “Liking” system, your brain starts pornography and more often to get free, they’ll move into the paid services.” [1] producing a chemical called CREB. [10] the same effects. CREB acts kind of like a set of brakes on How can pornographers be so sure? The the reward system. [11] Normally it makes answer is right there inside the brain. the pleasure fade and leaves you feeling satiated and ready to get on with your life. Like any potentially addictive substance, porn (See How Porn Can Become Addictive.) triggers the release of dopamine into a part of the brain called the reward center (a.k.a. But if the “Liking” system gets stimulated reward pathway or system). [2] Basically, the too much over time (as often happens reward center’s job is to make you feel good with drugs or porn), CREB levels build up whenever you do something healthy, like eat- until your whole pleasure response goes ing a great meal, having sex, or getting a good numb. [12] Some researchers believe that workout. [3] The “high” you get makes you an excess of CREB is the reason addicts ex- want to repeat the behavior again and again. perience tolerance, which means that they [4] (See How Porn Affects The Brain Like A feel less enjoyment from the stimulant and Drug.) Your brain is hardwired to motivate need to use more of it to reach a high. [13] you to do things that will improve your health In fact, too much CREB floating around and chance of survival. [5] Simple. in your brain can dull the enjoyment of anything, which may be why addicts often Well…not quite so simple. Researchers have feel bored, detached, and depressed. [14] recently discovered that the reward center is actually two different brain systems, a WANTING “Liking” system and a “Wanting” system, that work in different—sometimes opposite— The “Wanting” system is a much larger ways. [6] Understanding how they work helps area in the reward center, and it causes the explain why porn can be habit-forming and brain to rewire itself in response to intense why consuming porn is often an escalating pleasure. [15] With the help of a protein behavior. called DeltaFosB, the “Wanting” system builds new brain connections so you can LIKING remember the experience and repeat it later. [16] (See How Porn Changes The The “Liking” system is a tiny portion of the Brain.) reward center. [7] It provides the enjoyable Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org It’s called the “Wanting” system because acts creeping into their porn habits and Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming those new nerve connections make you fantasies. [26] But no matter how shocking Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Families. crave the pleasurable experience. [17] The their tastes become, you can bet there will (75) New York: Henry Hold And Co.; Hyman, S. E. (2005). Addiction: A Disease Of Learning And more often the experience is repeated, the be pornographers waiting to sell it to them. Memory. American Journal Of Psychiatry, 162(8), stronger those nerve connections be- 1414-1422. come, and the stronger the cravings grow. If you are, or know someone who is, being [18] DeltaFosB is sometimes called “the pulled into more and more porn, it’s not [6] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). molecular switch for addiction” because too late! It’s possible to quit porn and Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, it reinforces cravings and, if it builds up replace it with healthy habits. The brain 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Love, enough in the brain, it can switch on genes can start to heal, and consumers can regain T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Hajela, R. that leave the consumer more vulnerable the ability to fully feel and enjoy their lives (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Pornography to addiction. [19] again. Thousands already have. [27] Click Addiction: A Review And Update, Behavioral here to learn how to get help. Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/Bs5030388 DeltaFosB doesn’t just make you remem- [7] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). ber the pleasurable experience itself; it also Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization forms connections to details associated Citations Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, with the experience. These associations 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Love, (called “cues”) are found with all kind [1] Schwartz, J. P. (2004). The Pornography Indus- T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Hajela, R. of addictions. [20] For a smoker, a cue try Vs. Digital Pirates. New York Times, February 8. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Pornography may be the smell of cigarette smoke. An Addiction: A Review And Update, Behavioral [2] National Institute On Drug Abuse: The Reward Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/Bs5030388 alcoholic may develop pathways triggered Pathway. (2016). Retrieved From Http://Www.dru- by the sight of a bottle or the voice of a gabuse.gov/Publications/Teaching-Packets/Under- [8] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. drinking buddy. Cues can be anything the standing-Drug-Abuse-Addiction/Section-I/4-Re- (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain brain associates with the experience. For a ward-Pathway; Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Jour- porn consumer, it may be the memory of a Internet Pornography Causing Sexual Dysfunc- nal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/NE- JMra1511480; Zatorre, R. J., & Salimpoor, V. N., porn scene or a place or time of day he or tions? A Review With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Volkow, (2013) From Perception To Pleasure: Music And she can be alone with the internet. For an N. D., & Morales, M. (2015). The Brain On Its Neural Substrates. Proceedings Of The National addict, the whole world starts to seem like Drugs: From Reward To Addiction. Cell, 162 (8), Academy Of The Sciences Of The United States Of a collection of cues and triggers leading 712-725. Doi:10.1016/J.cell.2015.07.046; Pitchers, America, 110, 2. Doi:10.1073/Pnas.1301228110; them back to their addiction. [21] Gradu- K. K., Et Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Rewards Hedges, V. L., Chakravarty, S., Nestler, E. J., & ally, the porn pathways become sensitized, Act On Common Neural Plasticity Mechanisms Meisel, R. L. (2009). Delta FosB Overexpression With DeltaFosB As A Key Mediator. Journal Of In The Nucleus Accumbens Enhances Sexual meaning they are easily triggered by the Neuroscience, 33 (8), 3434-3442. Doi:10.1523/ Reward In Female Syrian Hamsters. Genes Brain cues that are all around. [22] JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013 And Behavior, 8(4), 442–449. Doi:10.1111/J.1601- 183X.2009.00491.X. Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain Wait! Didn’t we say that CREB dulls the [3] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books. (106-108). nerves, making them less sensitive? Now (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain we’re saying that DeltaFosB makes them Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Jour- [9] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. nal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/NE- T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The more sensitive. Well, which is it? JMra1511480; Zatorre, R. J., & Salimpoor, V. N., Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England (2013) From Perception To Pleasure: Music And Journal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ Actually, both. Remember, we’re talking Its Neural Substrates. Proceedings Of The National NEJMra1511480; Berridge, K.C., & Kringel- about two different brain systems. With Academy Of The Sciences Of The United States Of bach, M. L. (2015). Pleasure Systems In The repeated exposure to porn, the “Wanting” America, 110, 2. Doi:10.1073/Pnas.1301228110; Brain. Neuron, 86, 646-664. Doi.org/10.1016/J. neuron.2015.02.018; Volkow, N. D., & Morales, system grows more sensitive to the cues Hedges, V. L., Chakravarty, S., Nestler, E. J., & Meisel, R. L. (2009). Delta FosB Overexpression M. (2015). The Brain On Drugs: From Reward that cause cravings. At the same time, In The Nucleus Accumbens Enhances Sexual To Addiction. Cell, 162 (8), 713. Doi:10.1016/J. the “Liking” system grows less sensitive Reward In Female Syrian Hamsters. Genes Brain cell.2015.07.046; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Neural to pleasure. That’s the awful irony of any And Behavior, 8(4), 442–449. Doi:10.1111/J.1601- Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In Individuals addiction: the user wants it more and 183X.2009.00491.X With And Without Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, more, even while he or she likes it less and PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal. [4] Bostwick, J. M., & Bucci, J. E. (2008). pone.0102419; Hilton, D. L. (2013). Pornography less. [23] Internet Sex Addiction Treated With Naltrex- Addiction—A Supranormal Stimulus Consid- one. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 83(2), 226–230. ered In The Context Of Neuroplasticity. Socio- Porn is an escalating behavior because as Doi:10.4065/83.2.226; Doidge, N. (2007). The affective Neuroscience & Psychology, 3, 20767. some consumers develop tolerance, the Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Doi:10.3402/Snp.v3i0.20767; Georgiadis, J. R., & porn that used to excite them starts to Books. (106-108). Kringelbach, M. L. (2012). The Human Sexual seem boring. [24] Predictably, they often Response Cycle: Brain Imaging Evidence Linking [5] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). Sex To Other Pleasures. Progressive Neurobiology, try to compensate by spending more Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization 98, 49-81. Doi:10.1016/J.pneurobio.2012.05.004; time with porn and/or seeking out more Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, Stacy, A. W., & Wiers, R. W. (2010). Implicit hardcore material in an effort to regain the 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Ber- Cognition And Addiction: A Tool For Explaining excitement they used to feel. [25] Many ridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2015). Pleasure Paradoxical Behavior, Annual Review Of Clinical porn consumers find themes of aggres- Systems In The Brain. Neuron, 86, 646-664. Psychology, 6, 551-575. Doi:10.1146/Annurev. clinpsy.121208.131444 sion, violence, and increasingly “edgy” Doi:10.1016/J.neuron.2015.02.018; Paul, P. (2007). Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org [10] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Ha- The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 363(1507) T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The jela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Pornogra- 3245-3255. Doi:10.1098/Rstb.2008.0067 Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England phy Addiction: A Review And Update, Behavioral Journal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. 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Internet Sex Addiction Treated With Naltrex- [19] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Ha- one. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 83(2), 226–230. [12] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. jela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Pornogra- Doi:10.4065/83.2.226 (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain phy Addiction: A Review And Update, Behavioral Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Journal Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/Bs5030388; [24] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/NEJM- Hilton, D. L. (2013). Pornography Addiction—A raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review ra1511480; Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Supranormal Stimulus Considered In The Context With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, Pornography Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective Neuroscience & 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Kalman, T.P. (2008). Review With Clinical Reports. 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The Brain [27] See, E.g. Your Brain On Porn. (2010, That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books, December 5). Rebooting Accounts. Retrieved [14] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. (104). (Describing How, For Porn Addicts, Their From Https://Yourbrainonporn.com/Reboot- (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain Fantasies Overshadow Their Actual Sexual Lives, ing-Accounts; NoFap. Success Stories. Retrieved Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Journal Leaving Them “Increasingly Dominated By The From Https://Www.nofap.com/Forum/Index. Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/NEJMra1511480 Scenarios That They Had, So To Speak, Download- php?Forums/Success-Stories.24/; Bronner, G., & ed Into Their Brains.”) Ben-Zion, I. Z. (2014). Unusual Masturbatory [15] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). Practice As An Etiological Factor In The Diagnosis Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization [22] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). And Treatment Of Sexual Function In Young Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization Men. Journal Of Sexual Medicine, 11, 1798-1806. 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, Doi:10.1111/Jsm.12501 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Park, [16] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornography Caus- raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review ing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review With Clinical With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/ 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Hilton, D. L. (2013). Bs6030017; Nestler, E. J., (2008) Transcriptional Pornography Addiction—A Supranormal Stimulus Mechanisms Of Addiction: Role Of DeltaFosB, Considered In The Context Of Neuroplasticity. Philosophical Transactions Of The Royal Society Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology, 3, B: Biological Sciences, 363(1507) 3245-3255. 20767. Doi:10.3402/Snp.v3i0.20767; Nestler, E. J., Doi:10.1098/Rstb.2008.0067 (2008) Transcriptional Mechanisms Of Addiction: Role Of DeltaFosB, Philosophical Transactions Of [23] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A.

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org WHY PORN IS FULL OF LIES

In porn, everything—from the way people look, to the way they have sex—is a fantasy. Porn consumers often become so obsessed chasing the fantasy that they miss out on actual love and relationships.

ack in the 1950s, two researchers their partner’s appearance, sexual perfor- named Tinbergen and Magnus played mance, sexual curiosity, and displays of a trick on butterflies. [1] After figuring affection. [8] Ironically, porn is directly KEY TAKEAWAYS Bout which marks on female butterfly wings related to problems with attraction, arous- • Porn causes consumers to miss out were most eye-catching to males, the re- al, and sexual performance, [9] as well as on the best parts of real relation- searchers created their own cardboard butter- lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and ships. fly models. They exaggerated the patterns on difficulty reaching orgasm. [10] (See How the wings to make them brighter and flashier Porn Damages Consumers’ Sex Lives.) • Porn is just a production. than would ever be found in nature. Essen- • Porn is not a safe or healthy way to tially, they created the world’s first butterfly One recent study examined men who learn about sex. supermodels. used internet porn compulsively and found that, in 11 out of 19 subjects, porn And the male butterflies fell for it. They went consumption had lowered their sex drive straight for the cardboard mock-ups and tried and/or ability to maintain erections in to mate with them. Ignoring the real female physical relationships with real women. butterflies that were right there in plain sight, [11] Oddly enough, those men were still the males gave all their attention to the exag- able to respond sexually to porn. [12] Like gerated pictures. [2] Sound familiar? Tinbergen’s butterflies, porn can leave peo- ple preferring internet porn over an actual Like the duped butterflies, porn consumers partner. [13] Chances are, your partner is can get so obsessed chasing flashy fantasies not okay with that. that they miss out on real life and real rela- tionships. Call it the first great lie of porn: PORN LIE #2 Porn is just watching people have PORN LIE #1 sex—what could be more natural You can have it both ways; you can and normal than that? enjoy the immediate gratification of thousands of virtual sex partners Actually, sex is natural and normal. Porn is and the long-term satisfaction of a something entirely different. real relationship. Make no mistake, porn is a product. The truth is, porn often takes a heavy toll on Pornographers have a lot to gain by driv- real-life relationships. [3] When they discov- ing traffic to their sites, so they dress up er that their loved-one is using porn, many their product to grab your attention. That partners feel shocked, rejected, abandoned, “dressing up” is exactly what makes porn humiliated, and betrayed. [4] (See How Porn so unnatural. Hurts A Consumer’s Partner.) The idea that “porn is a personal decision that affects no Professional porn performers have a whole one else” is simply wrong. team of people to make every detail look perfect, from directing and filming to But even if your partner has no problem with lighting and makeup, maybe even a plastic porn, it can still damage your relationship. surgeon or two to thank. With some care- Studies have clearly shown that porn erodes ful editing, a typical 45-minute porn flick a person’s ability to love and feel loved with that took three days to shoot can appear a real partner. [5] When men are exposed to to have happened all at once, without a porn, they rate themselves as less in love with break. Film the right bodies from the right their actual partners, [6] and less satisfied angles at the right moments, edit out all with their relationships and sex lives. [7] They the mistakes, Photoshop away any imper- become more critical and dissatisfied with fections, add a catchy soundtrack, and you Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org have something most definitely NOT like Learning about sex from porn also means 0391-2; Bergner, R. M., & Bridges, A. J. (2002). The “natural” sex with “normal” people. You absorbing a lot of dangerous ideas about Significance Of Heavy Pornography Involvement end up with something more “cardboard” sexuality and women. [19] (See How Porn For Romantic Partners: Research And Clinical Implications. Journal Of Sex And Marital Therapy, than “butterfly.” Warps Ideas About Sex.) Amateur porn, 28, 193-206. Doi:10.1080/009262302760328235; which claims to be more natural and real, Schneider, J. P. (2000). Effects Of Cybersex actually teaches the same attitudes and Addiction On The Family: Results Of A Survey. PORN LIE #3 reproduces the same false stereotypes as And Compulsivity, 7(1), 31-58. Porn is just an innocent professionally produced porn—sometimes Doi:10.1080/10720160008400206; worse! [20] distraction and a harmless [4] Kalman, T. P. (2008). Clinical Encounters pastime. With Internet Pornography, Journal Of The Ultimately, porn doesn’t deliver the satis- American Academy Of Psychoanalysis And Leading relationship experts, Doctors faction and healthy enjoyment it promises. Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4), 593-618. Doi:10.1521/ John and Julie Gottman have expressed [21] It leads to damaged relationships, Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Bridges, A. J., Bergner, R. M., serious concern about the effects of por- disappointment, and isolation. [22] (See & Hesson-McInnis, M. (2003). Romantic Part- ners’ Use Of Pornography: Its Significance For nography on couple relationships. They Why Porn Leaves Consumers Lonely.) Tin- Women. Journal Of Sex And Marital Therapy, explain, “Pornography may be just such bergen’s butterflies were simply reacting 29(1), 1-14. Doi:10.1080/713847097; Bergner, a supernormal stimulus. With pornogra- to instinct when they were fooled by the R.M., & Bridges, A. J. (2002). The Significance phy use, much more of a normal stimulus “supermodel decoys,” but humans are not Of Heavy Pornography Involvement For Ro- may eventually be needed to achieve the victims of their evolution. You can choose mantic Partners: Research And Clinical Impli- response a supernormal stimulus evokes. to recognize porn for the deception it is. cations. Journal Of Sex And Marital Therapy, 28, 193-206. Doi:10.1080/009262302760328235; In contrast, ordinary levels of the stimulus You can reject porn’s lies and choose real Schneider, J. P. (2000). Effects Of Cybersex are no longer interesting. This may be how life, real relationships, and real love. Addiction On The Family: Results Of A Survey. normal sex becomes much less interest- Sexual Addiction And Compulsivity, 7(1), 31-58. ing for porn users. The data supports this Doi:10.1080/10720160008400206; conclusion. In fact, use of pornography by [5] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- one partner leads the couple to have far Citations raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review less sex and ultimately reduces relationship [1] Magnus, D. B. E. (1958). Experimental Analysis With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. satisfaction.” Of Some ‘Over-Optimal’ Sign-Stimuli In The Mat- Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). ing Behavior Of The Fritillary Butterfly. Argynnis Neural Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In Once a person is aware of the damage they Paphia. Proceedings Of The 10th International Individuals With And Without Compulsive Sexual are doing to themselves, (See How Porn Congress On Entomology, 2, 405-418; Tinbergen, Behaviors, PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/ N. (1951). The Study Of Instinct. Oxford: Claren- Journal.pone.0102419; Kalman, T. P., (2008). Clini- Changes the Brain) their loved ones (See don Press. cal Encounters With Internet Pornography, Journal How Porn Hurts A Consumer’s Partner,) Of The American Academy Of Psychoanalysis And and society (See How Porn Fuels Sex Traf- [2] Magnus, D. B. E. (1958). Experimental Analysis Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4), 593-618. Doi:10.1521/ ficking), using porn can hardly be called Of Some ‘Over-Optimal’ Sign-Stimuli In The Mat- Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Henline, B. H., Lamke, L. K., & harmless or innocent. ing Behavior Of The Fritillary Butterfly. Argynnis Howard, M. D. (2007). Exploring Perceptions Of Paphia. Proceedings Of The 10th International Online Infidelity. Personal Relationships, 14, 113- Congress On Entomology, 2, 405-418; Tinber- 128. Doi:10.1111/J.1475-6811.2006.00144.X; Stack, PORN LIE #4 gen, N. (1951). The Study Of Instinct. Oxford: S., Wasserman, I., & Kern, R. (2004). Adult Social Clarendon Press; Hilton, D. L. (2013). Pornography Bonds And The Use Of Internet Pornography. Porn is a safe way to learn Addiction—A Supranormal Stimulus Considered Social Science Quarterly, 85, 75-88. Doi:10.1111/ about sex. In The Context Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective J.0038-4941.2004.08501006.X; Schneider, J. P. Neuroscience & Psychology, 3, 20767; Paul, Pamela. (2000). Effects Of Cybersex Addiction On The Family: Results Of A Survey. Sexual Addiction And This lie is especially troubling because (2007). Pornified: How Pornography Is Trans- forming Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Compulsivity, 7, 31-58. Doi:10.1080/10720160008 many young porn consumers really do Families. New York: Henry Holt And Co., 145. 400206[9] rely on the warped fantasy of porn to form their ideas and expectations about sex. [3] Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, M. B. [6] Bridges, A. J. (2010). Pornography’s Effect On [14] That’s scary for a lot of reasons. Young (2016). The Effects Of Sexually Explicit Mate- Interpersonal Relationships. In Stoner, J. & Hughes, people who consume porn often expect rial Use On Romantic Relationship Dynamics. D. (Eds.), The Social Cost Of Pornography: A Journal Of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4) 700-707. Collection Of Papers (Pp. 89-110). Princeton, NJ: their partners to act out what they’ve seen, Doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; Park, B. Y., Et Al. Witherspoon Institute; Kendrick, D., Gutierres, S., even if it’s painful, degrading, or danger- (2016). Is Internet Pornography Causing Sexual & Goldberg, L. (1989). Influence Of Popular Erotica ous. [15] They tend to believe that what Dysunction? A Review With Clinical Reports, On Judgments Of Strangers And Mates. Journal they see in porn is normal and acceptable, Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Of Experimental Social Psychology, 25, 159-167. even as their tastes in porn grow more Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, M. B. Doi:10.1016/0022-1031(89)90010-3 extreme over time. [16] (See How Porn Af- (2016). The Effects Of Sexually Explicit Mate- rial Use On Romantic Relationship Dynamics. [7] Perry, S. L. (2017) Does Viewing Pornography fects Sexual Tastes.) And as people adopt Journal Of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4) 700-707. Reduce Marital Quality Over Time? Evidence From the unrealistic standards of porn, they end Doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; Sun, C., Bridges, Longitudinal Data. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, up feeling bad about themselves [17] and A., Johnason, J., Ezzell, M., (2014). Pornography 46(2), 549-559. Doi: 10.1007/S10508-016-0770-Y; dissatisfied with their partners. [18] And The Male Sexual Script: An Analysis Of Wery, A., & Billieux, J. (2016). Online Sexual Consumption And Sexual Relations. Archives Of Activities: An Exploratory Study Of Problematic Sexual Behavior, 45, 1-12. Doi:10.1007/S10508-014- And Non-Problematic Usage Patterns In A Sample Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org Of Men. Computers In Human Behavior, 56, 257- nal Of Applied Social Psychology, 18(5), 438-453. In Pornography And Everyday Sexual Interactions. 266. Doi:10.1016/J.chb.2015.11.046; Minarcik, J., Doi:10.1111/J.1559-1816.1988.Tb00027.X Journal Of Gender Studies, 24(4), 386-398. Doi:10.1 Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, M. B. (2016). The Effects 080/09589236.2014.950556 Of Sexually Explicit Material Use On Romantic Re- [10] Wery, A., & Billieux, J. (2016). Online Sexual lationship Dynamics. Journal Of Behavioral Addic- Activities: An Exploratory Study Of Problematic [15] Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., tions, 5(4) 700-707. Doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; And Non-Problematic Usage Patterns In A Sample Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Poulsen, F. O., Busby, D. M., & Galovan, A. M. Of Men. Computers In Human Behavior, 56, Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know (2013). Pornography Use: Who Uses It And How It 257-266. Doi:10.1016/J.chb.2015.11.046; Sutton, Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Is Associated With Couple Outcomes. Journal Of K. S., Stratton, N., Pytyck, J., Kolla, N. J., & Cantor, Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black Sex Research 50(1), 72-83. Doi:10.1080/00224499 J. M. (2015). Patient Characteristics By Type Of And Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, .2011.648027; Morgan, E. M. (2011). Associations Hypersexuality Referral: A Quantitative Chart 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960908 Between Young Adults’ Use Of Sexually Explicit Review Of 115 Consecutive Male Cases. Journal ; Layden, M. A. (2010) Pornography And Violence: Materials And Their Sexual Preferences, Behav- Of Sex And Marital Therapy, 41(6), 563-580. Doi: A New Look At The Research. In Stoner, J. & iors, And Satisfaction. Journal Of Sex Research, 10.1080/0092623X.2014.935539; Carvalheira, A., Hughes, D. (Eds.), The Social Cost Of Pornography: 48(6), 520-530. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2010.5439 Traeen, B., & Stulhofer, A. (2015). Masturbation A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57-68). Princeton, N.J.: 60; Maddox, A. M., Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, And Pornography Use Among Coupled Hetero- Witherspoon Institute; Ryu, E. (2008). Spousal Use H. J. (2011). Viewing Sexually-Explicit Materials sexual Men With Decreased Sexual Desire: How Of Pornography And Its Clinical Significance For Alone Or Together: Associations With Relation- Many Roles Of Masturbations? Journal Of Sex Asian-American Women: Korean Woman As An ship Quality. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), And Marital Therapy, 41(6), 626-635. Doi:10.108 Illustration. Journal Of Feminist Family Therapy, 441-448. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9585-4; Yucel, 0/0092623X.2014.958790; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). 16(4), 75. Doi:10.1300/J086v16n04_05; Shope, D. & Gassanov, M. A. (2010). Exploring Actor And Neural Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In J. H. (2004). When Words Are Not Enough: The Partner Correlates Of Sexual Satisfaction Among Individuals With And Without Compulsive Sexual Search For The Effect Of Pornography On Abused Married Couples. Social Science Research, 39(5), Behaviors, PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/ Women. Violence Against Women, 10(1), 56-72. 725-738. Doi:10.1016/J.ssresearch.20009.09,002 Journal.pone.0102419; Janssen, E., & Bancroft, Doi:10.1177/1077801203256003 J. (2007). The Dual-Control Model: The Role Of [8] Zillmann, D. And Bryant, J. (1988). Pornog- Sexual Inhibition & Excitation In Sexual Arousal [16] Weinberg, M. S., Williams, C. J., Kleiner, S., raphy’s Impact On Sexual Satisfaction. Journal Of And Behavior. In Janssen, E. (Ed.), The Psychology & Irizarry, Y. (2010). Pornography, Normalization Applied Social Psychology 18, 5: 438–53. Of Sex (Pp. 197-222). Bloomington, IN: Indiana And Empowerment. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, University Press; 39 (6) 1389-1401. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9592- [9] Carvalheira, A., Traeen, B., & Stulhofer, 5; Doring, N. M. (2009). The Internet’s Impact A. (2015). Masturbation And Pornography [11] Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Neural Correlates Of On Sexuality: A Critical Review Of 15 Years Of Use Among Coupled Heterosexual Men With Sexual Cue Reactivity In Individuals With And Research. Computers In Human Behavior, 25(5), Decreased Sexual Desire: How Many Roles Of Without Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, PLoS ONE, 1089-1101. Doi:10.1016/J.chb.2009.04.003; Zill- Masturbations? Journal Of Sex And Marital 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal.pone.0102419 mann, D. (2000). Influence Of Unrestrained Access Therapy, 41(6), 626-635. Doi:10.1080/009262 To Erotica On Adolescents’ And Young Adults’ Dis- 3X.2014.958790; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Neural [12] Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Neural Correlates Of positions Toward Sexuality. Journal Of Adolescent Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In Individuals Sexual Cue Reactivity In Individuals With And Health, 27, 2: 41–44. Retrieved From Https://Www. With And Without Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, Without Compulsive Sexual Behaviors, PLoS ONE, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Pubmed/10904205 PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal. 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal.pone.0102419 pone.0102419; Sun, C., Bridges, A., Johnason, J., [17] Steffens, B. A. And Rennie, R. L. (2006). The & Ezzell, M. (2014). Pornography And The Male [13] Sun, C., Bridges, A., Johnason, J., & Ezzell, Traumatic Nature Of Disclosure For Wives Of Sex- Sexual Script: An Analysis Of Consumption And M. (2014). Pornography And The Male Sexual ual Addicts. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 13, Sexual Relations. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, Script: An Analysis Of Consumption And Sexual 2 And 3: 247–67; Wolf, N. (2004). The Porn Myth. 45(4), 1-12. Doi:10.1007/S10508-014-0391-2; Relations. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 45(4), 1-12. New York Magazine, May 24; Wildmom-White, M. Poulsen, F. O., Busby, D. M., & Galovan, A. M. Doi:10.1007/S10508-014-0391-2; Hilton, D. L. L. And Young, J. S. (2002). Family-Of-Origin Char- (2013). Pornography Use: Who Uses It And How (2013). Pornography Addiction—A Supranormal acteristics Among Women Married To Sexually It Is Associated With Couple Outcomes. Journal Stimulus Considered In The Context Of Neuroplas- Addicted Men. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity Of Sex Research 50(1), 72-83. Doi:10.1080/0022 ticity. Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology, 9, 4: 263–73.Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence Of 4499.2011.648027; Stewart, D. N., & Szymanski, 3, 20767. Doi:10.3402/Snp.v3i0.20767; Kalman, Unrestrained Access To Erotica On Adolescents’ D. M. (2012). Young Adult Women’s Reports Of T. P., (2008). Clinical Encounters With Internet And Young Adults’ Dispositions Toward Sexual- Their Male Romantic Partner’s Pornography Use Pornography, Journal Of The American Academy ity. Journal Of Adolescent Health, 27, 2: 41–44. As A Correlate Of Their Self-Esteem, Relationship Of Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4), Retrieved From Https://Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ Quality, And Sexual Satisfaction. Sex Roles, 67(5-6), 593-618. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593; ; Paul, Pubmed/10904205 257-274. Doi:10.1007/S11199-012-0164-0; Maddox, Pamela. (2007). Pornified: How Pornography Is A. M., Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, H. J. (2011). Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, And [18] Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, M. B. Viewing Sexually-Explicit Materials Alone Or Our Families. New York: Henry Holt And Co., 145. (2016). The Effects Of Sexually Explicit Mate- Together: Associations With Relationship Quality. rial Use On Romantic Relationship Dynamics. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), 441-448. [14] Peter, J. & Valkenburg, P. M., (2016) Adoles- Journal Of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4) 700-707. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9585-4; Morgan, E. M. cents And Pornography: A Review Of 20 Years Doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; Morgan, E. M. (2011). Associations Between Young Adults’ Use Of Research. Journal Of Sex Research, 53(4-5), (2011). Associations Between Young Adults’ Use Of Sexually Explicit Materials And Their Sexual 509-531. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2016.1143441; Of Sexually Explicit Materials And Their Sexual Preferences, Behaviors, And Satisfaction. Journal Of Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., Jansen, Preferences, Behaviors, And Satisfaction. Journal Sex Research, 48,(6), 520-530. 8(6):520-30. Doi:10.1 E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Porn…I Of Sex Research, 48(6), 520-530. 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Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Couples. Social Context Of Future Committed Romantic Relation- Science Research, 39(5), 725-738. Doi:10.1016/J. ships. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 42, 625-635. ssresearch.20009.09,002 Doi:10.1007/S10508-012-9986-7; Mitchell, K. J., Becker-Blease, K. A., & Finkelhor, D. (2005). [19] Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., Jan- Inventory Of Problematic Internet Experiences sen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Porn…I Encountered In Clinical Practice. Professional Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know Now”: A Psychology: Research And Practice, 36, 498- Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Among A 509. Doi:10.1037/0735-7028.36.5.498; Yoder, V. Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black And Hispan- C., Virden, T. B., & Amin, K. (2005). Internet ic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, 52(7), 736-746. Pornogrpahy And Loneliness: An Association? Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960908; Zillmann, D. Sexual Addiction And Compulsivity, 12, 19-44. (2000). Influence Of Unrestrained Access To Eroti- Doi:10.1080/10720160590933653; Brooks, G. R., ca On Adolescents’ And Young Adults’ Dispositions (1995). The Centerfold Syndrome: How Men Can Toward Sexuality. Journal Of Adolescent Health, Overcome Objectification And Achieve Intimacy 27, 2: 41–44. Retrieved From Https://Www.ncbi. With Women. San Francisco, CA: Bass. nlm.nih.gov/Pubmed/10904205; Zillmann, D. And Bryant, J. (1988). Pornography’s Impact On Sexual Satisfaction, Journal Of Applied Social Psychology, 18, 5, 438-53. 10.1111/J.1559-1816.1988.Tb00027.X; Zillman, D. & Bryant, J. (1982). Pornography, Sex- ual Callousness, And The Trivialization Of Rape. Journal Of Communication, 32(4), 10-21.

