Just today, someone sent me a link to an intriguing website making psychological and addiction based argumentation against the usage and overusage of pornography. You can see the website for yourself here:
Your Brain on Porn
They take a scientific approach to the overuse of porn. I see it more as fuzzy science, as I do not see their work or proofs as fitting to all people. As some of the claims from the website, I just can not relate to.
Some of the testimonies claim that when they have abstained from porn they have increased their focus, improved relationships with others, lowered depression, etc.
For me, I have abstained from porn for 2 years straight one time. I did see an increase in "focus", but it seemed as if I had too much focus (and stress followed as a result). I did not notice a lowering of depression, as I never had depression for my whole life up to that point. I did not see much of an increase in relationships, due to the fact that I was not one who needed or wanted more friends than I already had.
I can see from personal experience that porn can dull the mind (not as sharp) if one overuses. Mainly, only in the case of too much usage or addiction. I can also see that for some, if they do not have a strong foundation, it could add to depression (if they are introverts or do not get out much, for instance). I can see how it would improve relationships for introverts in abstaining from porn, because they would have more desire for external contact.
For me also, I can see how I have spent a little less time with friends, if I use porn a lot, so something can be said for that as well. I believe it maybe a result of people looking down on porn and a person being more introverted than outdgoing.
So, I can see for some, abstaining from porn could create more focus for them. For me, I have too much focus already. I don't need more focus, as I feel like I already do too much work, and if anything, I need some escape from focusing too much. I have over the years trained myself to work too hard.
I can not see how a person in a stressful job would be doing themselves a favor by abstaining from porn, unless they already have another sexual outlet, such as a spouse, etc.
So, my conclusion of this website is that those who are really addicted could fall into these deficiences. Or, if they already have these deficiences: introverted, lack self worth, lack motivation, they should avoid pornography or altogether remove it from their life.
I think the same could be said for anything else that is used as an escape for such persons. Such as food, video games, movies, laziness, fun pasttimes, etc. If you are addicted or have some of these deficiences listed, you should avoid overeating, or overusing any of these things.
It seems similar to those who are down and out in the economy. Instead of looking for a job, you are playing endless hours of video games, watching movies/porn or eating yourself to oblivion. Such things are not healthy. if you lack self worth or motivation, it is wise to get out more, and keep yourself busy, keep motivated and look for that job or start a business.
As Proverbs says, "idle hands are the Devil's workshop". Does this mean video games and porn are the Devil's workshop? No, what I am saying is more of an approach you see in Proverbs. In Proverbs, you see numerous examples of how not to be lazy and a lover of sleep. Also, you see how to avoid the adulterous and harlot who wants to snare your life. If you are married or she is married, how can you not be burnt?
So, with anything, you can become addicted, like a drug. You could loose focus, loose perspective, get depressed, etc. If you find yourself addicted to anything, you should quit it or abstain from it.
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