In the scientific world there is some debate about whether online pornography can be an addiction or not. In order to answer this question it is first necessary to know what an addiction is.
People suffering from an addiction often have common behavioral characteristics, such as uncontrolled consumption or risky behaviors. In addition, they manifest withdrawal symptoms and tolerance, i.e., the need for more and more stimuli to obtain the same gratification.
What is compulsive sexual behavior?
Hypersexuality” or “compulsive sexual behavior” encompasses a range of behaviors that could be considered, under certain circumstances, addictive behaviors. The most common examples are excessive masturbation, “cybersex” or online sex, and phone sex.
Some studies indicate that 3-6% of the population may have a hypersexuality disorder, although this figure is probably a very low estimate of its actual incidence in the population.
Consuming pornography on the Internet is one of the sexual behaviors that can be performed online and has addictive potential. When these compulsive behaviors occur, it is considered to be problematic use of online pornography, known as POPU. This problem is becoming increasingly prevalent as pornography on the internet is accessible, affordable and anonymous.
Why is excessive consumption generated?
The neurobiological causes are still not entirely clear. However, it is believed that a reward mechanism in which dopamine plays an important role may be involved, in addition to other mechanisms such as “supernormal stimulation”, sensitization and desensitization, dysfunction of prefrontal circuits and malfunction of brain areas that manage stress.
On the other hand, from a neurophysiological point of view, there is impulsive behavior, difficulty in decision making and learning, interference with working memory, excessive preoccupation with sex, and limitations in emotion regulation. The most recent data indicate that most of these symptoms develop directly and proportionally to the use of online pornography.
What are the consequences of excessive pornography use?
Although not in all cases the use of online pornography represents an addiction, in those who consume it in excess it presents clinical consequences such as erectile dysfunction, dissatisfaction and lack of sexual desire. In addition, it can be associated with other risk behaviors, such as alcohol, tobacco and video game abuse.
On the other hand, having an interest in some restricted pornographic content may increase the risk of developing sexual dysfunction.
Some studies suggest that a reduction or cessation of this type of addictive behavior may ameliorate the sexual dysfunctions caused by problematic consumption until their complete resolution. That is to say that the alterations are, in a certain way, reversible.