[20] Frith, H. (2015). Visualizing The ‘Real’ And The ‘Fake’: Emotion Work And The Representa- tion Of Orgasm In Pornography And Everyday Sexual Interactions. Journal Of Gender Studies, 24(4), 386-398. Doi:10.1080/09589236.2014.95055 6; Van Doorn, N. A. J. M. (2010). Keeping It Real: User-Generated Pornography, Gender Reitification, And Visual Pleasure. Convergence, 16, 411-430. Doi:10.1177/1354856510375144. See Also Klassen, M. J. E., & Peter, J. (2015). Gender (In)Equality In Internet Pornography: A Content Analysis Of Pop- ular Pornographic Internet Videos. Journal Of Sex Research, 52(7), 721-735. Doi:10.1080/00224499.20 14.976781 (Finding That Amateur Porn Is Actually More Gender-Unequal Than Professional Porn And Features More More Coerced Sex.)

[21] Flisher, C. (2010). Getting Plugged In: An Overview Of Internet Addiction. Journal Of Paediatrics And Child Health 46: 557–559. Doi:10.1111/J.1440-1754.2010.01879.X; Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography And Violence: A New Look At The Research. In Stoner, J., & Hughes, D. (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon In- stitute; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books; Stack, S., Was- serman, I., & Kern, R. (2004). Adult Social Bonds And The Use Of Internet Pornography. Social Science Quarterly, 85, 75-88. Doi:10.1111/J.0038- 4941.2004.08501006.X; Schneider, J. P. (2000). Effects Of Cybersex Addiction On The Family: Re- sults Of A Survey. Sexual Addiction And Compul- sivity, 7, 31-58. Doi:10.1080/10720160008400206; Kafka, M. P. (2000). The Paraphilia-Related Disorders: Nonparaphilic Hypersexuality And Sexual Compulsivity/Addiction. In Leiblum, S. R., & Rosen, R. C. (Eds.) Principles And Practice Of , 3rd Ed. (Pp. 471–503). New York: Guilford Press.

[22] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunction? A Review With Clinical Reports, Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Olmstead, S. B., Negash, S., Pasley, K., & Fincham, F. D. (2013). Emerging Adults’ Expectations For Pornography Use In The

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org HOW PORN KILLS LOVE

Sure, porn is fake, but what’s wrong with a little harmless fantasy? The problem is, porn isn’t harmless at all. Studies show that viewing porn makes consumers more critical of their partner and less satisfied with their romantic relationship and sex life. Not only does porn impact romantic relationships, but porn influences the ways individuals view themselves, as well their friends, family members, and others around KEY TAKEAWAYS them. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, porn also changes the ways • Porn can make real relationships that individuals view the hobbies and passions they used to love! more difficult and less satisfying. • In addition to harming romantic re- orn looks like a newer, slicker version divorce. [5] While this applies to men and lationships, porn can harm any and of love. Love 2.0. It’s like love, but easy, women, studies have found that men who all relationships in a consumer’s life. fast, and cheap. are exposed to porn find their partner less P sexually attractive and rate themselves as • Porn can negatively impact self-es- teem. In porn, finding a “partner” is effortless. He less in love with their partner. [6] A recent or she is always ready, willing, and longing for study tracked couples over a six year peri- your attention. This partner has nothing else od, from 2006 to 2012, to see what factors to do with their time but wait for the consum- influenced the quality of their marriage er, breathless and perpetually aroused. He or and their satisfaction with their sex lives. she is young, attractive, sexually adventurous, The researchers found that of all the fac- and anxious to please. This partner will never tors considered, porn use was the second get bored or annoyed, never have an “off” strongest indicator that a marriage would day or need a listening ear. In fact, all he or suffer. [7] Not only that but the marriages she will ever want is wild, ecstatic orgasms that were harmed the most were those of that look real! And if this porn-partner ever individuals who viewed porn heavily, once fails to keep the consumer entertained, they a day or more. [8] can simply be exchanged with the click of a computer mouse. [1] But it’s not just married couples who are harmed by porn. Unmarried couples in Sure, it’s all fake, but advocates of porn say, romantic relationships who view pornog- “So what? What’s wrong with a little harmless raphy together experience twice the rate of fantasy?” The problem is, it’s not harmless. infidelity as couples where partners watch The problem is that internet pornography it individually and alone, and three times has a number of unique properties, such as more than couples who don’t watch porn limitless novelty, on-demand accessibility, and at all. [9] A recent study of romantically easy escalation to more extreme material, that involved people (most of whom were not can condition someone’s sexual arousal to married) found that those who used porn aspects of pornography consumption that do frequently were most likely to have lower not readily transition to real-life partners. As satisfaction and intimacy in their relation- this happens, real life sex may not register as ship. [10] meeting expectations, and arousal declines. Why do porn consumers struggle so much Maybe that is why counselor’s offices and in real life relationships? The science is divorce courts are filling up with couples who pretty clear. have found that, in reality, porn is killing love in their romantic relationships. Research shows that porn users report less love and trust in their relationships, An increasing number of couples in therapy are more prone to separation and divorce, report that pornography is causing difficulties and often see marriage as a “constraint.” in their relationships. [2] Research shows [11] Overall, they are less committed to that pornography consumption is linked to their partners, [12] less satisfied in their less stability in relationships, [3] increased relationships, [13] and more cynical about risk of infidelity, [4] and greater likelihood of love and relationships in general. [14] They

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org also have poorer communication with Not long ago, Princeton psychologists will be happier watching porn than partici- their partners and are more likely to agree performed a study showing a group of men pating in those real-life experiences. [29] that, in their own relationships, “little pictures of men and women, some barely arguments escalate into ugly fights with clothed and some not. The psychologists Breaking free of this cycle, reaching out accusations, criticisms, name-calling, and monitored their medial prefrontal cortex for help, finding support, and establishing bringing up past hurts.” [15] (mPFC), which is involved in recogniz- healthy forms of intimacy in one’s life can ing human faces and distinguishing one eliminate the poor self-esteem caused And, as if that’s not enough, porn also ru- person from another. For the most part, by porn. Many people who have broken ins a couple’s sex life. [16] (See How Porn the mPFC was activated with each picture. free of a porn habit have reported greater Damages Your Sex Life.) However, when the subjects of the study happiness, better self-esteem, improved were shown the pictures of scantily clothed mental health, and happier relationships. But is this just a “chicken and egg” scenar- people, it was not activated. [23] Basical- io? Is porn really damaging relationships, ly, the automatic reaction in their brains “I can see beauty in so many dif- or are people turning to porn because suggested that they didn’t perceive the ferent forms now... real forms. I’m they’re in relationships that are already sexualized people as fully human. Just as a back at composing music, studying, suffering? body, a sum of parts. my grades have boosted, have way more energy... I take more care of Probably both, according to Dr. Ana Obviously, porn is not the best represen- myself, exercise… When I meet a Bridges, a psychologist at the University tation of how real men and women look girl now, sex is not my goal. There’s of Arkansas. [17] When a couple hits a or how real sex and intimacy work in a no goal. The present is the only goal, rough patch, one partner may use porn for real-life relationship. And yet, whether so a cool conversation, or maybe distraction or relief, and their partner may they realize it or not, porn consumers are just a flirty smile can make my day.” be hurt by their porn use because it makes affected by the portrayals they see in porn 23 YEAR OLD MALE AFTER 2 MONTHS OF QUITTING them feel unattractive and insecure, like he even after the browser window is closed. PORN CONSUMPTION [30] or she is being compared to porn perform- [24] ers and the fantasy of porn. [18] The hurt Who wouldn’t want that? Who wouldn’t partner may pull away emotionally, which While it may not always be “romantic want a healthy amount of love and respect might make the porn-consuming partner love,” porn can kill love in friendships, for himself or herself that is free from feel more distant, so he or she deals with relationships with family members, and porn’s isolating and harmful effects? Who their stress by turning to more porn, and others in porn consumer’s lives. And wouldn’t want a healthy view of potential round and round they go. (See How Porn it doesn’t stop there, porn also has the romantic partners and relationships in Hurts A Consumer’s Partner.) potential to kill the love consumers have general? Real love requires real commit- for themselves. Ultimately, this often leaves ment to real people, including yourself. No wonder many partners of porn users porn consumers feeling lonely. [25] Choosing real love over porn gives people end up depressed, anxious, and feeling greater freedom and control to decide like they can never measure up to the There is a healthy amount of love every in- what they really want to do with their time impossible standard of porn. [19] (See dividual has for themselves that promotes and energy. Instead of someone sitting in How Porn Can Hurt Your Partner.) The good self-esteem, confidence, and overall a front of a computer for hours, consuming truth is, they have good reason to worry. positive quality of life. Since porn depicts a product that can isolate and damage their In porn, mistakes are edited out and flaws men and women as being nothing more relationships, they can focus on reality. are Photoshopped away. Porn actors have a than sex objects, porn consumers can start Keeping porn out of your life gives you the whole team there to make them look fan- to subconsciously think of themselves that freedom and time to try that new sport tastic, and once their best performance is way, as nothing more than sex objects. you have been interested in, take that class captured on film, it never ages. Who wants [26] Because it can be hard to reach out that sounds really interesting, travel to a to compete with that? [20] to friends and family to explain how they new place with family members, invest in are feeling and how they are struggling friendships, or find the one you want to Regardless of how a consumer’s romantic with porn, many people turn to the easiest spend time loving and growing old with— relationship is being impacted by porn, as source of immediate “comfort” available: the real way. Real life, and real life-giving human beings, we interact with different more porn. This can lead to a vicious cycle experiences have so much more to offer people daily, in a number of ways. One of of isolation and self-loathing. [27] than porn ever will. the dangers of porn is that it can distort the way a consumer sees people, causing As a porn consumer finds himself or him or her to see friends, family mem- herself further down this cycle, an isolating Citations bers, coworkers, or strangers on the street porn habit can lead consumers to skip out only as a sum of body parts, discarding on interacting with friends, trying new [1] Pfaus, J. G., Kippin, T. E., & Centeno, S. (2001). Conditioning And Sexual Behavior: A their humanity. [21] Essentially, porn tells hobbies or participating in old ones, and Review. Hormones And Behavior 40: 291–321. consumers that people are objects with the ultimately connecting with the people in Retrieved From Http://Www.pphp.concordia.ca/ sole purpose of providing sexual satisfac- their lives. [28] This is all because consum- Fac/Pfaus/Pfaus-Kippin-Centeno(2001).Pdf; See tion, and that’s unhealthy for relationships, ers’ brains have become so reliant on porn Also Robinson, M. J. F., & Berridge, K. C. (2013). romantic or otherwise. [22] that it can start to make them think they Instant Transformation Of Learned Repulsion Into Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org Motivational “Wanting”. Current Biology, 23, 282- The Context Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective M. A. (2010). Pornography And Violence: A 289. Doi:10.1016/J.cub.2013.01.016 (Transforming Neuroscience & Psychology 3:20767. Doi:10.3402/ New Look At The Research. In J. Stoner And D. Rats’ Revulsion To Saltiness Into Attraction) Snp.v3i0.20767; Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Nat- Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: ural And Drug Rewards Act On Common Neural A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). Princeton, [2] National Institute On Drug Abuse: The Reward Plasticity Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Angres, D. H., & Pathway. (2016). Retrieved From Http://Www. Mediator. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434- Bettinardi-Angres, K. (2008). The Disease Of drugabuse.gov/Publications/Teaching-Packets/ 3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; Addiction: Origins, Treatment, And Recovery. Understanding-Drug-Abuse-Addiction/Sec- Hedges, V. L., Chakravarty, S., Nestler, E. J., And Disease-A-Month, 54, 696–721. Doi:10.1016/J.dis- tion-I/4-Reward-Pathway; Volkow, N. D., & Meisel, R. L. (2009). DeltaFosB Overexpression amonth.2008.07.002; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain Morales, M. (2015). The Brain On Drugs: From In The Nucleus Accumbens Enhances Sexual That Changes Itself. (105) New York: Penguin Reward To Addiction. Cell, 162 (8), 712-725. Reward In Female Syrian Hamsters. Genes Brain Books; Paul, P. (2007). Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: Doi:10.1016/J.cell.2015.07.046; Pitchers, K. K., Et And Behavior 8, 4: 442–449. Doi:10.1111/J.1601- How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Rewards Act On 183X.2009.00491.X.; Hilton, D.L, & Watts, C. Our Relationships, And Our Families. (75) New Common Neural Plasticity Mechanisms With (2011). Pornography Addiction: A Neuroscience York: Henry Hold And Co. DeltaFosB As A Key Mediator. Journal Of Neuro- Perspective, Surgical Neurology International science, 33 (8), 3434-3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEURO- 2, 19. Doi:10.4103/2152-7806.76977; Miner, M. [10] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- SCI.4881-12.2013 H., Raymond, N., Mueller, B. A., Lloyd, M., Lim, raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review K. O. (2009). Preliminary Investigation Of The With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, [3] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. Impulsive And Neuroanatomical Characteris- 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Kalman, T.P. (2008). (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain tics Of Compulsive Sexual Behavior. Psychiatry Clinical Encounters With Internet Pornography. Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Jour- Research 174: 146–51. Doi:10.1016/J.pscychres- Journal Of The American Academy Of Psycho- nal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/NE- ns.2009.04.008; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That analysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4) 593-618. JMra1511480; Zatorre, R. J., & Salimpoor, V. N., Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books (107). Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Doidge, N. (2013) From Perception To Pleasure: Music And (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Its Neural Substrates. Proceedings Of The National [6] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Penguin Books, (109); Cline, V. B. (2001). Pornog- Academy Of The Sciences Of The United States Of Itself. New York: Penguin Books (63). raphy’s Effect On Adults And Children. New York: America, 110, 2. Doi:10.1073/Pnas.1301228110; Morality In Media; Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence Hedges, V. L., Chakravarty, S., Nestler, E. J., & [7] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). Of Unrestrained Access To Erotica On Adoles- Meisel, R. L. (2009). Delta FosB Overexpression Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization cents’ And Young Adults’ Dispositions Toward In The Nucleus Accumbens Enhances Sexual Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, Sexuality. Journal Of Adolescent Health, 27, 2: Reward In Female Syrian Hamsters. Genes Brain 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Ber- 41–44. Retrieved From Https://Www.ncbi.nlm. And Behavior, 8(4), 442–449. Doi:10.1111/J.1601- ridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2015). Pleasure nih.gov/Pubmed/10904205 183X.2009.00491.X; Bostwick, J. M. And Bucci, Systems In The Brain. Neuron, 86, 646-664. J. E. (2008). Internet Sex Addiction Treated With Doi:10.1016/J.neuron.2015.02.018; Doidge, N. [11] NoFap Survey (2012) Http://Www.reddit. Naltrexone. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 83, 2: (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: com/R/NoFap/Comments/Updy4/Rnofap_sur- 226–230; Nestler, E. J., (2005) Is There A Common Penguin Books (109); Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: vey_data_complete_datasets/ Molecular Pathway For Addiction?, Nature Neu- How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, roscience, 8(11) 1445-1449. Doi:10.1038/Nn1578; Our Relationships, And Our Families. New York: [12] Wery, A. & Billieux, J. (2016). Online Sexual Balfour, M. E., Yu, L., And Coolen, L. M. (2004). Henry Hold & Co. (75). Activities: An Exploratory Study Of Problematic Sexual Behavior And Sex-Associated Environmen- And Non-Problematic Usage Patterns In A Sample tal Cues Activate The Mesolimbic System In Male [8] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). Of Men. Computers In Human Behavior 56, Rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 29(4), 718–730. Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization 257-266. Doi:10.1016/J.chb.2015.11.046; Park, B. Doi:10.1038/Sj.npp.1300350 Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornography Causing 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Love, Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review With Clinical [4] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Hajela, R. Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/ (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Brain (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Pornography Bs6030017; Paul, P. (2010). From Pornography To Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Jour- Addiction: A Review And Update, Behavioral Porno To Porn: How Porn Became The Norm. In J. nal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/NE- Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/Bs5030388; Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of JMra1511480; Negash, S., Van Ness Sheppard, N., Pace, S. (2014). Acquiring Tastes Through Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 3–20). Lambert, N. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2016). Trading Online Activity: Neuroplasticity And The Flow Princeton, N.J.: Witherspoon Institute. Later Rewards For Current Pleasure: Pornography Experiences Of Web Users. M/C Journal, 17(1). Consumption And Delay Discounting. The Jour- Retrieved From Http://Journal.media-Culture. [13] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- nal Of Sex Research, 53(6), 698-700. Doi:10.1080 org.au/Index.php/Mcjournal/Article/View/773; raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review /00224499.2015.1025123; Banca, P., Et Al. (2016). Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Novelty, Conditioning, And Attentional Bias To New York: Penguin Books (95). Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Sexual Rewards. Journal Of Psychiatric Research, Neural Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In 72, 91-101. Doi:10.1016/J.jpsychires.2015.10.017; [9] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- Individuals With And Without Compulsive Berridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2015). Plea- raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review Sexual Behaviors, PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. sure Systems In The Brain. Neuron, 86, 646-664. With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, Doi:10.1371/Journal.pone.0102419; Hall, P. Doi:10.1016/J.neuron.2015.02.018; Doidge, N. 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Negash, S., Van Ness (2013). Sex Addiction—An Extraordinarily (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Sheppard, N., Lambert, N. M., & Fincham, F. Contentious Problem. Sexual And Relationship Penguin Books (108); Pace, S. (2014). Acquiring D. (2016). Trading Later Rewards For Current Therapy, 29(1) 68-75. Doi:10.1080/14681994.20 Tastes Through Online Activity: Neuroplasticity Pleasure: Pornography Consumption And Delay 13.861898; Sun, C., Bridges, A., Johnason, J., & And The Flow Experiences Of Web Users. M/C Discounting. The Journal Of Sex Research, 53(6), Ezzell, M. (2014) Pornography And The Male Journal, 17(1). Retrieved From Http://Journal. 698-700. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2015.1025123 Sexua Script: An Analysis Of Consumption And media-Culture.org.au/Index.php/Mcjournal/Arti- ; Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Sexual Relations. Archives Of Sexual Behavior. 45, cle/View/773 Rewards Act On Common Neural Plasticity 1-12. Doi:10.1007/S10508-014-0391-2. Doidge, N. Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key Media- (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: [5] Hilton, D. L. (2013). Pornography Addic- tor. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434-3442. Penguin Books. (130). tion—A Supranormal Stimulus Considered In Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; Layden,

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org [14] Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence Of Unre- [21] Peter, J. & Valkenburg, P. M., (2016) Adoles- strained Access To Erotica On Adolescents’ And cents And Pornography: A Review Of 20 Years Young Adults’ Dispositions Toward Sexuality. Of Research. Journal Of Sex Research, 53(4-5), Journal Of Adolescent Health, 27, 2: 41–44. 509-531. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2016.114344 Retrieved From Https://Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ 1 (“Existing Research Has Produced Consistent Pubmed/10904205 Evidence That Adolescents’ Pornography Use Is Related To Their Sexual Attitudes.”); Bridges, A. [15] Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence Of Unre- J. (2010). Pornography’s Effect On Interpersonal strained Access To Erotica On Adolescents’ And Relationships. In J. Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) Young Adults’ Dispositions Toward Sexuality. The Social Costs Of Pornography: A Collection Of Journal Of Adolescent Health, 27, 2: 41–44. Papers (Pp. 89-110). Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Retrieved From Https://Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ Institute. Pubmed/10904205

[16] Layden, M. A. (2004). Committee On Com- merce, Science, And Transportation, Subcommit- tee On Science And Space, U.S. Senate, Hearing On The Brain Science Behind Pornography Addiction, November 18; Cline, V. B. (2001). Por- nography’s Effect On Adults And Children. New York: Morality In Media; Zillmann, D., & Bryant, J. (1984). Effects Of Massive Exposure To Pornog- raphy. In N. M. Malamuth And E. Donnerstein (Eds.) Pornography And Sexual Aggression. New York: Academic Press.

[17] Weinberg, M. S., Williams, C. J., Kleiner, S., & Irizarry, Y. (2010). Pornography, Normalization And Empowerment. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 39 (6) 1389-1401. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9592- 5; Doring, N. M. (2009). The Internet’s Impact On Sexuality: A Critical Review Of 15 Years Of Research. Computers In Human Behavior, 25(5), 1089-1101. Doi:10.1016/J.chb.2009.04.003

[18] Hald, G. M., Malamuth, N. M., & Yuen, C. (2010). Pornography And Attitudes Supporting Violence Against Women: Revisiting The Relation- ship In Nonexperimental Studies. Aggression And Behavior 36, 1: 14–20. Doi: 10.1002/Ab.20328; Berkel, L. A., Vandiver, B. J., And Bahner, A. D. (2004). Gender Role Attitudes, Religion, And Spirituality As Predictors Of Domestic Violence Attitudes In White College Students. Journal Of College Student Development 45(2):119–131.

[19] DeKeseredy, W. (2015). Critical Crimino- logical Understandings Of Adult Pornography And Woman Abuse: New Progressive Directions In Research And Theory. International Journal For Crime, Justice And Social Democracy, 4(4), 4-21. Doi:10.5204/Ijcjsd.v4i4.184; Simmons, C. A., Lehmann, P., & Collier-Tenison, S. (2008). Linking Male Use Of The Sex Industry To Controlling Behaviors In Violent Relationships: An Explor- atory Analysis. Violence Against Women, 14(4), 406-417. Doi:10.1177/1077801208315066; Shope, J. H. (2004), When Words Are Not Enough: The Search For The Effect Of Pornography On Abused Women. Violence Against Women, 10(1), 56-72. Doi: 10.1177/1077801203256003

[20] Wright, P., Tokunaga, R. S., & Kraus, A. (2015). A Meta-Analysis Of Pornography Con- sumption And Actual Acts Of Sexual Aggres- sion In General Population Studies. Journal Of Communication, 66(1), 183-205. Doi:10.1111/ Jcom.12201

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org WHY PORN LEAVES CONSUMERS LONELY

Porn promises immediate satisfaction, endless excitement, and easy intimacy, but in the end, it robs the consumer of all three. The more pornography an individual consumes, the more he or she tends to withdraw emotionally from real people and rely on porn. Eventually, it KEY TAKEAWAYS becomes more difficult to be aroused by a real person or to form a real • Porn lessens consumer’s ability to relationship, and the resulting isolation and loneliness fuel the need for connect in real relationships. more porn. • People are often secretive about their porn use, separating them further from others. uthor and political activist Naomi According to Bridges, as a porn consumer Wolf has traveled all over the United withdraws from his or her relationships, • Porn can contribute to or increase States talking with college students they experience “increased secrecy, less other psychological problems in Aabout relationships. “When I ask about loneli- intimacy and also more depression.” [7] consumers. ness, a deep, sad silence descends on audienc- Studies have found that when people es of young men and young women alike,” she engage in an ongoing pattern of “self-con- says. “They know they are lonely together … cealment,”—which is when they do things and that [porn] is a big part of that loneliness. they’re not proud of and keep them a What they don’t know is how to get out.” [1] secret—it not only hurts their relationships and leaves them feeling lonely, but also But what does porn have to do with loneli- makes them more vulnerable to serious ness? psychological issues. [8] For both male and female porn consumers, their habit “The more one uses pornography, the more is often accompanied by problems with lonely one becomes,” says Dr. Gary Brooks, anxiety, body-image issues, poor self-im- a psychologist who has worked with porn age, relationship problems, insecurity, and addicts for the last 30 years. [2] “Anytime [a depression. [9] person] spends much time with the usual pornography usage cycle, it can’t help but be a That may be one reason why porn con- depressing, demeaning, self-loathing kind of sumers struggle so much in their closest experience.” [3] The worse people feel about relationships. Studies have consistently themselves, the more they seek comfort wher- shown that porn consumers tend to feel ever they can get it. Normally, they would be less love and trust in their marriages. able to rely on the people closest to them to [10] They also experience more negative help them through their hard times—a part- communication with their partners, feel ner, friend, or family member. But most porn less dedicated to their relationship, have a consumers aren’t exactly excited to tell anyone harder time making adjustments to their about their porn habits, least of all their partner, enjoy less sexual satisfaction, and partner. So they turn to the easiest source of commit more infidelity. [11] Meanwhile, “comfort” available: more porn. spouses of porn consumers report de- creased intimacy in their marriages and a “When one partner uses porn at a high feeling of being less understood by their frequency,” explains researcher Dr. Ana porn-consuming partners. [12] Relation- Bridges, “there can be a tendency to withdraw ship experts, Doctors John and Julie Gott- emotionally from the relationship.” [4] That’s man explain, “there are many factors about partly because porn consumption causes the porn use that can threaten a relationship’s brain to rewire itself to connect sexual arousal intimacy [which] for couples is a source of with porn’s fantasies, [5] (see How Porn connection and communication between Changes The Brain) making it more difficult two people. But when one person becomes for the consumer to become aroused by a real accustomed to masturbating to porn, they person in a real relationship. [6] (See How are actually turning away from intimate Porn Damages Consumers’ Sex Lives.) interaction.” Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org A second reason porn consumers struggle Citations tal Psychology, 49(5), 928–937. Doi:10.1037/ with relationships is because of the nature A0028845; Luoma, J. B., Et. Al. (2013). Self-Stig- ma In Substance Abuse: Development Of A of porn itself. Porn portrays both men and [1] Wolf, N. (2003). The Porn Myth. New York New Measure. Journal Of Psychopathology And Magazine, Oct. 20. women as little more than bodies with a Behavioral Assessment, 35, 223–234. Doi:10.1007/ single purpose, to give and receive sexual S10862-012-9323-4; Rotenberg, K. J., Bharathi, [2] Brooks, G. R., (1995). The Centerfold pleasure. [13] Whether porn consumers C., Davies, H., And Finch, T. (2013). Bulimic Syndrome: How Men Can Overcome Objec- Symptoms And The Social Withdrawal Syndrome. like it or not, those perceptions often start tification And Achieve Intimacy With Wom- Eating Behaviors, 14, 281–284. Doi:10.1016/J. creeping into how they see themselves and en. San Francisco: Bass. Cited In Yoder, V. eatbeh.2013.05.003; Frijns, T. And Finkenauer, other people in real life. [14] The harder C., Virden, T. B., & Amin, K. (2005). Internet C. (2009). Longitudinal Associations Between Pornography And Loneliness: An Association? it becomes for users to see themselves Keeping A Secret And Psychosocial Adjust- Sexual Addiction And Compulsivity, 12, 19-44. and others as anything more than sexual ment In Adolescence. International Journal Doi:10.1080/10720160590933653 objects, the harder it is to develop and Of Behavioral Development, 33(2), 145–154. Doi:10.1177/0165025408098020 nurture real relationships. [15] [3] Interview With Dr. Gary Brooks, Oct. 23, 2013. [9] Flisher, C. (2010). Getting Plugged In: An [4] Weir, K. (2014, April). Is Pornography Addic- “There’s a certain way of experiencing Overview Of Internet Addiction. Journal Of tive? Monitor On Psychology. 45(4) 46. Retrieved sexual arousal that is the opposite of Paediatrics And Child Health 46: 557–559. From Http://Www.apa.org/Monitor/2014/04/ closeness,” Brooks says. “At best, it can be Doi:10.1111/J.1440-1754.2010.01879.X; Layden, Pornography.aspx managed somewhat by some people, but M. A. (2010). Pornography And Violence: A New Look At The Research. In Stoner, J., & Hughes, most of the time it creates a barrier that [5] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & D. (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: A poisons relationships.” [16] The Gottmans Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). Princeton, NJ: Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, go on to explain, “when watching pornog- Witherspoon Institute; Kafka, M. P. (2000). The Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/ raphy the user is in total control of the sex- Paraphilia-Related Disorders: Nonparaphilic Bs5030388; Pitchers, K. K., Et Al. (2013). Natural ual experience, in contrast to normal sex Hypersexuality And Sexual Compulsivity/Ad- And Drug Rewards Act On Common Neural diction. In Leiblum, S. R., & Rosen, R. C. (Eds.) in which people are sharing control with Plasticity Mechanisms With DeltaFosB As A Key Principles And Practice Of Sex Therapy, 3rd Ed. the partner. Thus a porn user may form Mediator. Journal Of Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434- (Pp. 471–503). New York: Guilford Press. the unrealistic expectation that sex will 3442. Doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; Hilton, D. L. (2013) Pornography Addiction—A be under only one person’s control… the [10] Henline, B. H., Lamke, L. K., & Howard, Supranormal Stimulus Considered In The Context relationship goal of intimate connection is M. D. (2007). Exploring Perceptions Of Online Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective Neuroscience Infidelity. Personal Relationships, 14, 113-128. confounded and ultimately lost.” And Technology 3. 20767. Doi:10.3402/Snp. Doi:10.1111/J.1475-6811.2006.00144.X; Stack, v3i0.20767; Nestler, E. J., (2008) Transcriptional S., Wasserman, I., & Kern, R. (2004). Adult Porn promises immediate satisfaction, Mechanisms Of Addiction: Role Of DeltaFosB, Social Bonds And The Use Of Internet Por- Philosophical Transactions Of The Royal Society endless excitement, and easy intimacy, but nography. Social Science Quarterly, 85, 75-88. B: Biological Sciences, 363(1507) 3245-3255. in the end, it robs a consumer of all three. Doi:10.1111/J.0038-4941.2004.08501006.X; Doi:10.1098/Rstb.2008.0067; Doidge, N. (2007). Schneider, J. P. (2000). Effects Of Cybersex The Brain That Changes Itself. (208-209) New Addiction On The Family: Results Of A Survey. The kind of intimacy porn offers is nothing York: Penguin Books. more than sexual titillation. Real intimacy Sexual Addiction And Compulsivity, 7, 31-58. Doi:10.1080/10720160008400206 offers so much more. Real intimacy is a [6] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review world of satisfaction and excitement that [11] Maddox, A. M., Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. doesn’t disappear when the screen goes off. H. J. (2011). Viewing Sexually-Explicit Materials Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). It’s the breathtaking risk of being vulnera- Alone Or Together: Associations With Relation- Neural Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In ship Quality. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), ble with another human being. It’s inviting Individuals With And Without Compulsive 441-448. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9585-4 them not just into your bedroom, but into Sexual Behaviors, PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. your heart and life. Real intimacy is about Doi:10.1371/Journal.pone.0102419; Kalman, T. [12] Bergner, R., & Bridges, A. (2002). The P., (2008). Clinical Encounters With Internet what we give, not just what we get. It’s Significance Of Heavy Pornography Involvement Pornography, Journal Of The American Acade- other-centered, not self-centered. Intimacy For Romantic Partners: Research And Clinical my Of Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, Implications. Journal Of Sex And Marital Therapy, is understanding someone at a level porn 36(4), 593-618. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593; 28, 193-206. Doi:10.1080/009262302760328235 never attempts, and having the life-altering Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. experience of having them listen—really (104) New York: Penguin Books; Paul, P. (2007). [13] Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: How Pornog- Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming Our listen—to you in return. It’s seeing yourself raphy Is Transforming Our Lives, Our Re- Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Families. New through other eyes, and caring about lationships, And Our Families. New York: York: Henry Hold And Co., 105. others as much as you care about yourself. Henry Hold And Co., 80; Mosher, D. L., & MacIan, P. (1994). College Men And Women It’s the astonishing, baffling, wonderful [7] Weir, K. (2014, April). Is Pornography Addic- Respond To X-Rated Videos Intended For Male experience that artists and philosophers tive? Monitor On Psychology. 45(4) 46. Retrieved Or Female Audiences: Gender And Sexual have been trying to describe ever since our From Http://Www.apa.org/Monitor/2014/04/ Scripts. Journal Of Sex Research 31, 2: 99–112. Pornography.aspx lonely human tribe began. Doi:10.1080/00224499409551736 [8] Laird, R. D., Marrero, M. D., Melching, J. A., It’s the opposite of loneliness. It’s love. [14] Interview With Dr. Gary Brooks, Oct. 23, And Kuhn, E. S. (2013). Information Management 2013. Peter, J. & Valkenburg, P. M., (2016) Ado- Strategies In Early Adolescence: Developmental lescents And Pornography: A Review Of 20 Years Change In Use And Transactional Associations Of Research. Journal Of Sex Research, 53(4-5), With Psychological Adjustment. Developmen- Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org 509-531. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2016.1143441; Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black And Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960908

[15] Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Families. New York: Henry Hold And Co., 79; Lyons, J. S., Anderson, R. L., & Larsen, D. (1993). A Systematic Review Of The Effects Of Aggressive And Nonaggressive Pornography. In Zillmann, D., Bryant, J. & Huston, A. C. (Eds.) Media, Children And The Family: Social Scientific, Psychodynamic, And Clinical Perspectives (P. 305). Hillsdale, N.J.: Erlbaum Associates.

[16] Interview With Dr. Gary Brooks, Oct. 23, 2013.

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org HOW PORN HURTS A CONSUMER’S PARTNER

Partners of porn consumers often report feeling angry, confused, and betrayed when they find out that the other half of their committed relationship has been watching porn. Consumers may have no idea how they are hurting their own relationships and the people they love. KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Commonly, when individuals find o one ever woke up and said, “Today, intimate relationships to be built on trust, out about their partner’s porn I want to get out there and ruin my respect, commitment, honesty, and love. consumption, they feel a range of current and future relationships. I’m negative emotions including rejec- Ngoing to cut myself off emotionally, under- It is very common, when partners find out tion, humiliation, abandonment, mine trust, and leave my partner feeling that their other half has been consuming isolation, loneliness, jealousy, anger, confused, rejected, angry, and betrayed.” porn, for them to feel a whole range of and shame. negative emotions including rejection, • Even if partners are open and honest No one says that, but a pile of research shows humiliation, abandonment, isolation, about their consumption—it can still that’s exactly what can happen as a result of loneliness, jealousy, anger, and shame.[10]. do real harm. consuming porn. Even if they don’t believe that porn is the same as cheating, they often feel a deep • Porn reshapes expectations about It’s probably no surprise that women tend to sense of loss, betrayal, and mistrust. [11] sex and attraction by presenting an view porn and its effects very differently from The secrecy, shame, isolation, and lies that unrealistic picture. men. [1] While women and men can both are often introduced into a relationship by struggle with pornography consumption, compulsive porn consumption can snow- studies have shown that many women—even ball into all kinds of problems. [12] if they believe that pornography consumption is okay for other people—see no acceptable But even if porn isn’t kept a secret—even if role for porn within their own committed re- partners are open and honest about their lationship. [2] And no wonder! The evidence consumption—it can still do real harm. that porn can harm relationships and partners We mentioned earlier that porn consump- is overwhelming. [3] tion can lead to less satisfaction and less interest in one’s partner. [13] Why does Two of the most respected pornography re- that happen? Part of the answer is that searchers, Jennings Bryant and Dolf Zillman porn rewires the brain, so that consumers at the University of Alabama, studied the of porn become less responsive sexually effects of porn and media for more than 30 to their partner, even though they can still years. They found that consuming pornog- respond to porn. [14] raphy makes many individuals less satisfied with their own partners’ physical appearance, At the same time, porn reshapes expecta- sexual performance, sexual curiosity, and tions about sex and attraction by present- affection. [4] They also found that, over time, ing an unrealistic picture. In porn, men many porn users grow more callous toward and women always look their best. They females in general, less likely to value monog- are forever young, surgically enhanced, air- amy and marriage, and more likely to develop brushed, and Photoshopped to perfection. distorted perceptions of sexuality. [5] Other [15] So it’s not hard to see why, according researchers have confirmed those results and to a national poll, six out of seven women added that porn consumers tend to be signifi- believe that porn has changed men’s expec- cantly less intimate with their partners, [6] tations of how women should look. [16] less committed in their relationships, [7] less satisfied with their romantic and sex lives, [8] As writer Naomi Wolf points out, “Today and more likely to cheat on their partners. [9] real naked women are just bad porn.” [17]

That doesn’t bode well for any relationship But it’s not only physical looks of both where one partner is consuming porn, espe- men and women that get distorted in cially since most of us want and expect our porn. Women are also generally portrayed Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org as anxious for sex anywhere, at any time, Of Massive Exposure To Pornography. In Mala- with anyone, and they are delighted to go Citations muth, N. M. & Donnerstein, E. (Eds.), Pornogra- as long and aggressively as one man or phy And Sexual Aggression (Pp. 115-138). New [1] Olmstead, S. B., Negash, S., Pasley, K., & Fin- York, NY: Academic Press. multiple men want. They always climax, cham, F. D. (2013). Emerging Adults’ Expectations usually loudly and ecstatically, and then For Pornography Use In The Context Of Future [6] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- are immediately ready for more. They Committed Romantic Relationships. Archives raphy Causing Sexual Dysunction? A Review never get tired or sore. They never need Of Sexual Behavior, 42, 625-635. Doi:10.1007/ With Clinical Reports, Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. a break. In fact, they never seem to need S10508-012-9986-7 Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, M. B. (2016). The Effects Of Sexual- anything at all except endless sex. They are [2] Olmstead, S. B., Negash, S., Pasley, K., & Fin- ly Explicit Material Use On Romantic Relationship depicted as happy with whatever a man cham, F. D. (2013). Emerging Adults’ Expectations Dynamics. Journal Of Behavioral Addictions, wants to do, even if it’s dangerous, painful, For Pornography Use In The Context Of Future 5(4) 700-707. Doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; Sun, or humiliating. [18] Committed Romantic Relationships. Archives C., Bridges, A., Johnason, J., Ezzell, M., (2014). Of Sexual Behavior, 42, 625-635. Doi:10.1007/ Pornography And The Male Sexual Script: An S10508-012-9986-7 If you think those unrealistic depictions Analysis Of Consumption And Sexual Rela- tions. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 45, 1-12. don’t work their way into consumers’ [3] Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, M. B. Doi:10.1007/S10508-014-0391-2; Maddox, A. beliefs, expectations and actions think (2016). The Effects Of Sexually Explicit Mate- M., Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, H. J. (2011). again. [19] In a recent survey of 16 to rial Use On Romantic Relationship Dynamics. Viewing Sexually-Explicit Materials Alone Or 18-year-old Americans, nearly every Journal Of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4) 700-707. Together: Associations With Relationship Quality. participant reported learning how to have Doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; Park, B. Y., Et Al. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), 441-448. (2016). Is Internet Pornography Causing Sexual sex by watching porn, [20] and many of Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9585-4; Bergner, R. Dysunction? A Review With Clinical Reports, Be- M., & Bridges, A. J. (2002). The Significance Of the young women said they were pressured havioral Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Heavy Pornography Involvement For Romantic to play out the “scripts” their male part- Braithwaite, S. R., Coulson, G., Keddington, Partners: Research And Clinical Implications. ners had learned from porn. [21] They felt K., & Fincham, F. D. (2015). The Influence Of Journal Of Sex And Marital Therapy, 28, 193-206. badgered into having sex in uncomfortable Pornography On Sexual Scripts And Hooking Up Doi:10.1080/009262302760328235 positions, faking sexual responses, and Among Emerging Adults In College. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 44(1), 111-123. Doi:10.1007/ [7] Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, M. B. consenting to unpleasant or painful acts. S10508-014-0351-X; Resch, M. N., & Alderson, (2016). The Effects Of Sexually Explicit Mate- K. G. (2014). Female Partners Of Men Who rial Use On Romantic Relationship Dynamics. Of course, the pain caused by porn can Use Pornography: Are Honest And Mutual Use Journal Of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4) 700-707. go far beyond a bad experience in the Associated With Relationship Satisfaction? Journal Doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; Maddox, A. M., bedroom. Individuals who learn of their Of Sex And Marital Therapy, 40(5), 410-424. Do Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, H. J. (2011). Viewing i:10.1080/0092623X.2012.751077; Poulsen, F. O., partner’s porn habit often internalize their Sexually-Explicit Materials Alone Or Together: Busby, D. M., & Galovan, A. M. (2013). Pornog- Associations With Relationship Quality. Archives shame and confusion, asking themselves raphy Use: Who Uses It And How It Is Associated Of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), 441-448. Doi:10.1007/ why they aren’t “enough.” They may feel With Couple Outcomes. Journal Of Sex Research S10508-009-9585-4 undesirable, unattractive, and worthless. 50(1), 72-83. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2011.64802 [23] Many partners of porn consumers 7; Morgan, E. M. (2011). Associations Between [8] Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, M. B. even start showing physical symptoms of Young Adults’ Use Of Sexually Explicit Materials (2016). The Effects Of Sexually Explicit Material And Their Sexual Preferences, Behaviors, And anxiety, depression, and even Post Trau- Use On Romantic Relationship Dynamics. Journal Satisfaction. Journal Of Sex Research, 48(6), Of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4) 700-707. Doi: matic Stress Disorder. [24] And while it’s 520-530. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2010.543960; 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; Morgan, E. M. (2011). true for both men and women, studies Maddox, A. M., Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, H. J. Associations Between Young Adults’ Use Of have shown that because of the shame they (2011). Viewing Sexually-Explicit Materials Alone Sexually Explicit Materials And Their Sexual Pref- feel and their worry about being blamed Or Together: Associations With Relationship erences, Behaviors, And Satisfaction. Journal Of for their partner’s problem, the majority of Quality. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), 441- Sex Research, 48(6), 520-530. Doi:10.1080/00224 448. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9585-4; Bergner, 499.2010.543960; Maddox, A. M., Rhoades, G. K., women who learn of a partner’s porn use R.M., & Bridges, A. J. (2002). The Significance Of & Markman, H. J. (2011). Viewing Sexually-Ex- isolate themselves at least somewhat from Heavy Pornography Involvement For Romantic plicit Materials Alone Or Together: Associations their normal sources of social support, just Partners: Research And Clinical Implications. With Relationship Quality. Archives Of Sexual when they need that support the most. Journal Of Sex And Marital Therapy, 28, 193-206. Behavior, 40(2), 441-448. Doi:10.1007/S10508- [25] Doi:10.1080/009262302760328235 009-9585-4; Yucel, D. & Gassanov, M. A. (2010). Exploring Actor And Partner Correlates Of Sexual [4] Zillman, D. & Bryant, J. (1988) Pornography’s Satisfaction Among Married Couples. Social If you want to do a huge favor for the Love Impact On Sexual Satisfaction. Journal Of Applied Science Research, 39(5), 725-738. Doi:10.1016/J. of Your Life, decide now that you won’t Social Psychology, 18, 438-453. Doi: 10.1111/ ssresearch.20009.09,002 bring the potentially devastating effects of J.1559-1816.1988.Tb00027.X porn into your relationship. Or, if you’re [9] Braithwaite, S. R., Coulson, G., Keddington, K., already caught in porn’s web, make the [5] Zillman, D., & Bryant, J. (2000). Influence Of & Fincham, F. D. (2015). The Influence Of Pornog- Unrestrained Access To Erotica On Adolescents’ decision to get help. Click here to find out raphy On Sexual Scripts And Hooking Up Among And Young Adults’ Disposition Toward Sexual- Emerging Adults In College. Archives Of Sexual how you can give them the gift they really ity. Journal Of Adolescent Health, 27(2 Suppl), Behavior, 44(1), 111-123. Doi:10.1007/S10508- want: You. All of you. Heart and Mind. 41-44. Doi:10.1016/S1054-139X(00)00137-3; D. & 014-0351-X; Maddox, A. M., Rhoades, G. K., & Bryant, J. (1988) Pornography’s Impact On Sexual Markman, H. J. (2011). Viewing Sexually-Explicit Satisfaction. Journal Of Applied Social Psychol- Materials Alone Or Together: Associations With ogy, 18, 438-453. Doi: 10.1111/J.1559-1816.1988. Relationship Quality. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, Tb00027.X; Zillman, D. & Bryant, J. (1984). Effects 40(2), 441-448. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9585-4

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org [10] Kalman, T. P., (2008). Clinical Encounters [15] Hilton, D. L., (2013). Pornography Addic- [23] Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, With Internet Pornography, Journal Of The tion—A Supranormal Stimulus Considered In M. B. (2016). The Effects Of Sexually Explicit American Academy Of Psychoanalysis And The Context Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective Material Use On Romantic Relationship Dy- Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4), 593-618. Doi:10.1521/ Neuroscience & Psychology, 3:20767. Doi:10.3402/ namics. Journal Of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4) Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Bergner, R.M., & Bridges, Snp.v3i0.20767; Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: How 700-707. Doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; Bergner, A. J. (2002). The Significance Of Heavy Por- Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, Our Re- R.M., & Bridges, A. J. (2002). The Significance Of nography Involvement For Romantic Partners: lationships, And Our Families. New York: Henry Heavy Pornography Involvement For Romantic Research And Clinical Implications. Journal Holt & Co., 145. Partners: Research And Clinical Implications. Of Sex And Marital Therapy, 28, 193-206. Journal Of Sex And Marital Therapy, 28, 193-206. Doi:10.1080/009262302760328235 [16] Paul, P. (2010). From Pornography To Porno Doi:10.1080/009262302760328235 To Porn: How Porn Became The Norm. In Stoner, [11] Bridges, A. J., Bergner, R. M., & Hes- J. Stoner & Hughes, D. (Eds.), The Social Cost Of [24] Steffens, B. A., & Rennie, R. L. (2006). son-McInnis, M. (2003). Romantic Partners’ Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 3-20). The Traumatic Nature Of Disclosure For Use Of Pornography: Its Significance For Princeton, N.J.: Witherspoon Institute. Wives Of Sexual Addicts. Sexual Addic- Women. Journal Of Sex And Marital Therapy, tion And Compulsivity, 13(2-3), 247-267. 29(1), 1-14. Doi:10.1080/713847097; Schnei- [17] Wolf, N. (2003). The Porn Myth. New York Doi:10.1080/10720160600870802; Wild- der, J. P. (2000). Effects Of Cybersex Addiction Magazine. June 14. Retrieved From Http://Nymag. mon-White, M., & Young, J. (2002). Fami- On The Family: Results Of A Survey. Sexual com/Nymetro/News/Trends/N_9437/ ly-Of-Origin Characteristics Among Women Addiction And Compulsivity, 7(1), 31-58. Married To Sexually Addicted Men. Sexual Doi:10.1080/10720160008400206 [18] Layden, M. A. (2010) Pornography And Addiction And Compulsivity, 9(4), 263-273. Violence: A New Look At The Research. In Doi:10.1080/10720760216042 [12] Maddox, A. M., Rhoades, G. K., & Mark- Stoner, J. & Hughes, D. (Eds.), The Social Cost man, H. J. (2011). Viewing Sexually-Explicit Of Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. [25] Manning, J. C. (2010) The Impact Of Por- Materials Alone Or Together: Associations 57-68). Princeton, N.J.: Witherspoon Institute; nography On Women: Social Science Findings With Relationship Quality. Archives Of Sexual Ryu, E. (2004). Ryu, E. (2008). Spousal Use Of And Clinical Observations. In Stoner, J. Stoner & Behavior, 40(2), 441-448. Doi:10.1007/S10508- Pornography And Its Clinical Significance For Hughes, D. (Eds.), The Social Cost Of Pornogra- 009-9585-4; Wildmon-White, M., & Young, Asian-American Women: Korean Woman As An phy: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 3-20). Princeton, J. (2002). Family-Of-Origin Characteristics Illustration. Journal Of Feminist Family Therapy, N.J.: Witherspoon Institute. Among Women Married To Sexually Addict- 16(4), 75. Doi:10.1300/J086v16n04_05; Shope, ed Men. Sexual Addiction And Compulsivity, J. H. (2004). When Words Are Not Enough: The 9(4), 263-273. Doi:10.1080/10720760216042; Search For The Effect Of Pornography On Abused Schneider, J. P. (2000). Effects Of Cybersex Women. Violence Against Women, 10(1), 56-72. Addiction On The Family: Results Of A Survey. Doi:10.1177/1077801203256003 Sexual Addiction And Compulsivity, 7(1), 31-58. Doi:10.1080/10720160008400206 [19] See, E.g. Peter, J. & Valkenburg, P. M., (2016) Adolescents And Pornography: A Review Of [13] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Por- 20 Years Of Research. Journal Of Sex Research, nography Causing Sexual Dysunction? A Review 53(4-5), 509-531. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2016. With Clinical Reports, Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. 1143441 (Pointing Out That “Existing Research Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, Has Produced Consistent Evidence That Adoles- C. T., & Short, M. B. (2016). The Effects Of Sexual- cents’ Pornography Use Is Related To Their Sexual ly Explicit Material Use On Romantic Relationship Attitudes.”) Dynamics. Journal Of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4) 700-707. Doi: 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; Morgan, [20] Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., E. M. (2011). Associations Between Young Adults’ Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Use Of Sexually Explicit Materials And Their Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know Sexual Preferences, Behaviors, And Satisfaction. Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Journal Of Sex Research, 48(6), 520-530. Doi:1 Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black 0.1080/00224499.2010.543960; Maddox, A. M., And Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, H. J. (2011). Viewing 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960 Sexually-Explicit Materials Alone Or Together: 908 Associations With Relationship Quality. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), 441-448. Doi:10.1007/ [21] Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., S10508-009-9585-4; Yucel, D. & Gassanov, M. Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without A. (2010). Exploring Actor And Partner Cor- Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know relates Of Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Couples. Social Science Research, 39(5), 725-738. Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black Doi:10.1016/J.ssresearch.20009.09,002 And Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960 [14] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornography 908 Causing Sexual Dysunction? A Review With Clinical Reports, Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/ [22] Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., Bs6030017; Voon, V. Et Al. (2014). Neural Correlates Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In Individuals With And Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know Without Compulsive Sexual Behaviors. PLoS ONE, Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use 9(7), E102419. Doi:10.1371/Journal.pone.0102419; Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black Kalman, T. P., (2008). Clinical Encounters With Inter- And Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, net Pornography, Journal Of The American Academy 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960 Of Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4), 908 593-618. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org HOW PORN DAMAGES CONSUMERS’ SEX LIVES

According to research and personal accounts, instead of increasing sexual enjoyment, porn often leads to less satisfying sex in the long run and, for many porn consumers, no sex at all. KEY TAKEAWAYS orn promises a virtual world filled with heighten the experience by masturbating— • Commonly, when individuals find sex—more sex and better sex. What it the part of the brain map that connects out about their partner’s porn doesn’t mention, however, is that the arousal to porn is being strengthened. Pfurther a porn consumer goes into that fan- [9] Meanwhile, the pathways connecting consumption, they feel a range of negative emotions including rejec- tasy world, the more likely their reality is to arousal to things like seeing, touching, tion, humiliation, abandonment, become just the opposite. [1] Porn often leads or cuddling with a partner aren’t getting isolation, loneliness, jealousy, anger, to less sex and less satisfying sex. [2] And for used. Pretty soon, natural turn-ons aren’t and shame. many consumers, porn eventually means no enough, and many porn consumers find sex at all. [3] they can’t get aroused by anything but • Even if partners are open and honest porn. [10] about their consumption—it can still How? Well, it starts in the brain. do real harm. How bad is the problem? Put it this way: • Porn reshapes expectations about You see, your brain is full of nerve pathways doctors are seeing an epidemic of young sex and attraction by presenting an that make up what scientists call your “brain men who, because of their porn use, can’t unrealistic picture. map.” [4] It’s kind of like a hiking map in your get it up with a real, live partner. [11] head, with billions of tiny overlapping trails. These pathways connect different parts of Thirty years ago, when a man developed your brain together, helping you make sense erectile dysfunction (ED), it was almost of your experiences and control your life. always because he was getting older, usu- ally past 40. As his body aged it became When you have a sexual experience that feels more difficult to maintain an erection. [12] good, your brain starts creating new pathways Chronic ED in anyone under 35 was nearly to connect what you’re doing to the pleasure unheard of. [13] But those were the days you’re feeling. [5] Essentially, your brain is before internet porn. These days, online redrawing the sexual part of your map so message boards are flooded with com- you’ll be able to come back later and repeat plaints from porn users in their teens and the experience. [6] (See How Porn Affects The 20s complaining that they can’t maintain Brain Like a Drug ). The same thing happens an erection. [14] They want to know what’s the first time someone consume’s porn. The wrong with their body, but the problem porn consumer’s brain starts building new isn’t in the penis—it’s in the brain. [15] pathways in response to this very powerful new experience. [7] It’s saying, “This feels Study after study has shown that porn is great! Let’s do this again.” directly related to problems with arousal, attraction, and sexual performance. [16]. But here’s the catch: brain maps operate on Porn leads to less sex and to less sexual a “use it or lose it” principle. [8] Just like a satisfaction within a relationship. [17] hiking trail will start to grow over if it’s not Researchers have shown a strong connec- getting walked on, brain pathways that don’t tion between porn use and low sex drive, get traffic become weaker and can even be erectile dysfunction, and trouble reaching completely replaced by stronger pathways that orgasm. [18] Many frequent porn users get more use. reach a point where they have an easier time getting aroused by internet porn than As you might expect, consuming porn is a by having actual sex with a real partner. very powerful experience that leaves a strong [19] One recent study even concluded that and lasting impression in the brain. (See porn use was likely the reason for low sex- How Porn Changes The Brain.) Every time ual desire among a random sample of high someone consumes porn—especially if they school seniors. [20] Who has ever heard of Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org that? Low sexual desire among high school [3] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- Amp0000059; Hilton, D. L. (2013). Pornography seniors! raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review Addiction—A Supranormal Stimulus Consid- With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. ered In The Context Of Neuroplasticity. Socio- Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). affective Neuroscience & Psychology 3:20767. This trend of sexual problems is especially Neural Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In Doi:10.3402/Snp.v3i0.20767; Nestler, E. J., (2008) serious for teens and young adults. Their Individuals With And Without Compulsive Transcriptional Mechanisms Of Addiction: Role brains are particularly vulnerable to being Sexual Behaviors, PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. Of DeltaFosB, Philosophical Transactions Of The rewired by porn, [21] and they are in a Doi:10.1371/Journal.pone.0102419; Kalman, T. Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 363(1507) period where they are forming crucial P., (2008). Clinical Encounters With Internet Por- 3245-3255. Doi:10.1098/Rstb.2008.0067 nography, Journal Of The American Academy Of attitudes, preferences, and expectations for Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4), [8] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes their future. [22] 593-618. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Doidge, Itself. New York: Penguin Books. N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New Young people imitate what they see in York: Penguin Books; Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: [9] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- porn, and when teens learn about sexuality How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review from porn, they are in danger of adopting Our Relationships, And Our Families. New York: With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, Henry Hold And Co., 105.. 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Pitchers, K. K., the misleading, harmful biases embedded Et Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Rewards Act there. [23] Many teens never have the [4] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & On Common Neural Plasticity Mechanisms chance to learn what a healthy relationship Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet With DeltaFosB As A Key Mediator. Journal Of is like before porn starts teaching them Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434-3442. Doi:10.1523/ its version—which is typically filled with Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi:10.3390/ JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; Hilton, D. L. (2013) domination, infidelity, abuse, and violence. Bs5030388; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Pornography Addiction—A Supranormal Stimu- Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books. lus Considered In The Context Of Neuroplasticity. [24] Since most people aren’t too excited Socioaffective Neuroscience And Technology 3. about entering a relationship with some- [5] Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (2016). 20767. Doi:10.3402/Snp.v3i0.20767; Doidge, N. one who has attitudes like that, teens who Liking, Wanting, And The Incentive-Sensitization (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: get their sex ed from porn often find that Theory Of Addiction. American Psychologist, Penguin Books. they struggle to connect with real romantic 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/Amp0000059; Ber- ridge, K.C., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2015). Pleasure [10] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. partners. [25] Systems In The Brain. Neuron, 86, 646-664. T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Doi:10.1016/J.neuron.2015.02.018; Hilton, D. L. Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England Fortunately, the brain is a resilient organ. (2013). Pornography Addiction—A Supranormal Journal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ The sexual dysfunction caused by porn can Stimulus Considered In The Context Of Neuro- NEJMra1511480; Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is be reversed, [26] and a brain map can be plasticity. Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psycholo- Internet Pornography Causing Sexual Dysfunc- rewired to work well again once porn is gy 3:20767. Doi:10.3402/Snp.v3i0.20767; Pitchers, tions? A Review With Clinical Reports. Behavioral K. K., Et Al. (2013). Natural And Drug Rewards Sciences, 6, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Love, T., out of the picture. [27] Act On Common Neural Plasticity Mechanisms Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Hajela, R. (2015). With DeltaFosB As A Key Mediator. Journal Of Neuroscience Of Internet Pornography Addic- Neuroscience, 33(8), 3434-3442. Doi:10.1523/ tion: A Review And Update, Behavioral Sciences, JNEUROSCI.4881-12.2013; Doidge, N. (2007). 5(3), 388-433. Doi: 10.3390/Bs5030388; Wang, Y., Citations The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Ghezzi, A., Yin, J. C. P., & Atkinson, N. S. (2009). Books. CREB Regulation Of BK Channel Gene Expres- [1] Cole, G. (2011). A Stange Invitation: On The sion Underlies Rapid Drug Tolerance. Gene Brains Ordinary Problem Of Pornography. Studies In [6] Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, M., Hatch, L., & Behavior, 8(4) 369-376. Doi:10.1111/J.1601- Gender And Sexuality, 12, 254-267. Doi:10.10 Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Of Internet 183X.2009.00479.X; Angres, D. H. & Bettinar- 80/15240657.2011.610240 (“Porn Tells Us It Is Pornography Addiction: A Review And Update, di-Angres, K. (2008). The Disease Of Addiction: About Sex, But The Effect Of Porn Often Leads Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Doi:10.3390/ Origins, Treatment, And Recovery. Disease-A- Away From Actually Having Sex With Another Bs5030388; Hilton, D.L, & Watts, C. (2011). Month 54: 696–721; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain Person.”); Paul, P. (2010). From Pornography To Pornography Addiction: A Neuroscience Per- That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books. Porno To Porn: How Porn Became The Norm. In J. spective, Surgical Neurology International 2, 19. Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Doi:10.4103/2152-7806.76977; Miner, M. H., [11] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 3–20). Raymond, N., Mueller, B. A., Lloyd, M., Lim, raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review Princeton, N.J.: Witherspoon Institute; Doidge, N. K. O. (2009). Preliminary Investigation Of The With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Impulsive And Neuroanatomical Characteris- Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Love, T., Laier, C., Brand, Penguin Books. tics Of Compulsive Sexual Behavior. Psychiatry M., Hatch, L., & Hajela, R. (2015). Neuroscience Research 174: 146–51. Doi:10.1016/J.pscychres- Of Internet Pornography Addiction: A Review [2] Bridges, A. J. (2010). Pornography’s Effect On ns.2009.04.008; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That And Update, Behavioral Sciences, 5(3), 388-433. Interpersonal Relationships. In J. Stoner And D. Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books; Paul, P. Doi:10.3390/Bs5030388; Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: (2007). Pornified: How Pornography Is Trans- Neural Correlates Of Sexual Cue Reactivity In A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 89-110). Prince- forming Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Individuals With And Without Compulsive ton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Paul, P. (2007). Families. (75) New York: Henry Hold And Co. Sexual Behaviors, PLoS ONE, 9(7), E102419. Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming Our Doi:10.1371/Journal.pone.0102419; Kalman, T. Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Families. New [7] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- P., (2008). Clinical Encounters With Internet Por- York: Henry Hold And Co., 153; Zillmann, D. raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review nography, Journal Of The American Academy Of (2004). Pornografie. In R. Mangold, P. Vorderer, With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4), And G. Bente (Eds.) Lehrbuch Der Medien- Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Berridge, K. C., & Robin- 593-618. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593 psychologie (Pp.565–85). Gottingen, Germany: son, T. E. (2016). Liking, Wanting, And The Incen- Hogrefe Verlag; tive-Sensitization Theory Of Addiction. Amer- [12] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- ican Psychologist, 71(8), 670-679. Doi:10.1037/ raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 17. The Psychology Of Sex (Pp. 197-222). Blooming- pone.0102419; Sun, C., Bridges, A., Johnason, J., Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Robinson, M. And Wil- ton, IN: Indiana University Press; Zillman, D., & & Ezzell, M. (2014). Pornography And The Male son, G. (2011). Porn-Induced Sexual Dysfunction: Bryant, J. (2006). Pornography’s Impact On Sexual Sexual Script: An Analysis Of Consumption And A Growing Problem. Psychology Today, July 11. Satisfaction. Journal Of Applied Social Psychology, Sexual Relations. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 18(5), 438-453. Doi:10.1111/J.1559-1816.1988. 45(4), 1-12. Doi:10.1007/S10508-014-0391-2; Kal- [13] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- Tb00027.X man, T. P., (2008). Clinical Encounters With Inter- raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review net Pornography, Journal Of The American Acad- With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, [17] Minarcik, J., Wetterneck, C. T., & Short, M. B. emy Of Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Prins, J., Blanker, M. (2016). The Effects Of Sexually Explicit Material 36(4), 593-618. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593 H., Bohnen, A. M., Thomas, S., & Bosch, J. L. H. Use On Romantic Relationship Dynamics. Journal R. (2002). Prevalence Of Erectile Dysfunction: A Of Behavioral Addictions, 5(4) 700-707. Doi: [20] Damiano, P., Alessandro, B., & Carlo, F. Systematic Review Of Population-Based Studies. 10.1556/2006.5.2016.078; Doran, K., & Price, J. (2015). Adolescents And Web Porn: A New Era International Journal Of Impotence Research, (2014). Pornography And Marriage. Journal Of Of Sexuality. International Journal Of Ado- 14(6), 422-432. Doi:10.1038/Sj.ijir.3900905; Family And Economic Issues, 35(4), 489-498. lescent Medicine And Health, 28(2), 169-173. Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Doi:10.1007/S10834-014-9391-6; Sun, C., Bridges, Doi:10.1515/Ijamh-2015-0003 New York: Penguin Books. A., Johnason, J., & Ezzell, M. (2014). Pornogra- phy And The Male Sexual Script: An Analysis Of [21] Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. [14] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Consumption And Sexual Relations. Archives Of T. (2016). Neurobiological Advances From The Itself. New York: Penguin Books. Sexual Behavior, 45(4), 1-12. Doi:10.1007/S10508- Brain Disease Model Of Addiction. New England 014-0391-2; Poulsen, F. O., Busby, D. M., & Galo- Journal Of Medicine, 374, 363-371. Doi:10.1056/ [15] Capogrosso, P., Et Al. (2013). One Patient van, A. M. (2013). Pornography Use: Who Uses It NEJMra1511480; Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, Out Of Four With Newly Diagnosed Erectile And How It Is Associated With Couple Outcomes. C., Burke, N., Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). Dysfunction Is A Young Man—Worrisome Picture Journal Of Sex Research 50(1), 72-83. Doi:10. “Without Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The From The Everyday Clinical Practice. Journal 1080/00224499.2011.648027; Maddox, A. M., Things I Know Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Of Sexual Medicine 10(7), 1833–41. Doi:Http:// Rhoades, G. K., & Markman, H. J. (2011). Viewing Pornography Use Among A Sample Of Urban, Dx.doi.org/10.1111/Jsm.12179; Cera, N., Et Al. Sexually-Explicit Materials Alone Or Together: Low-Income, Black And Hispanic Youth. Journal (2012). Macrostructural Alterations Of Subcortical Associations With Relationship Quality. Archives Of Sex Research, 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/002 Grey Matter In Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction. Of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), 441-448. Doi:10.1007/ 24499.2014.960908; Morgan, E. M. (2011). Asso- PLoS ONE 7(6), E39118. Doi:10.1371/Journal. S10508-009-9585-4; Morgan, E. M. (2011). Asso- ciations Between Young Adults’ Use Of Sexually pone.0039118; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That ciations Between Young Adults’ Use Of Sexually Explicit Materials And Their Sexual Preferences, Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books. Explicit Materials And Their Sexual Preferences, Behaviors, And Satisfaction. Journal Of Sex Re- Behaviors, And Satisfaction. Journal Of Sex Re- search, 48,(6), 520-530. 8(6):520-30. Doi:10.1080/ [16] Carvalheira, A., Traeen, B., & Stulhofer, search, 48,(6), 520-530. 8(6):520-30. Doi:10.1080/ 00224499.2010.543960 A. (2015). Masturbation And Pornography 00224499.2010.543960; Yucel, D., & Gassanov, M. Use Among Coupled Heterosexual Men With A. (2010). Exploring Actor And Partner Correlates [22] Olmstead, S. B., Negash, S., Pasley, K., & Fin- Decreased Sexual Desire: How Many Roles Of Of Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Couples. cham, F. D. (2013). Emerging Adults’ Expectations Masturbations? Journal Of Sex And Marital Social Science Research, 39725-738. Doi:10.1016/J. For Pornography Use In The Context Of Future Therapy, 41(6), 626-635. 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Doi:10.1371/Journal. 9935-5 Or Together: Associations With Relationship pone.0102419; Janssen, E., & Bancroft, J. (2007). Quality. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 40(2), 441- The Dual-Control Model: The Role Of Sexual [24] Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., Sun, 448. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9585-4; Morgan, E. Inhibition & Excitation In Sexual Arousal And C., & Liberman, R. (2010). Aggression And Sexual M. (2011). Associations Between Young Adults’ Behavior. In Janssen, E. (Ed.), The Psychology Behavior In Best Selling Pornography Videos: A Use Of Sexually Explicit Materials And Their Sex- Of Sex (Pp. 197-222). Bloomington, IN: Indiana Content Analysis Update. Violence Against Women ual Preferences, Behaviors, And Satisfaction. Jour- University Press; 16(10), 1065–1085. Doi:10.1177/1077801210382866; nal Of Sex Research, 48,(6), 520-530. 8(6):520-30. Paul, P. (2010). From Pornography To Porno To Doi:10.1080/00224499.2010.543960; Janssen, E., [19] Voon, V., Et Al. (2014). 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Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org [25] Sun, C., Bridges, A., Johnason, J., & Ezzell, M. (2014). Pornography And The Male Sexual Script: An Analysis Of Consumption And Sexual Relations. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 45(4), 1-12. Doi:10.1007/S10508-014-0391-2; Wilson, G. (2013). Adolescent Brain Meets Highspeed In- ternet Porn; Retrieved From Http://Yourbrainon- porn.com/Adolescent-Brain-Meets-Highspeed-In- ternet-Porn; Woods, J. (2012). Jamie Is 13 And Hasn’t Even Kissed A Girl. But He’s Now On The Sex Offender Register After Online Porn Warped His Mind. Daily Mail (U.K.), April 25. Retrieved From Http://Www.dailymail.co.uk/News/Arti- cle-2135203/Jamie-13-Kissed-Girl-But-Hes-Sex- Offender-Register-Online-Porn-Warped-Mind-. Html; Robinson, M. And Wilson, G. (2011). Porn-Induced Sexual Dysfunction: A Growing Problem. Psychology Today, July 11; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books.

[26] Kalman, T. P., (2008). Clinical Encounters With Internet Pornography, Journal Of The American Academy Of Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4), 593-618. Doi:10.1521/ Jaap.2008.36.4.593

[27] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books.

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org PORN’S HARM IS CHANGING FAST

Skeptics of pornography’s danger point out that porn has been around a long time. After all, the ancient Greeks painted sexual images on their pottery. But comparing paintings on Greek vases to today’s end- less stream of live-action, hardcore videos is like comparing apples to… KEY TAKEAWAYS um…kumquats. Technology is changing not only the content of porn, • Pornography has changed with but how, when, and at what age it’s being consumed. technology.

• Porn has become more intense, he year was 1953, and Hugh Heffner Between 1998 and 2007, the number of violent, degrading, and humiliating had just published the first copy of pornographic websites grew by 1,800%. over time. Playboy. [6] By 2004, porn sites were getting three • People are being exposed to porn at T times more visitors than Google, Ya- younger and younger ages. Sex had just started to become a more promi- hoo!, and MSN Search put together. [7] nent part of American’s cultural conversation, It was “big business” in a way the world partly because of Dr. Alfred Kinsey who, five had never seen before. Thirty percent of years earlier, had published a controversial all internet data was related to porn, [8] but extremely popular book on sexuality. [1] and worldwide porn revenues (including He was heralded as one of the first scientists internet, sex shops, videos rented in hotel and writers to talk so openly about sexuality, rooms, etc.) grew to exceed the incomes of and his books went flying off the shelves. [2] Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo!, Apple, Netflix, and Earthlink combined! Heffner saw a chance to make money from [9] the changing cultural views about sex. But to maximize sales of his new magazine he As internet porn grew more popular; it had to change porn’s image from something also turned darker, more graphic, and your friend’s creepy relative might read to more extreme.(See Why Consuming Porn something sophisticated and mainstream. So Is An Escalating Behavior.)With so much Heffner put his pornographic photos next porn available, pornographers tried to to essays and articles written by respected compete for attention by constantly push- authors. In Playboy, porn started to look like ing the boundaries. [10] “Thirty years ago nothing more than harmless pleasure engaged ‘hardcore’ pornography usually meant the in by respectable and successful individuals. explicit depiction of sexual intercourse,” writes Dr. Norman Doidge, a neuroscien- Flash forward to the 1980s, when VCRs tist and author of The Brain That Changes suddenly made it possible for people to watch Itself. “Now hardcore has evolved and is movies at home. [3] For porn consumers, increasingly dominated by the sadomas- that meant that instead of having to go to ochistic themes … all involving scripts seedy movie theaters on the wrong side of fusing sex with hatred and humiliation.” town, they just went to the back room at their [11] In our post-Playboy world, porn now local movie rental place. Sure, they still had features degradation, abuse, and humil- to go out to find it, but porn was a lot more iation of people in a way never before accessible. seen in the mass media. [12] “[S]oftcore is now what hardcore was a few decades And then the internet changed everything. ago,” Doidge explains. “The comparatively [4][5] tame softcore pictures of yesteryear … now show up on mainstream media all day Once porn hit the Web in the 1990s, sud- long, in the pornification of everything, denly there was nothing but a few keystrokes including television, rock videos, soap between anyone with an internet connection operas, advertisements, and so on.” [13] and the most graphic material available. [4] The online porn industry exploded. As the popularity of internet porn grew Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org like wildfire, so did its influence. Network Human trafficking includes any “com- Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4) 593-618. Doi:10.1521/ television shows, pay-per-view channel mercial sex act induced by force, fraud, or Jaap.2008.36.4.593; McAline, D. (2001). Interview series, and movies began to up the ante coercion.” [25] (See How Porn Fuels Sex On American Porn. Frontline, PBS, August. with more and more graphic content as Trafficking.) [4] Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography And they scrambled to keep the attention of au- Violence: A New Look At The Research. In J. diences accustomed to internet porn. [14] In fact, exposure to porn has been found, Stoner & D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Between 1998 and 2005, the number of along with poverty, drug abuse, and home- Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). sex scenes on American TV shows nearly lessness, to be one of the most consistent Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Kalman, T.P. (2008). Clinical Encounters With Internet doubled, [15] and it wasn’t just happening risk factors associated with human traffick- Pornography. Journal Of The American Academy on adult programs. In a study conducted ing. [26] And after victims are ensnared, Of Psychoanalysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4) in 2004 and 2005, 70% of the 20 TV shows porn is often used to desensitize them to 593-618. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593; most often watched by teens included sex- the acts in which they will be forced to ual content, and nearly half showed sexual engage. Quite literally, porn feeds human [5] Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: How Pornography Is behavior. [16] And for the first time, porn trafficking and human trafficking feeds Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Families. New York: Henry Hold & Co., 3; was becoming a routine part of teen life porn. [27] McCarthy, B. W. (2002). The Wife’s Role In Facil- and a major way adolescents learned about itating Recovery From Male Compulsive Sexual sex. [17] The argument that porn is nothing new— Behavior. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 9, 4: that it’s been around forever and never 275–84. Doi:10.1080/10720160216045; Schneider, By now, porn’s effects have soaked into caused any great harm—seems pretty J. P. (2000). Effects Of Cybersex Addiction On The every aspect of our lives. [18] Popular silly when you think about how different Family: Results Of A Survey. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 7(1-2), 31–58. Retrieved From video games now feature full nudity. [19] today’s porn is from anything that existed Http://Www.jenniferschneider.com/Articles/Cy- Snowboards marketed to teens are plas- before. Porn is incomparably more acces- bersex_family.html tered with images of porn performers. [20] sible, more widespread, and more extreme Even children’s toys have become more than anything that existed even a genera- [6] Websense Research Shows Online Pornog- sexualized. [21] tion ago. Those centerfold magazines that raphy Sites Continue Strong Growth. (2004). PRNewswire.com, April 4. were passed around among youth in previ- Technology has changed not only the con- ous generations were nothing compared to [7] Porn More Popular Than Search. (2004). Inter- tent of the porn, but also how, when, and what youth have access to today, [28] and netWeek.com, June 4. at what age they consume it. Young men the consequences of looking today go far and women are all presented with the issue beyond young people hoping their parents [8] Negash, S., Van Ness Sheppard, N., Lambert, of today’s porn, and studies show that by don’t find out. N. M., & Fincham, F. D. (2016). Trading Later Rewards For Current Pleasure: Pornography the time they turn 14 years old, two out of Consumption And Delay Discounting. Journal three boys in the U.S. have viewed porn in The good news is that in response to the Of Sex Research, 53(6), 689-700. Doi:10.1080/ the last year, [22] and many are watching unprecedented spread of pornography 00224499.2015.1025123; Porn Sites Get More it on devices they have with them 24 hours there are an unprecedented number of Visitors Each Month Than Netflix, Amazon, & a day. resources and people who want to help, Twitter Combined. (2013, May 4). Huffington whether by spreading facts about pornog- Post. Retrieved From Http://Www.huffingtonpost. com/2013/05/03/Internet-Porn-Stats_n_3187682. And for all of these changes to the nature raphy or helping those who feel caught in Html and reach of today’s pornography, we its undertow. Today’s pornography is a new haven’t even mentioned the most disturb- phenomenon, unlike anything humankind [9] DeKeseredy, W. (2015). Critical Criminolog- ing development of all: human trafficking. has ever seen, but the things that can push ical Understandings Of Adult Pornography And The modern-day slave trade (and there is porn back are as old as humanity itself: Women Abuse: New Progressive Directions In Research And Theory. International Journal For one) is fueled by pornography. Over two- wisdom, vigilance, and a commitment to Crime, Justice, And Social Democracy, 4(4) 4-21. thirds of all calls to the National Human real love. Doi:10.5204/Ijcjsd.v4i4.184 Trafficking Resource Center involve sex trafficking—an estimated 21 million [10] Woods, J. (2012). Jamie Is 13 And Hasn’t Even victims worldwide [23]—with 49 percent Citations Kissed A Girl. But He’s Now On The Sex Offender of all trafficking victims and 70 percent of Register After Online Porn Warped His Mind. Daily Mail (U.K.), April 25. underage trafficking victims reporting that [1] Brown, T. M., & Fee, E. (2003). Alfred C. Kinsey: A Pioneer Of Sex Research. American pornography was made of them while they Journal Of Public Health 93(6), 896-897. Re- [11] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes were enslaved. [24] trieved From Https://Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Pmc/ Itself. New York: Penguin Books. Articles/PMC1447862/ This is not a Third World problem. Sex [12] DeKeseredy, W. (2015). Critical Criminolog- trafficking, and its dissemination through [2] Mestel, R. (2004, November 15). The Kinsey ical Understandings Of Adult Pornography And Women Abuse: New Progressive Directions In online pornographic sites, extends beyond Effect. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved From Http:// Articles.latimes.com/2004/Nov/15/Health/He- Research And Theory. International Journal For prostitution and child trafficking rings Kinsey15 Crime, Justice, And Social Democracy, 4(4) 4-21. to the many “” sites, to the Doi:10.5204/Ijcjsd.v4i4.184 coercion, drugging, and/or physical abuse [3] Kalman, T.P. (2008). Clinical Encounters of porn performers, wannabe models, and With Internet Pornography. Journal Of The [13] Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books. runaways right here in the United States. American Academy Of Psychoanalysis And Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org [14] Caro, M. (2004). The New Skin Trade. Chica- Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black go Tribune, September 19. And Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960 [15] Kunkel, D., Eyal, K., Finnerty, K., Biely, E., 908 And Donnerstein, E. (2005). Sex On TV 4. Menlo Park, CA: The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. [23] Uiversity Of New England, “Human Sex Trafficking: An Online Epidemic #Infographic” [16] Peter, J. And Valkenburg, P. M. (2007). (2015). Retreived By Http://Www.visualistan. Adolescents’ Exposure To A Sexualized Media En- com/2015/02/Human-Sex-Trafficking-Online-Ep- vironment And Their Notions Of Women As Sex idemic.html Objects. Sex Roles 56,(5-6), Doi:381–95.10.1007/ S11199-006-9176-Y [24] Thorn, “A Report On The Use Of Technology To Recruit, Groom, And Sell Domestic Minor [17] Peter, J. & Valkenburg, P. M., (2016) Adoles- Sex Trafficking Victim (2015). Retrieved From cents And Pornography: A Review Of 20 Years Https://Www.wearethorn.org/Wp-Content/Up- Of Research. Journal Of Sex Research, 53(4-5), loads/2015/02/Survivor_Survey_r5.Pdf 509-531. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2016.1143441; Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., Jansen, [25] Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Porn…I Of 2000. Pub. L. No. 106-386, Section 103 (8) (A). Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Among A [26] Countryman-Roswurm, Karen (2017). Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black And His- Primed For Perpetration: Porn And The Per- panic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, 52(7), 736- petuation Of Sex Trafficking. Guest Blog For 746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960908; Paul, FTND, Retrieved From Http://Fightthenewdrug. P. (2010). From Pornography To Porno To Porn: org/Fighting-Sex-Trafficking-Absolutely-In- How Porn Became The Norm. In J. Stoner & D. cludes-Fighting-Pornography/ Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 3–20). Princeton, N.J.: [27] Dr. Karen Countryman-Roswurm, LMSW, Witherspoon Institute; Carroll, J. S., Padilla-Walk- Ph.D. Interview || Truth About Porn [Video File]. er, L. M., And Nelson, L. J. (2008). Generation (2016, December 28). Retrieved From Https:// XXX: Pornography Acceptance And Use Among Vimeo.com/190317258 Emerging Adults. Journal Of Adolescent Research, 23(1), 6–30. Doi:10.1177/0743558407306348 [28] Price, J., Patterson, R., Regnerus, M., & Wal- ley, J. (2016). How Much More XXX Is Generation [18] Bridges, A. J. (2010). Pornography’s Effect X Consuming? Evidence Of Changing Attitudes On Interpersonal Relationships. In J. Stoner And And Behaviors Related To Pornography Since D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornog- 1973. Journal Of Sex Research, 53(1), 12-20. Doi:1 raphy: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 89-110). 0.1080/00224499.2014.1003773 Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Paul, P. (2010). From Pornography To Porno To Porn: How Porn Became The Norm. In J. Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 3–20). Princeton, N.J.: Witherspoon Institute; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books, 102; Caro, M. (2004). The New Skin Trade. Chicago Tribune, September 19.

[19] Paul, P. (2010). From Pornography To Porno To Porn: How Porn Became The Norm. In J. Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 3–20). Princeton, N.J.: Witherspoon Institute.

[20] Paul, P. (2010). From Pornography To Porno To Porn: How Porn Became The Norm. In J. Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 3–20). Princeton, N.J.: Witherspoon Institute.

[21] Bridges, A. J. (2010). Pornography’s Effect On Interpersonal Relationships. In J. Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 89-110). Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute.

[22] Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org HOW PORN FUELS SEX TRAFFICKING

In a worldview of slavery, society generally agrees that it is inhumane and degrading, and most people are astonished that there have been times in history where slavery was accepted as normal and acceptable. Somehow, still, many people are accepting of a form of modern-day KEY TAKEAWAYS slavery: human sex trafficking. And while many people claim to be opposed • Sex trafficking is a form of mod- to human sex trafficking, what many don’t know is that the demand for ern-day slavery. human sex trafficking is fueled by pornography and the porn industry. • The TVPA defines sex trafficking as a situation in which “a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, hough no one knows its true origins, Timberland boots he used to stomp girls or coercion, or in which the person The Willie Lynch Letter declares itself when they didn’t obey (pimps call it “tim- induced to perform such act has not over three-hundred years old. [1] ming”), and of course, the tee shirt Davis TAccording to the story, Virginia colonists in was wearing when he was arrested. It said, attained 18 years of age.” 1712, unable to control their slaves, reached “The Beatings Will Continue.” [3] • Porn directly informs what goes on out to a slave owner named Willie Lynch in trafficking. for help. “Your invitation reached me on Why would a modern New York pimp be • Porn is a risk factor for sex traffick- my modest plantation in the West Indies,” reading a 300-year-old set of instructions ing. he responds, “where I have experimented for how to break a slave? Considering the with some of the newest, and still the oldest, degree of intimidation, coercion, brain- methods for control of slaves.” The letter is washing, and violence that that accompa- essentially a slavery instruction manual—how nies sex trafficking today, it makes a lot of to “break” slaves, how to organize, brainwash, sense. and set them against one another to make them easier to subject. HOW BAD IS THE PROBLEM OF MODERN-DAY SEX TRAFFICKING? Despite questions about its authenticity, [2] the letter has found its way into everything Sex trafficking activists occasionally have from Hollywood scripts to political speeches, to defend their use of the word “slavery.” and from college reading lists to Hip-Hop [4] Some people don’t believe the sex traf- albums. It’s as if the letter takes all of the ob- ficking problems we have today rise to a jectification, dehumanization, and inhuman- level that would merit such an emotionally ity in the worldview of slavery and encapsu- charged word. Others feel the word some- lates them in just a few short pages. “We will how romanticizes the problem. In fact, use the same basic principle that we use in believe it or not, arguing about the word breaking a horse,” the letter explains. “What “slave” is just one small part of the larger we do with horses is that we break them from debate about sex trafficking, especially in one form of life to another; that is, we reduce the United States. Some people question them from their natural state in nature.” whether the problem is really as bad, or as big, or as widespread, as the reports make Whether or not the letter is real, it seems it sound. [5] Others question the motives noteworthy that when Corey Davis, a New of the abolitionists and human rights activ- York pimp, was arrested by federal investi- ists on the front lines of the fight. [6] gators in December of 2006, a copy of The Willie Lynch Letter was sitting in his Mer- Here at Fight the New Drug, we know cedes. Other titles on Mr. Davis’ reading list sex trafficking is a huge global problem included The 48 Laws of Power and Whoever and that this modern form of slavery Said Whoring Wasn’t Easy? is inherently, inseparably linked to the problem of pornography. Because this is an The books weren’t the only things seized. underground issue numbers are harder to Investigators also took his $91,000 watch, the come by, but if anything, the numbers re-

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org flecting what is actually happening around Of those millions of global human traf- But here’s the thing: if that “Hollywood” the globe are bigger than what has been ficking victims, a little less than a quar- version is all you know about sex traf- reported. And isn’t even just one person ter—about 22 percent—are trafficked for ficking, then you’re only seeing one part being trafficked, one too many? sex acts. (Those 22 percent earn a whop- of a much more complex picture. Many ping 66 percent of the global trafficking Hollywood depictions, and even many Our goal is to give you the facts, so consid- profits! [9]) That’s what sex trafficking is: of the examples of sex trafficking in this er this your one-stop read to learn all the the roughly 22 percent of human traffick- article, represent situations where women basics about sex trafficking and its rela- ing wherein the victims are exploited for and girls were victims, but it’s important tionship to porn. Then you’ll and have the sexual purposes. to note that men and boys are also victims information you need to draw conclusions of human sex trafficking and part of this and join the conversation about how porn Now, before we go any further, we know bigger, more complex picture. And to un- fuels sex trafficking. what you’re thinking. This is the part where derstand that picture, you have to under- most people start visualizing the Hollywood stand the TVPA. WHAT IS SEX TRAFFICKING? version of sex trafficking: young boys and girls kidnapped or tricked in some Third World WHAT IS THE TVPA AND WHY IS The legal definitions get technical, but sex or Eastern European country, kept in chains IT IMPORTANT? trafficking is a type of human trafficking, and forced to perform in black market and human trafficking is exactly what it pornography, or to work as prostitutes in In the year 2000, in response to reports sounds like: trafficking in humans. If “traf- some massage parlor, seedy motel, or other of international human trafficking, one ficking” means buying and selling things, makeshift brothel—or boys and girls from of the broadest bipartisan coalitions in or moving things so they can be used for the same backgrounds, smuggled into the history came together to pass the Traffick- profit, then “human trafficking” means United States and abused in similar ways. ing Victims Protection Act, or TVPA. [11] buying or selling humans, or moving hu- The landmark legislation identified “severe mans so they can be used for profit. It’s the And yes, those stories do exist. They’re not forms” of human trafficking, imposed purest form of objectification—the literal just real; they’re closer to home than you harsh criminal penalties for offenders, and commoditization of a person. imagine. Just read the way one police raid provided support systems for the victims. of a quiet little house in a middle-class [12] Whether you knew it or not, chances are New Jersey suburb was described in the very good that, at some point in your New York Times: The TVPA defines sex trafficking as a life, you have eaten fruit that was picked situation in which “a commercial sex act is by a slave, worn a shirt that was made by On a tip, the Plainfield police raided induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in a slave, used a device that was partially the house in February 2002, expect- which the person induced to perform such produced by a slave, or stood in a building ing to find illegal aliens working an act has not attained 18 years of age.” [13] It that was built by a slave. Estimates of the underground brothel. What the police was designed in response to international number of slaves worldwide are between found were four girls between the ages sex trafficking like the New Jersey example 21 and 32 million. [7] The vast majority of of 14 and 17. They were all Mexican we just described, but it had an interesting them come from vulnerable populations nationals without documentation. But result. It ended up shining a light on every like immigrants, refugees, the impover- they weren’t prostitutes; they were sex form of sex trafficking in the United States. ished, and children. They may be forcibly slaves. The distinction is important: Here’s how one article described the effect: taken or lured away with promises of good these girls weren’t working for profit or jobs, only to find themselves powerless, a paycheck. They were captives to the One positive blowback of the T.V.P.A. in a foreign place, with nowhere to turn. traffickers and keepers who controlled was that it brought attention to domes- Often they owe money to the people—the their every move. … The police found tic sex trafficking—pimping—which traffickers—who brought them. Traffick- a squalid, land-based equivalent of a follows the same models and patterns ers will hold the debt over their heads, 19th-century slave ship, with ran- as its international counterparts. “The confiscate their immigration papers, cid, doorless bathrooms; bare, putrid logic was: if you get weepy-eyed about threaten them with legal action or de- mattresses; and a stash of penicillin, a young girl in Cambodia, why not feel portation, threaten them or their families ”morning after” pills and misopros- the same way about the girl trafficked with violence, and even inflict violence tol, an antiulcer medication that can from Iowa?” [14] if the victims do not place themselves in induce abortion. The girls were pale, servitude. The traffickers are often the exhausted and malnourished. [10] Remember Corey Davis? The pimp with only ones around who speak the victims’ the slavery manual in his Mercedes? His language, and the victims find themselves Those are the types of situations most victims weren’t smuggled from other in a foreign land, cut off from home or people envision when they hear the phrase, countries. They weren’t held in servitude help. Working in these circumstances, they “human sex trafficking.” And you can see by complicated immigration situations earn an estimated $150 billion every year why filmmakers would gravitate to that ver- or kept constantly imprisoned by armed for their abusers in all kinds of industries sion. It’s viscerally disturbing. Most people guards. They were Americans. At various and settings, from factories and farms to would be shocked just to learn that a scene times in their ordeals, they were physically hotels and brothels—even in the United like that was possible right in the heart of a free to come and go. Davis kept them in States. [8] modern American suburb. servitude through a combination of fraud, Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org physical violence, and psychological intim- There are all kinds of connections, big and wouldn’t escape, watched her through idation to the point that they felt they had small, between pornography and sex traf- a hole when she went to the bathroom, no choice but to obey. [15] Another pimp ficking. There are incidental connections, and listened to her phone calls with a gun who was prosecuted under the TVPA had like the fact that exposure to pornogra- pointed at her head, was forced to appear victims ranging from a twelve-year-old phy has been shown to make viewers less in a video that made the Sinclair Intimacy runaway to a university coed on a track compassionate toward victims of sexual Institute’s list of “sex positive productions”! scholarship. [16] By identifying the prac- violence and exploitation.[18] (See How [22] “Every time someone watches that tices that constitute human trafficking, the Consuming Porn Can Lead To Violence.) film,” she said, “they are watching me be- TVPA brought attention to all instances of There are “supply-and-demand” con- ing raped.” (See The Porn Industry’s Dark trafficking, regardless of where the victims nections: the simple fact that pornogra- Secrets.) were from. phy—especially when viewing habits and fantasies involve violence or other fetish- Two more examples: The July 2007 issue But there’s more. Look again at the TVPA’s es—increases the demand for sex traffick- of Taboo, a publication owned by Hustler, definition of sex trafficking: “a commercial ing, as more and more viewers want to act featured a multi-page feature of a young sex act induced by force, fraud, or coer- out what they see. There is the “training woman being held prisoner and severely cion.” That last word, coercion, is import- manual” connection: the well-documented sexually abused by her captors. They took ant. It means that a commercial sex act can fact that porn directly informs what goes photos and videos of her and sold them be sex trafficking, even if no one was phys- on in trafficking. Traffickers and sex buyers as porn. [23] In another case, a Miami ically assaulted, even if no one was tricked get ideas from porn, and then make their jury convicted two men of luring women or defrauded. All it takes is coercion. The victims watch as a way of showing them to Florida to audition for modeling jobs, moment a victim is coerced or intimidated what they’ll be expected to do, so that the drugging them, filming them being raped, into a commercial sex act against his or her violent fantasy concocted by some porn and selling the footage as porn online and will, sex trafficking has occurred. director and his or her actors becomes the to stores across the U.S. This went on for reality for some trafficking victim. [19] five years. [24] How many of those videos, Once again, this aspect of the TVPA cast And then there is the risk factor connec- in five years, were viewed by individuals new light on all the little forms of pimp- tion: the fact that, along with poverty and who would never dream of contributing to ing and exploitation that might otherwise substance abuse, a child growing up in human trafficking, who assumed they were fly under the radar. An individual bullies a home where pornography is regularly watching the work of consenting perform- their spouse into prostituting themselves. consumed is far more likely to be trafficked ers? Trafficking. A boyfriend or girlfriend pres- at some point in his or her life. [20] sures their partner into stripping on a live But “consent” is a slippery word in the webcam show and then threatens to show But what’s the biggest, most surprising world of porn. And of all the ways por- the partner’s family and friends if they connection between pornography and nography and sex trafficking overlap, the don’t do it again. Trafficking. A porn per- trafficking? It’s this: they’re often the same darkest, most surprising secret of all might former shows up on set to discover that the thing. We can spend hours and hours be this: even in the production of main- scene is much more degrading than they’d pointing out these cause-and-effect, sym- stream porn, sex trafficking is a regular been told, and their agent gets them to go biotic relationships between trafficking occurrence. Remember, it doesn’t require through with it by threatening to cancel and porn. Those connections are real, and kidnapping or threats of violence. All it their other bookings. Again: trafficking. that’s an important conversation to have. requires is coercion: But let’s not allow that to entrench the idea And this is where the connections to that porn and sex trafficking are always “I was threatened that if I did not do the pornography begin. separate. Far more often than people scene I was going to get sued for lots of realize, they’re not. money.” HOW IS SEX TRAFFICKING CON- NECTED TO PORNOGRAPHY? HOW ARE SEX TRAFFICKING “[I] told them to stop but they wouldn’t AND PORN THE SAME THING? stop until I started to cry and ruined the “I was in California and I had a blow- scene.” job scene. […] I go there and he’s like, To begin with, nearly half of sex trafficking “Oh yeah, it’s a forced blowjob,” And victims report that pornography was made “He told me that I had to do it and if I I’m like, “What?” Just one guy, one of them while they were in bondage. [21] can’t, he would charge me and I would little camera on a tripod. […] I was The victim is not going to turn to the cam- lose any other bookings I had because I scared. I was terrified. I didn’t know era and announce they are being trafficked, would make his agency look bad.” [25] what to do. I didn’t know if I could tell and these images and videos make their him no. Or the fact that we already way onto mainstream porn sites, where None of those quotes is from someone recorded 15 minutes of it, if I could they are indistinguishable. In fact, even who was chained in a room. None of them just f—ing leave. Then what? That’s if the victim does register their distress, are from victims who were beaten into when I understood that’s how rape it’s still impossible to know, because rape submission or held at gunpoint in some victims feel. Like, they feel bad about and abuse-themed porn have now become dingy brothel. Each of those actors drove themselves.” [17] mainstream. One female survivor, whose home at the end of the shoot and collected captor slept on top of her at night so she a paycheck. But does it sound like consent? Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org Or does it sound like coercion? (See The She continues, “Not everything is slavery, the demand for sex trafficking through Porn Industry’s Dark Secrets.) and that’s okay. […] This doesn’t mean that pornography. the activities just outside of slavery aren’t This aspect of the porn world is so as horrendous.” [27] common, you don’t even have to go to Citations anti-pornography websites, or talk to ex- So what is slavery and what is merely hor- [1] Willie Lynch Letter: The Making Of A Slave. porn performers, to hear about it. Current rendous? How long does a person have to (N.d.). Retrieved From Http://Www.finalcall.com/ porn performers tell the same stories. It exploit the body of another human being Artman/Publish/Perspectives_1/Willie_Lynch_let- speaks volumes about the culture and ex- before it qualifies as slavery? A decade? A ter_The_Making_of_a_Slave.shtml pectations of the porn industry that often, year? An hour? How awful do the victims’ when you hear these same complaints experiences have to be? [2] Ampim, M. (2014, May 1. ) Death Of The from people still inside the business, they Willie Lynch Speech. Retrieved From Http://Www. lb7.Uscourts.gov/Documents/13-28441.Pdf; frame them in terms of an “unprofes- In the old days of the unimaginable Atlan- sional” agent, director, or actor. As a legal tic Slave Trade, slave traders used to scatter Willie Lynch Is Dead (1712?-2003). (N.d.). matter, under the TVPA, these aren’t just trinkets and bright red scraps of fabric Retrieved From Http://Web.archive.org/ people being bad at their jobs; these are along the beaches of West Africa and right Web/20031003153215/Http://Www.africana.com/ potential sex trafficking crimes, punishable up the ramps of their ships. Their victims Articles/Daily/Ht20030929lynch.asp by up to twenty years in prison. In fact, walked up the ramps and into slavery, [3] Cowan, A. L. (1216397989). What A Pimp according to the United Nations definition lured by luxuries and shiny charms beyond Reads. Retrieved From Https://Cityroom.blogs. of human trafficking, it doesn’t even matter anything they had ever seen. [28] nytimes.com/2008/07/18/What-A-Pimp-Reads/ whether the victim said no: “the consent of the trafficked person becomes irrelevant What are the lures today? [4] Talking About Trafficking: Should We Use The whenever any of the ‘means’ of trafficking Words Slave And Slavery? | Human Trafficking Center (N.d.). Retrieved From Http://Human- [coercion, fraud, threat of force, etc.] are “Come to Florida to start your modeling traffickingcenter.org/Talking-Trafficking-Using- used.” [26] career!” Words-Slave-Slavery/

“Come to America for a better life!” [5] Human Trafficking Evokes Outrage, Little CONCLUSION Evidence. (2007, September 23). Retrieved From “I’ll make you a star!” Is sex trafficking modern-day slavery? Http://Www.washingtonpost.com/Wp-Dyn/Con- tent/Article/2007/09/22/AR2007092201401.Html Sex trafficking is the experience of being We’ve seen that the term “sex trafficking,” lured away from safety and into a situation [6] Graham, R. (2015, March 5). How Sex Traf- as a legal matter, can apply to all kinds of where a person can be dominated and ficking Became A Christian Cause Célèbre. Slate. situations, from the dungeon-like con- exploited by another human being. The Retrieved From Http://Www.slate.com/Articles/ ditions of a black market brothel to the victimization may last years, it may last Double_x/Faithbased/2015/03/Christians_and_ simple coercion and intimidation that can minutes, but that common thread remains sex_trafficking_how_evangelicals_made_it_a_ cause_celebre.html take place on the set of a modern porn the same. shoot. With such a broad range of offenses, [7] Facts About Modern-Day Slavery | Anka it’s understandable if it seems heavy-hand- Long before the American Civil War, Rising. (N.d.). Retrieved From Http://Www. ed stamping the word “slavery” across the millions of Americans had come to the ankarising.org/Slavery/Facts-About-Modern-Day- whole thing. Even in the ugliest examples, realization that slavery was evil. They Slavery/ the abusers don’t “own” their victims. condemned it. They preached sermons [8] The Facts. (2015, October 12). Retrieved From Governments don’t sanction the behavior. about it. They published abolitionist books, Https://Polarisproject.org/Facts One could reasonably ask: Why even make pamphlets, and tracts. They rescued slaves. the comparison? They went to Congress. So why did the [9] International Labour Organization. (2014). problem persist for decades? Profits And Poverty: The Economics Of Forced But then again, why does a modern-day Labour. Retrieved From Http://Www.ilo.org/ Wcmsp5/Groups/Public/—Ed_norm/—Declara- pimp have a slavery manual sitting on the Because all while they were condemning, tion/Documents/Publication/Wcms_243391.Pdf back seat of his car? preaching, and publishing about the evils of slavery, they were also wearing the cot- [10] The Girls Next Door – The New York Times. Survivor’s advocate, Minh Dang, makes ton shirts it produced. (2004, Jan 25). Retrieved From Http://Www. an interesting point. Sometimes we have a nytimes.com/2004/01/25/Magazine/The-Girls- tendency to define human trafficking only Modern sex trafficking shares a variety of Next-Door.html in the legal terms of what the perpetrator symbiotic connections to pornography. [11] Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) does, instead of what the victim experi- Often they’re one and the same. You can Of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106–386, Section 102(A), 114 ences: “If we compare slavery and human hate a thing. You can be outraged by it. But Stat. 1464. trafficking, we need to be clear about if you continue to sustain and engage with whether we are talking about slavery as an the industry that helps give it life, what [12] Trafficking Victims Protection Act. (2009, November 29). Retrieved From Https://Fightslavery- institution, slavery as an economic activity, is your outrage worth? Make it count, be now.org/Why-Fight-There-Are-27-Million-Reasons/ or slavery as the condition of the person a voice against modern-day slavery. Be a The-Law-And-Trafficking/Trafficking-Victims-Pro- being enslaved.” voice against sexual exploitation and stop tection-Act/Trafficking-Victims-Protection-Act/ Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org [13] Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) [25] Hughes, D. (2010). “Sex Trafficking Of Wom- Of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106–386, Section 102(A), 114 en For The Production Of Pornography,” Citizens Stat. 1464. Against Trafficking.

[14] Collins, Amy. (2011). Sex Trafficking Of [26] FAQs. (N.d.). Retrieved From Https://Www. Americans: The Girls Next Door. Vanity Fair. unodc.org/Unodc/En/Human-Trafficking/Faqs. Retrieved From Http://Www.vanityfair.com/ html#What_if_a_trafficked_person_consents News/2011/05/Sex-Trafficking-201105 [27] Language Matters: Defining Human Traf- [15] United States Department Of Justice. (2008, ficking And Slavery – End Slavery Now. (N.d.). May 14). Leader Of New York-Connecticut Retrieved From Http://Endslaverynow.org/ Sex-Trafficking Ring Pleads Guilty. Retrieved Blog/Articles/Language-Matters-Defining-Hu- From Https://Www.justice.gov/Archive/Opa/ man-Trafficking-And-Slavery/ Pr/2008/March/08_crt_208.Html [28] National Humanities Center. (N.d.) Capture [16] Collins, Amy. (2011). Sex Trafficking Of In West Africa, Accounts From The Narratives Americans: The Girls Next Door. Vanity Fair. Of Former Slaves, WPA Narratives, 1936-1938. Retrieved From Http://Www.vanityfair.com/ Retrieved From Http://Nationalhumanitiescenter. News/2011/05/Sex-Trafficking-201105 org/Pds/Maai/Freedom/Text6/Capturenarratives. pdf [17] Hot Girls Wanted. Netflix

[18] Zillmann And Bryant, “Effects Of Massive Exposure To Pornography” In Pornography And Sexual Aggression, Eds. Neil M. Malamuth And Edward Donerstein (New York: Academic Press, 1984 And J. V. P. Check And T. H. Guloien, “The Effects Of Repeated Exposure To Sexually Violent Pornography, Nonviolent Dehumanizing Por- nography, And Erotica,” In Pornography: Recent Research, Interpretations, And Policy Consider- ations, Eds. D. Zillmann And J. Bryant (Hillsdale, N.J.: Erlbaum, 1989)

[19] Dr. Karen Countryman-Roswurm, LMSW, Ph.D. Interview || Truth About Porn [Video File]. (2016, December 28). Retrieved From Https:// Vimeo.com/190317258

[20] Countryman-Roswurm, Karen (2017). Primed For Perpetration: Porn And The Per- petuation Of Sex Trafficking. Guest Blog For FTND, Retrieved From Http://Fightthenewdrug. org/Fighting-Sex-Trafficking-Absolutely-In- cludes-Fighting-Pornography/

[21] Thorn, “A Report On The Use Of Technology To Recruit, Groom, And Sell Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Victim (2015). Retrieved From Https://Www.wearethorn.org/Wp-Content/Up- loads/2015/02/Survivor_Survey_r5.Pdf

[22] Catharine A. MacKinnon, Are Women Human? (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2007

[23] U.S. Attorney’s Office For The Western District Of Missouri, “Victim Tortured As Slave, Forced Into Sex Trafficking And Forced Labor,” Press Release, March 30, 2011.

[24] U.S. Department Of Justice, “Two Men Sentenced To Multiple Life Sentences For Enticing Women To South Florida To Engage In Commer- cial Sex Acts And Distributing Date Rape Pills,” Press Release, February 17, 2012.

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org HOW CONSUMING PORN CAN LEAD TO VIOLENCE

It’s no secret that much of porn is violent, but many people don’t un- derstand the extent to which porn’s underlying messages influence behavior. Porn is full of people, particularly women, being disrespected, coerced, and physically and verbally abused, and that’s shaping how KEY TAKEAWAYS society thinks and acts. • Most mainstream porn contains vio- lent sexual behavior against women. few years ago, a team of researchers that exposure to both violent and nonvi- • Consuming violent porn can change looked at 50 of the most popular porn olent porn increases aggressive behavior, attitudes and leads individuals to films—the ones purchased and rented including both having violent fantasies and think violent sex is normal and Amost often. [1] Of the 304 scenes the movies actually committing violent assaults. [8] acceptable. contained, 88% contained physical violence • Studies show that after consuming and 49% contained verbal aggression. On In 2016, a team of leading researchers porn, even non-violent, consumers average, only one scene in 10 didn’t contain compiled all the research they could are more likely to use verbal coer- any aggression, and the typical scene averaged find on the subject. [9] After examining cion, drugs, and alcohol to coerce 12 physical or verbal attacks. One particularly twenty-two studies they concluded that individuals into sex. disturbing scene managed to fit in 128! the research left, “little doubt that, on the average, individuals who consume por- The amount of violence shown in porn is nography more frequently are more likely astonishing but equally disturbing is the to hold attitudes conducive [favorable] to reaction of the victims. In the study, 95% of sexual aggression and engage in actual acts the victims (almost all of them women) either of sexual aggression.” were neutral to the abuse or appeared to respond with pleasure. [2] If you’re wondering how sitting in a chair consuming porn can actually change what In other words, in porn, people are getting a person thinks and does, the answer goes beaten up and they’re smiling about it. back to how porn affects the brain (See How Porn Changes The Brain). Our brains Of course, not all porn features physical have what scientists call “mirror neu- violence, but even non-violent porn has been rons”—brain cells that fire not only when shown to have effects on consumers. The vast we do things ourselves, but also when we majority of porn—violent or not—portrays watch other people do things. [10] This is men as powerful and in charge; while women why movies can make us cry or feel angry are submissive and obedient. [3] Watching or scared. Essentially, mirror neurons let scene after scene of dehumanizing submission us share the emotion of other people’s makes it start to seem normal. [4] It sets the experiences as we watch. So when a person stage for lopsided power dynamics in couple is looking at porn, he or she naturally relationships and the gradual acceptance of starts to respond to the emotions of the verbal and physical aggression against wom- actors seen on the screen. As the consum- en. [5] Research has confirmed that those er becomes aroused, his or her brain gets who consume porn (even if it’s nonviolent) to work wiring together those feelings of are more likely to support statements that arousal to what is seen happening on the promote abuse and sexual aggression toward screen, almost as if he or she was actually women and girls. [6] having the experience. [11] So if a person feels aroused watching a man or woman But porn doesn’t just change attitudes; it get kicked around and called names, that can also shape actions. Study after study has individual’s brain learns to associate that shown that consumers of violent and nonvi- kind of violence with sexual arousal. [12] olent porn are more likely to use verbal coer- cion, drugs, and alcohol to coerce individuals To make matters worse, when porn shows into sex. [7] And multiple studies have found victims of violence who seem to accept or

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org enjoy being hurt, the viewer is fed the mes- Saying no to porn is helping to build a Adolescent Health, 27, 2: 41–44. Retrieved From sage that people like to be treated that way, less violent world; one that’s more loving, Https://Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Pubmed/10904205 giving porn consumers a sense that it’s connected, humane, sexy, and safe. [5] Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography And okay to act aggressively themselves. [13] Violence: A New Look At The Research. In J. Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Consumers might tell themselves that they Citations Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). aren’t personally affected by porn, that they Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Berkel, [1] Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., won’t be fooled into believing its underly- L. A., Vandiver, B. J., & Bahner, A. D. (2004). Sun, C. & Liberman, R. (2010). Aggression Gender Role Attitudes, Religion, And Spirituality ing messages, but studies suggest other- And Sexual Behavior In Best Selling Pornog- As Predictors Of Domestic Violence Attitudes wise. There is clear evidence that porn raphy Videos: A Content Analysis Update. In White College Students. Journal Of College makes many consumers more likely to Violence Against Women, 16(10), 1065–1085. Student Development, 45:119–131. Doi:10.1353/ support violence against women, to believe Doi:10.1177/1077801210382866 Csd.2004.0019 ; Allen, M., Emmers, T., Geb- that women secretly enjoy being raped, hardt, L., And Giery, M. A. (1995). Exposure [2] Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., [14] and to actually be sexually aggressive To Pornography And Acceptance Of The Rape Sun, C. & Liberman, R. (2010). Aggression Myth. Journal Of Communication, 45(1), 5–26. in real life. [15] The aggression may take And Sexual Behavior In Best Selling Pornog- Doi:10.1111/J.1460-2466.1995.Tb00711.X many forms including verbally harassing raphy Videos: A Content Analysis Update. or pressuring someone for sex, emotional- Violence Against Women, 16(10), 1065–1085. [6] Hald, G. M., Malamuth, N. M., And Yuen, C. ly manipulating them, threatening to end Doi:10.1177/1077801210382866. See Also Whis- (2010). Pornography And Attitudes Supporting the relationship unless they grant favors, nant, R. (2016). Pornography, Humiliation, And Violence Against Women: Revisiting The Relation- Consent. , Media, & Society, 2(3), deceiving them or lying to them about sex, ship In Nonexperimental Studies. Aggression And 1-7. Doi:10.1177/2374623816662876 (Arguing Behavior, 36(1), 14–20. Doi:10.1002/Ab.20328; or even physically assaulting them. [16] That “Pornography’s Berkel, L. A., Vandiver, B. J., And Bahner, A. D. (2004). Gender Role Attitudes, Religion, And And remember that porn use frequently [3] DeKeseredy, W. (2015). Critical Crimino- Spirituality As Predictors Of Domestic Violence escalates over time, so even if consumers logical Understandings Of Adult Pornography Attitudes In White College Students. Journal Of And Women Abuse: New Progressive Directions don’t start out watching violent porn, that College Student Development, 45(2), 119–131. In Research And Theory. International Journal Doi:10.1353/Csd.2004.0019; Zillmann, D. (2004). may change. (See Why Consuming Porn Is For Crime, Justice, And Social Democracy, 4(4) Pornografie. In R. Mangold, P. Vorderer, & G. An Escalating Behavior.) The longer they 4-21. Doi:10.5204/Ijcjsd.v4i4.184; Rothman, E. F., Bente (Eds.) Lehrbuch Der Medienpsychologie consume, the more likely they’ll find them- Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., Jansen, E., & Baugh- (Pp. 565–85). Gottingen, Germany: Hogrefe selves seeking out increasingly shocking, man, A. (2015). “Without Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Verlag; Zillmann, D. (1989). Effects Of Prolonged hardcore content. [17] Half The Things I Know Now”: A Qualitative Consumption Of Pornography. In D. Zillmann & Study Of Pornography Use Among A Sample Of J. Bryant, (Eds.) Pornography: Research Advances Urban, Low-Income, Black And Hispanic Youth. And Policy Considerations (P. 155). Hillsdale, N.J.: Not surprisingly, the more violent the porn Journal Of Sex Research, 52(7), 736-746. Doi:1 L. Erlbaum Associates. they consume, the more likely they will be 0.1080/00224499.2014.960908; Layden, M. A. to support violence and act out violently. (2010) Pornography And Violence: A New Look [7] Boeringer, S. B. (1994). Pornography And [18] In fact, one study found that those At The Research. In Stoner, J. & Hughes, D. (Eds.), Sexual Aggression: Associations Of Violent And with higher exposure to violent porn were The Social Cost Of Pornography: A Collection Nonviolent Depictions With Rape And Rape Of Papers (Pp. 57-68). Princeton, N.J.: Wither- six times more likely to have raped some- Proclivity. Deviant Behavior 15(3), 289–304; Do spoon Institute; Ryu, E. (2008). Spousal Use Of i:10.1080/01639625.1994.9967974; Check, J. & one than those who had low past exposure. Pornography And Its Clinical Significance For Guloien, T. (1989). The Effects Of Repeated Expo- [19] Asian-American Women: Korean Woman As An sure To Sexually Violent Pornography, Nonviolent Illustration. Journal Of Feminist Family Therapy, Dehumanizing Pornography, And Erotica. In D. Of course, not every porn consumer is 16(4), 75. Doi:10.1300/J086v16n04_05; Shope, Zillmann & J. Bryant (Eds.) Pornography: Re- J. H. (2004). When Words Are Not Enough: The going to turn into a rapist. But that doesn’t search Advances And Policy Considerations (Pp. Search For The Effect Of Pornography On Abused 159–84). Hillsdale, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Asso- change the fact that pornography is hitting Women. Violence Against Women, 10(1), 56-72. ciates; Marshall, W. L. (1988). The Use Of Sexually us with a tidal wave of dehumanizing Doi:10.1177/1077801203256003 Explicit Stimuli By Rapists, Child Molesters, And violence. It makes no sense for our society Non-Offenders. Journal Of Sex Research, 25(2): to accept the messages of porn, while [4] Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., 267–88. Doi:10.1080/00224498809551459 at the same time calling for full gender Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know equality and an end of sexual assault. A [8] Wright, P.J., Tokunaga, R. S., & Kraus, A. Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use (2016). A Meta-Analysis Of Pornography Con- large portion of the porn consumed by Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black sumption And Actual Acts Of Sexual Aggres- millions of people every day is reinforcing And Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, sion In General Population Studies. Journal Of the message that humiliation and violence 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.9609 Communication, 66(1), 183-205. Doi:10.1111/ are normal parts of what sex is supposed to 08; Weinberg, M. S., Williams, C. J., Kleiner, S., & Jcom.12201; DeKeseredy, W. (2015). Critical be. [20] It’s wiring the minds and expecta- Irizarry, Y. (2010). Pornography, Normalization Criminological Understandings Of Adult Por- And Empowerment. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, tions of the upcoming generation, making nography And Women Abuse: New Progressive 39 (6) 1389-1401. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9592- Directions In Research And Theory. International it harder for many young people to prepare 5; Doring, N. M. (2009). The Internet’s Impact Journal For Crime, Justice, And Social Democracy, for loving, nurturing relationships [21] On Sexuality: A Critical Review Of 15 Years 4(4) 4-21. Doi:10.5204/Ijcjsd.v4i4.184; Allen, M., and leaving both women and men feeling Of Research. Computers In Human Behavior, Emmers, T., Gebhardt, L., & Giery, M. A. (1995). like they can’t express the pain it’s causing 25(5), 1089-1101. Doi:10.1016/J.chb.2009.04.003; Exposure To Pornography And Acceptance Of The Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence Of Unrestrained them. [22] (See Why Porn Leaves Con- Rape Myth. Journal Of Communication, 45(1), Access To Erotica On Adolescents’ And Young 5–26. Doi:10.1111/J.1460-2466.1995.Tb00711.X sumers Lonely.) Adults’ Dispositions Toward Sexuality. Journal Of Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org [9] Wright, P.J., Tokunaga, R. S., & Kraus, A. And Erotica. In D. Zillmann & J. Bryant (Eds.) cation, 45(1), 5–26. 10.1111/J.1460-2466.1995. (2016). A Meta-Analysis Of Pornography Con- Pornography: Research Advances And Policy Tb00711.X sumption And Actual Acts Of Sexual Aggres- Considerations (Pp. 159–84). Hillsdale, N.J.: Law- sion In General Population Studies. Journal Of rence Erlbaum Associates; Check, J. & Malamuth, [19] oeringer, S. B. (1994). Pornography And Communication, 66(1), 183-205. Doi:10.1111/ N. M. (1985). An Empirical Assessment Of Some Sexual Aggression: Associations Of Violent And Jcom.12201 Feminist Hypotheses About Rape. International Nonviolent Depictions With Rape And Rape Journal Of Women’s Studies 8, 4: 414–23. Proclivity. Deviant Behavior 15(3), 289–304. Doi:1 [10] Rizzolatti, G. And Craighero, L. (2004). 0.1080/01639625.1994.9967974 The Mirror-Neuron System. Annual Review Of [15] Hald, G. M., Malamuth, N. M., & Yuen, C. Neuroscience 27, 169–192. Doi:10.1146/Annurev. (2010). Pornography And Attitudes Supporting [20] Bridges, A. J. (2010). Pornography’s Effect neuro.27.070203.144230 Violence Against Women: Revisiting The Relation- On Interpersonal Relationships. In J. Stoner & D. ship In Nonexperimental Studies. Aggression And Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: [11] Hilton, D. L. (2013). Pornography Addic- Behavior 36(1), 14–20. Doi:10.1002/Ab.20328; A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 89-110). Princeton, tion—A Supranormal Stimulus Considered In Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography And Violence: NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Doidge, N. (2007). The Context Of Neuroplasticity. Socioaffective A New Look At The Research. In J. Stoner & D. The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Neuroscience & Psychology 3:20767. Doi:10.3402/ Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: Books; Layden, M. A. (2004). Committee On Snp.v3i0.20767; Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). Princeton, Commerce, Science, And Transportation, Sub- Changes Itself. New York: Penguin Books. NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Boeringer, S. B. (1994). committee On Science And Space, U.S. Senate, Pornography And Sexual Aggression: Associations Hearing On The Brain Science Behind Pornogra- [12] Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography And Of Violent And Nonviolent Depictions With Rape phy Addiction, November 18. Violence: A New Look At The Research. In J. And Rape Proclivity. Deviant Behavior 15(3), 289– Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of 304. Doi:10.1080/01639625.1994.9967974; Check, [21] Yoder, V. C., Virden, T. B., & Amin, K. (2005). Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). J. & Guloien, T. (1989). The Effects Of Repeated Internet Pornography And Loneliness: An Asso- Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Doidge, N. Exposure To Sexually Violent Pornography, Non- ciation? Sexual Addiction And Compulsivity, 12, (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: violent Dehumanizing Pornography, And Erotica. 19-44. Doi:10.1080/10720160590933653; Brooks, Penguin Books; Malamuth, N. M. (1981). Rape In D. Zillmann & J. Bryant (Eds.) Pornography: G. R., (1995). The Centerfold Syndrome: How Fantasies As A Function Of Exposure To Violent Research Advances And Policy Considerations Men Can Overcome Objectification And Achieve Sexual Stimuli. Archives Of Sexual Behavior 10(1), (Pp. 159–84). Hillsdale, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Intimacy With Women. San Francisco, CA: Bass. 33–47. Doi:10.1007/BF01542673 Associates; Marshall, W. L. (1988). The Use Of Sexually Explicit Stimuli By Rapists, Child Molest- [22] Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography And Vi- [13] Bridges, A. J. (2010). Pornography’s Effect ers, And Non-Offenders. Journal Of Sex Research, olence: A New Look At The Research. In J. Stoner On Interpersonal Relationships. In J. Stoner And 25(2): 267–88. Doi:10.1080/00224498809551459 & D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornog- D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornog- raphy: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). Princ- raphy: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 89-110). [16] Wright, P.J., Tokunaga, R. S., & Kraus, A. eton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Wolf, N. (2004). Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Layden, (2016). A Meta-Analysis Of Pornography Con- The Porn Myth. New York Magazine, May 24. M. A. (2010). Pornography And Violence: A sumption And Actual Acts Of Sexual Aggres- New Look At The Research. In J. Stoner And D. sion In General Population Studies. Journal Of Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: Communication, 66(1), 183-205. Doi:10.1111/ A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). Prince- Jcom.12201; DeKeseredy, W. (2015). Critical ton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Marshall, W. L. Criminological Understandings Of Adult Por- (2000). Revisiting The Use Of Pornography By nography And Women Abuse: New Progressive Sexual Offenders: Implications For Theory And Directions In Research And Theory. International Practice. Journal Of Sexual Aggression 6(1-2), 67. Journal For Crime, Justice, And Social Democra- Doi:10.1080/13552600008413310 cy, 4(4) 4-21. Doi:10.5204/Ijcjsd.v4i4.184; Barak, A., Fisher, W. A., Belfry, S., & Lashambe, D. R. [14] Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography And (1999). Sex, Guys, And Cyberspace: Effects Of Violence: A New Look At The Research. In J. Internet Pornography And Individual Differences Stoner And D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs On Men’s Attitudes Toward Women. Journal Of Of Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. Psychology And Human Sexuality, 11(1),63–91. 57–68). Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute; 10.1300/J056v11n01_04 Milburn, M., Mather, R., & Conrad, S. (2000). The Effects Of Viewing R-Rated Movie Scenes [17] Park, B. Y., Et Al. (2016). Is Internet Pornog- That Objectify Women On Perceptions Of raphy Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review Date Rape. Sex Roles, 43(9-10), 645–664. With Clinical Reports. Behavioral Sciences, 6, 10.1023/A:1007152507914; Weisz, M. G. & Earls, 17. Doi:10.3390/Bs6030017; Kalman, T.P. (2008). C. (1995). The Effects Of Exposure To Filmed Clinical Encounters With Internet Pornography. Sexual Violence On Attitudes Toward Rape. Journal Of The American Academy Of Psycho- Journal Of Interpersonal Violence, 10(1), 71–84; analysis And Dynamic Psychiatry, 36(4) 593-618. Doi:10.1177/088626095010001005; Ohbuchi, K. Doi:10.1521/Jaap.2008.36.4.593; Doidge, N. I., Et Al. (1994). Effects Of Violent Pornography (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York: Upon Viewers’ Rape Myth Beliefs: A Study Of Penguin Books. Japanese Males. Psychology, Crime, And Law 7(1), 71–81; Doi:10.1080/10683169408411937; Corne, [18] Hald, G. M., Malamuth, N. M., And Yuen, C. S., Et Al. (1992). Women’s Attitudes And Fantasies (2010). Pornography And Attitudes Supporting About Rape As A Function Of Early Exposure To Violence Against Women: Revisiting The Relation- Pornography. Journal Of Interpersonal Violence ship In Nonexperimental Studies. Aggression And 7(4), 454–61. Doi:10.1177/088626092007004002; Behavior 36(1), 14–20. Doi:10.1002/Ab.20328.; Check, J. & Guloien, T. (1989). The Effects Of Allen, M., Emmers, T., Gebhardt, L., & Giery, M. Repeated Exposure To Sexually Violent Pornog- A. (1995). Exposure To Pornography And Accep- raphy, Nonviolent Dehumanizing Pornography, tance Of The Rape Myth. Journal Of Communi-

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org THE PORN INDUSTRY’S DARK SECRETS

Would you support a business if you knew that they abused some (but not all) of their female employees? Pornographers don’t want you to think about it, but even if some of the humiliation, degradation, and sexual violence you see in porn is consensual, some is not. KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Consumers have no way of knowing I got the &*%$ kicked out of me …. she gave her consent. [3] But what if she whether or not individuals in por- Most of the girls start crying because didn’t? What if she really didn’t want to nography gave their consent. they’re hurting so bad …. I couldn’t be painfully dominated, humiliated, and • Many victims of human sex traf- breathe. I was being hit and choked. I sexually used for the world to see? The ficking are used in the production of was really upset and they didn’t stop. truth is, there’s often much more going on pornography. They kept filming. [I asked them to turn than what you see on the screen. That is, the camera off] and they kept going. perhaps, the porn industry’s biggest, dark- REGAN STARR est secret: it’s not all consensual. FORMER PORN ACTOR [1] In the spring of 2004, during the American There is a tendency to believe that “human occupation of Iraq, the world was shocked to trafficking” refers to a Third World prob- learn that US soldiers were abusing prisoners lem: forced prostitution or child pornog- in Abu Ghraib. Hundreds of leaked photos raphy rings in some far-off, developing showed Iraqi prisoners being made to crawl country. The truth is, sex trafficking is on the floor wearing leashes, wear panties on officially defined as a “modern-day form their heads, masturbate for the camera, touch of slavery in which a commercial sex act other men’s naked bodies, and even more de- is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or grading behaviors that we are not comfortable in which the person induced to perform mentioning here. What horrified the public such an act is under the age of 18 years.” was not only the human rights violations [4] That means any instance in which the themselves, but the fact that the soldiers re- individual on screen was forced, tricked, corded the abuse with obvious glee. In many or pressured. By that definition, human of the photos, soldiers grinned and flashed a trafficking is everywhere. [5] (See How “thumbs up” to the camera as they stood over Porn Fuels Sex Trafficking.) their victims. After an investigation, several soldiers were dishonorably discharged from The examples are chilling. In 2011, two the military and others served time in prison Miami men were found guilty of spending for what they had done at Abu Ghraib. [2] five years luring women into a human trafficking trap. [6] They would advertise That same year, pornographers video-record- modeling roles, then when women came ed and photographed thousands of women to try out, they would drug them, kidnap enduring nearly identical treatment and them, rape them, videotape the violence, worse. Those images were published on the and sell it to porn stores and businesses internet and viewed by millions of porn con- across the country. sumers. There was no public outcry. That same year a couple in Missouri was Comparing porn to what happened in Abu charged with forcing a mentally handi- Ghraib will ruffle some people’s feathers. A capped girl to produce porn for them by knee-jerk reaction is to say, “Those are totally beating, whipping, suffocating, electrocu- different! In porn, women give their consent!” tion, drowning, mutilating, and choking her until she agreed. One of the photos But do they? Do we know for sure that they forced her to make ended up on the anyone in any porn content gave their con- front cover of a porn publication owned by sent? Defenders of pornography make this Hustler Magazine Group. [7] argument all the time, that no matter how a woman is treated in porn, it’s okay because So sure, you could say the handicapped Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org girl “agreed” to participate. You could How can it be ethical to say that “porn is Http://Www.collectiveshout.org/The_sex_fac- argue that the women voluntarily respond- okay because participants give their con- tor_mainstreaming_and_normalising_the_abuse_ ed to an ad. But do you really think those sent,” when we know for a fact that some— and_exploitation_of_women victims gave their consent? We all know probably much more than you think— that’s not real consent, that’s coercion. do not?

In porn, the question of consent can be tricky (and the growing phenomenon of Citations amateur porn makes it even trickier). For example, if one of the participants doesn’t [1] Amis, M. (2001, March 17). A Rough Trade. The Guardian (U.K.), March 17. Retrieved From know there’s a camera running, then the Https://Www.theguardian.com/Books/2001/ porn is not consensual, even if the sex is. Mar/17/Society.martinamis1 Right? What if a person consented to be filmed, but not to have the film shown to [2] Whisnant, R. (2016). Pornography, Humil- anyone else? What if someone manipulat- iation, And Consent. Sexualization, Media, & ed their partner into being filmed in the Society, 2(3), 1-7. Doi:10.1177/2374623816662876 first place, like making him or her worry [3] Whisnant, R. (2016). Pornography, Humil- that they’d blackmail them if they didn’t iation, And Consent. Sexualization, Media, & cooperate? Or what if a person agreed to Society, 2(3), 1-7. Doi:10.1177/2374623816662876; have sex, but in the middle, their partner Dines, G., (2010). Pornland: How Porn Has Hi- suddenly started doing something that the jacked Our Sexuality. Boston, MA: Beacon Press; person who initially gave consent didn’t Dworkin, A., (1980). Pornography: Men Possess- ing Women. New York, NY: Penguin Books. expect? Did he or she still give consent? [4] Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) Of The point is, when you consume porn, 2000. Pub. L. No. 106-386, Section 103 (8) (A). there’s no way to know what kind of “consent” the actors have given. You can’t [5] Peters, R. W., Lederer, L. J., And Kelly, S. (2012). The Slave And The Porn Star: Sexual assume, just because someone appears in Trafficking And Pornography. In M. Mattar & a porn video, that they knew beforehand J. Braunmiller (Eds.) Journal Of Human Rights exactly what would happen or that they And Civil Society 5: 1-21. Retrieved From Http:// had a real choice or the ability to stop what Www.protectionproject.org/Wp-Content/Up- was being done. loads/2012/11/TPP-J-HR-Civ-Socy_Vol-5_2012- W-Cover.pdf; Malarek, V. (2009). The Johns: Sex For Sale And The Men Who Buy It. (Pp. 202-204) “I’ve never received a beating like that be- New York, NY: Arcade; Farley, M. (2007). Renting fore in my life,” said Alexandra Read after An Organ For Ten Minutes: What Tricks Tell Us being whipped and caned for 35 minutes. About Prostitution, Pornography, And Trafficking. “I have permanent scars up and down the In D. E. Guinn & J. DiCaro (Eds.) Pornography: backs of my thighs. It was all things that I Driving The Demand In International Sex Traf- had consented to, but I didn’t know quite ficking, (P. 145). BLoomington, IN: Xlibris. D. M. Hughes. (2000). “Welcome To The Rape Camp”: the brutality of what was about to happen Sexual Exploitation And The Internet In Cambo- to me until I was in it.” [8] dia. Journal Of Sexual Aggression, 6(1-2), 29-51. Doi:10.1080/13552600008413308 Did you catch what Alexandra said there? “It was all things that I had consented to.” [6] U.S. Department Of Justice. (2012). Two Men Sentenced To Multiple Life Sentences For Enticing That’s the problem with treating consent Women To South Florida To Engage In Commer- like it’s “all-or-nothing.” She consented to cial Sex Acts And Distributing Date Rape Pills. do X. She didn’t consent to do X, Y, and Z². Press Release, Feb. 17.

We’re not claiming that all porn is [7] Peters, R. W., Lederer, L. J., And Kelly, S. non-consensual. We’re just pointing out (2012). The Slave And The Porn Star: Sexual Trafficking And Pornography. In M. Mattar & J. that some of it is and some of it isn’t, and Braunmiller (Eds.) Journal Of Human Rights And when you watch it there’s no way to know Civil Society 5: 1-21; U.S. Attorney’s Office For which is which. The Western District Of Missouri. (2010). Woman Tortured As Slave, Victim Of Trafficking And So, would you buy from a company if you Forced Labor. Press Release, September 9. Http:// knew that some, but not all, of their prod- Www.justice.gov/Usao/Mw/News2010/Bagley.ind. htm ucts were made with child labor? Would you support a store that abused some, but [8] Collective Shout (2014, July 24) The Sex Fac- not all, of their employees? tor: Mainstreaming And Normalising The Abuse And Exploitation Of Women. Retrieved From Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org HOW PORN WARPS IDEAS ABOUT SEX

Whether they want to or not, the majority of teens are getting some of their sex education from porn. Researchers have repeatedly found that people who have seen a significant amount of porn are more likely to start having sex sooner and with more partners; and to engage in KEY TAKEAWAYS riskier kinds of sex, putting them at greater risk of contracting sexually • Porn has become a fictional version transmitted infections. of sexual education for most young people. magine what would happen if your of brutal anal sex and women being humil- • Sexual preferences of porn viewers school’s health class was taught by a ciga- iated and degraded by two or more men at have become heavily in influenced rette salesman. Chances are, you wouldn’t any one time are the new norms.” [5] by pornography. Ihear much about lung cancer or how much • The porn industry becomes increas- shorter the typical smoker’s lifespan is. He Researchers are finding that porn’s influ- ingly more extreme in a competitive might even try to tell you that smoking could ence can and does find its way into teen- market. boost your sprint time. Sounds ridiculous, ager’s sexual behaviors. [6] For example, • Porn edits out the consequences of right? But that’s the kind of education mil- people who have consumed a significant unhealthy sex practices. lions of teens are getting about sex every day. amount of porn are more likely to start having sex sooner and with more partners, While porn is often called “adult material,” to engage in riskier kinds of sex that put many of its viewers are well under the legal them at greater risk of getting sexually age. [1] In fact, the majority of teens are get- transmitted infections, and to have actually ting at least some of their sex ed from porn, contracted an STI. [7] whether they mean to or not. [2] And just like cigarette commercials show healthy people Sociologist Dr. Michael Kimmel has found puffing away instead of the cancer-causing that men’s sexual fantasies have become reality, porn is offering a completely warped heavily influenced by porn, [8] which gets idea of what partners, sex, and relationships awfully tricky when their partners don’t are really like. [3] want to act out the degrading or dangerous acts porn shows. [9] As a result, individu- Studies show that people who consume porn als who consume pornography have been are far more likely to believe that things like shown to be more likely to go to prosti- group sex or dangerous sex acts are more tutes, [10] often looking for a chance to common than their non-porn-consuming live out what they’ve seen in porn. [11] In peers. [4] Why? Because that’s what they’ve one survey of former prostitutes, 80% said seen in porn. In one study of popular porn that customers had shown them images of videos, the average number of sexual partners porn to illustrate what they wanted to do. in a scene was three, although the number [12] ranged as high as 19. Today’s mainstream porn sites include whole categories of unpro- But just as harmful as the things porn tected sex with strangers, brutal gang rape, shows is what it doesn’t show. Pornography and other dangerous and violent sex acts. doesn’t give an accurate picture of what healthy sex is like; they cut out things like And porn keeps getting worse. talking, cuddling, bonding touch, and other ways partners are responsive to each “A competitive market means that pornogra- other’s needs and preferences. [13] They phers are trying to outdo each other to come also cut out the consequences of the kinds up with the most extreme images,” explains of sex portrayed in porn. [14] No one ever Dr. John Wood, a therapist who works with contracts sexually transmitted infections in youth addicted to pornography. “This contest porn. There are no unplanned pregnancies, to push the boundaries means that straight no cervical cancer, no intestinal parasites, intercourse is considered too boring. Images and no skin tearing or bruises. Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org In porn, no matter how rough a person And Sexual “Reality” Of Contemporary Pornog- treats their partner, nearly everything Citations raphy. Journal Of Sex Research, 30(2), 161–70. looks like it feels good. [15] In fact, in Doi:10.1080/00224499309551697 [1] Peter, J. & Valkenburg, P. M. (2016). Adoles- the study of popular porn videos, in nine cents And Pornography: A Review Of 20 Years [4] Weinberg, M. S., Williams, C. J., Kleiner, S., & scenes out of 10, a woman was being hit, Of Research. Journal Of Sex Research, 53(4-5), Irizarry, Y. (2010). Pornography, Normalization beaten, yelled at, or otherwise harmed, and 509-531. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2016.114344 And Empowerment. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, the result was almost always the same: the 1; Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., 39 (6) 1389-1401. Doi:10.1007/S10508-009-9592- victim either responded with pleasure or Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without 5; Doring, N. M. (2009). The Internet’s Impact Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know On Sexuality: A Critical Review Of 15 Years had no response at all. [16] Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Of Research. Computers In Human Behavior, Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black 25(5), 1089-1101. Doi:10.1016/J.chb.2009.04.003; Not only does porn offer a warped version And Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, Layden, M. A. (2004). Committee On Commerce, of sex education, it also delivers that 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.96 Science, And Transportation, Subcommittee On education in a way perfectly tailored to 0908; Sun, C., Bridges, A., Johnason, J., Ezzell, Science And Space, U.S. Senate, Hearing On The how our brains learn. [17] (See How Porn M., (2014). Pornography And The Male Sexual Brain Science Behind Pornography Addiction, Script: An Analysis Of Consumption And Sexual November 18; ; Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence Of Changes the Brain.) Images are especially Relations. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 45, 1-12. Unrestrained Access To Erotica On Adolescents’ powerful teachers since they can pack in Doi:10.1007/S10508-014-0391-2 (Finding That And Young Adults’ Dispositions Toward Sexuality. a whole lot of information that the viewer Nearly Half Of College-Age Men Report Having Journal Of Adolescent Health, 27(2), 41–44. can understand very quickly. And while Been First Exposed To Internet Porn Prior To Age Doi:10.1016/S1054-139X(00)00137-3 words are often interpreted as mere opin- 13) ions, our brains are more likely to accept [5] Woods, J. (2012). Jamie Is 13 And Hasn’t Even [2] Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., Jan- Kissed A Girl. But He’s Now On The Sex Offender images as facts. After all, it’s a lot more sen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Porn…I Register After Online Porn Warped His Mind. difficult to argue with something you’re Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know Now”: A Daily Mail (U.K.), April 25. seeing happen in front of you. [18] Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black And His- [6] Peter, J. & Valkenburg, P. M., (2016) Adoles- And what messages are young people panic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, 52(7), 736- cents And Pornography: A Review Of 20 Years 746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960908; Paul, Of Research. Journal Of Sex Research, 53(4-5), learning so effectively from porn? A recent P. (2010). From Pornography To Porno To Porn: 509-531. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2016.1143441; study of adolescent porn use concluded How Porn Became The Norm. In J. Stoner & D. Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., Jansen, that the major messages presented by porn Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Porn…I are male domination, hypermasculinity, A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 3–20). Princeton, N.J.: Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know Now”: and making male sexual pleasure the top Witherspoon Institute; Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Among priority. [19] How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black And Our Relationships, And Our Families. New York: Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, 52(7), Henry Hold And Co., 16-17; Prigg, M., & Sims, 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960908 What kind of education is that? P. (2004). Truth About Dangers Of Net As Half Of Children Are Exposed To Porn. The Evening [7] Morgan, E. M. (2011). Associations Between “It’s sad,” says Dr. Gary Brooks, a psychol- Standard (London), September 3; U.S. Govern- Young Adults’ Use Of Sexually Explicit Materials ogy professor who studies the effects of ment Accountability Office. (2003). File-Sharing And Their Sexual Preferences, Behaviors, And porn. “Boys who are initiated in [to] sex Programs: Peer-To-Peer Networks Provide Ready Satisfaction. Journal Of Sex Research, 48(6), 520- Access To . Washington, D.C.: 530. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2010.543960; Layden, through these images become indoctrinat- GAO, February. M. A. (2010). Pornography And Violence: A New ed in a way that can potentially stay with Look At The Research. In J. Stoner & D. Hughes them for the rest of their lives.” [20] And [3] Paul, P. (2010). From Pornography To Porno (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: A think about it, what messages does that To Porn: How Porn Became The Norm. In J. Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). Princeton, NJ: send to young women and girls who are Stoner & D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Witherspoon Institute; Carroll, J. S., Padilla-Walk- Of Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. er, L. M., & Nelson, L. J. (2008). Generation XXX: consuming this content as well? 3–20). Princeton, N.J.: Witherspoon Institute; Pornography Acceptance And Use Among Emerg- Carroll, J. S., Padilla-Walker, L. M., And Nel- ing Adults. Journal Of Adolescent Research 23(1), That’s what porn is: indoctrination, the son, L. J. (2008). Generation XXX: Pornography 6–30. Doi:10.1177/0743558407306348; Hagg- process of teaching a person or group to Acceptance And Use Among Emerging Adults. strom-Nordin, E., Tyden, T., & Hanson, U. (2005). accept a set of beliefs uncritically. It isn’t Journal Of Adolescent Research, 23(1), 6–30. Associations Between Pornography Consumption just entertainment. It isn’t just titillating. Doi:10.1177/0743558407306348; Layden, M. A. And Sexual Practices Among Adolescents In Swe- (2004). Committee On Commerce, Science, And den. International Journal Of STD & AIDS, 16(2), It teaches a detrimental message from Transportation, Subcommittee On Science And 102–7. Doi:10.1258/0956462053057512; Wingood, a specific worldview. We can limit the Space, U.S. Senate, Hearing On The Brain Science G. M., Et Al. (2001). Exposure To X-Rated Movies advancement of porn’s ideals by spreading Behind Pornography Addiction, November 18; And Adolescents’ Sexual And Contraceptive-Re- the truth, especially to young people. And Marshall, W. L. (2000). Revisiting The Use Of Por- lated Attitudes And Behaviors. Pediatrics, 107(5), for those who feel caught up in porn’s web, nography By Sexual Offenders: Implications For 1116–19. Retrieved From Https://Www.ncbi.nlm. it’s never too late to stop and even turn Theory And Practice. Journal Of Sexual Aggres- nih.gov/Pubmed/11331695 sion, 6(1-2), 67. Doi:10.1080/13552600008413310; back its harmful effects. Click here to find Mosher, D. L. & MacIan, P. (1994). College [8] Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: How Pornography Is out how. Men And Women Respond To X-Rated Videos Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Intended For Male Or Female Audiences: Gender Our Families. New York: Henry Hold And Co., 27. And Sexual Scripts. Journal Of Sex Research 31(2), 99–112. Doi:10.1080/00224499409551736; [9] Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., Brosius, H. B., Et Al. (1993). Exploring The Social Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without

Get the Facts on Pornography © 2017 FIGHT THE NEW DRUG™ Learn more at FTND.org Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know Papers (Pp. 57–68). Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Institute. Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black And Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, [16] Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.96090 Sun, C. & Liberman, R. (2010). Aggression 8; MacKinnon, C. A. (2005). Pornography As Traf- And Sexual Behavior In Best Selling Pornog- ficking. Michigan Journal Of International Law raphy Videos: A Content Analysis Update. 26(4), 999–1000. Retrieved From Http://Reposi- Violence Against Women, 16(10), 1065–1085. tory.law.umich.edu/Mjil/Vol26/Iss4/1; Raymond, Doi:10.1177/1077801210382866 J. (2004). Public Hearing On The Impact Of The Sex Industry In The EU, Committee On Women’s [17] Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography And Rights And Equal Opportunities Public Hearing Violence: A New Look At The Research. In J. At The European Parliament. New York: Coalition Stoner & D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Against Trafficking In Women. Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute; Doidge, N. [10] Monto, M. A. (1999). Focusing On The (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. (102) New Clients Of Street Prostitutes: A Creative Approach York: Penguin Books. To Reducing Violence Against Women. Paper Submitted To The U.S. Department Of Justice. [18] DeKeseredy, W. (2015). Critical Criminolog- ical Understandings Of Adult Pornography And [11] Malarek, V. (2009). Johns: Sex For Sale Women Abuse: New Progressive Directions In And The Men Who Buy It. New York: Arcade, Research And Theory. International Journal For 193–96;MacKinnon, C. A. (2005). Pornography Crime, Justice, And Social Democracy, 4(4) 4-21. As Trafficking. Michigan Journal Of International Doi:10.5204/Ijcjsd.v4i4.184; Bridges, A. J. & An- Law 26(4), 999–1000. Retrieved From Http:// ton, C. (2013). Pornography And Violence Against Repository.law.umich.edu/Mjil/Vol26/Iss4/1; Ray- Women. In J. A. Sigal & F. L. Denmark (Eds.). mond, J. (2004). Public Hearing On The Impact Violence Against Girls And Women: International Of The Sex Industry In The EU, Committee On Perspectives (Pp. 183-206). Santa Barbara, CA: Women’s Rights And Equal Opportunities Public Preager. (“[E]Xposure To Pornography Is Partic- Hearing At The European Parliament. New York: ularly Problematic For Youth Because They Often Coalition Against Trafficking In Women. Lack Healthy Sexual Relationships That Coun- terbalance The Degrading And Depersonalizing [12] Globbe, E., Harrigan, M., And Ryan, J. (1990). Images Of Sex Often Depicted In Pornography.”) A Facilitator’s Guide To Prostitution: A Matter Of Violence Against Women. Minneapolis, Minn.: [19] Rothman, E. F., Kaczmarsky, C., Burke, N., WHISPER. Jansen, E., & Baughman, A. (2015). “Without Porn…I Wouldn’t Know Half The Things I Know [13] Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., Now”: A Qualitative Study Of Pornography Use Sun, C. & Liberman, R. (2010). Aggression Among A Sample Of Urban, Low-Income, Black And Sexual Behavior In Best Selling Pornog- And Hispanic Youth. Journal Of Sex Research, raphy Videos: A Content Analysis Update. 52(7), 736-746. Doi:10.1080/00224499.2014.960 Violence Against Women, 16(10), 1065–1085. 908 Doi:10.1177/1077801210382866 [20] Paul, P. (2007). Pornified: How Pornography [14] Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., Is Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, Sun, C. & Liberman, R. (2010). Aggression And Our Families. New York: Henry Hold & Co., And Sexual Behavior In Best Selling Pornog- 187. raphy Videos: A Content Analysis Update. Violence Against Women, 16(10), 1065–1085. Doi:10.1177/1077801210382866; Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography And Violence: A New Look At The Research. In J. Stoner & D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: A Collection Of Papers (Pp. 57–68). Princeton, NJ: Witherspoon Institute.

[15] Frith, H. (2014). Visualizing The ‘Real’ And The ‘Fake’: Emotion Work And The Representa- tion Of Orgams In Pornography And Everyday Sexual Interactions. Journal Of Gender Studies, 24(4), 386-398. Doi:10.1080/09589236.2014.9 50556; Bridges, A. J., Wosnitzer, R., Scharrer, E., Sun, C. & Liberman, R. (2010). Aggression And Sexual Behavior In Best Selling Pornog- raphy Videos: A Content Analysis Update. Violence Against Women, 16(10), 1065–1085. Doi:10.1177/1077801210382866; Layden, M. A. (2010). Pornography And Violence: A New Look At The Research. In J. Stoner & D. Hughes (Eds.) The Social Costs Of Pornography: A Collection Of

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