In this article we will be looking at the various domains in which Pornography usage can become detrimental to the development and wellbeing of the brain. Neuroscientists claim that pornography consumption interrupts the way information is processed and travels in the brain.
Shrinking of the Thalamus and Cerebral Cortex: The Thalamus is responsible for controlling a person’s sense of awareness, energy and motivation levels. It also controls an important part of the brain which create feelings of happiness. Cerebral Cortex is responsible for storing memories, decision making, judging the advantages and disadvantages of certain behaviors etc. When this part of the brain is impaired, the chance of compulsive and impulsive behaviors increase making it harder to think or act reasonably.
Unnatural spike in pleasure chemicals: The brain produces neurochemicals which helps us think, feel and act. When viewing pornography there is an excessive production of pleasure chemicals and pain relief chemicals known as Endorphin, Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Norepinephrine. Just as drug addicts shoot drugs into their bloodstream to enter the brain to recreate feelings of happiness and relaxation, the “high” that comes from viewing pornography has the same effect. It is in a way, “tricking” the brain to experience pleasure when in reality day to day activities such as recreational hobbies, eating, socializing, traveling etc. provide a great sense of pleasure which is more sustainable and stable source.
Dopamine depletion: Dopamine the “pleasure” chemical is released when we engage in everyday pleasurable activities such as sports, exercise, food, sex, socializing etc. However, upon viewing porn, the brain is flooded with dopamine creating a strong sense of euphoria; this high is short lived because the dopamine chemicals become depleted since it is overused. Hence, even natural sexual activity is unable to replicate the same kind of arousal since the brain has become desensitized to natural chemical release. Pornography usage can destroy marital relationships and must not be considered an “option” for stress relief/pleasure. In fact individuals need to learn healthy coping mechanism in times of emotional upheaval (such as expressing oneself through creative projects, venting out to a trusted companion, learning new skills, trying out new hobbies, exercising or dancing, playing with animals etc.)
Oxytocin release: This chemical is known as the “bonding” chemical because it is produced when there are emotions of trust, intimacy and care between people. In marries couples, the act of sex is what glues the bond and strengthens the relationship, however if the partner is experiencing a bond with the images over their partner, this is a recipe for disaster.
Serotonin secretion: This chemical is known as the “calming” chemical, because it soothes pain and emotional discomfort. Viewing porn can be used a self-medicating habit in order to “numb” the pain of everyday life, however in the long run it leads to depression and anxiety as the porn viewer is unable to learning self-soothing skills in the face of stress using any other coping mechanism
Norepinephrine production: This chemical is responsible for development of memories. Hence porn viewers remember the images they have viewed and can make it difficult to forget since norepinephrine is released at the time. a chemical that scientists have suggested results in remembering vivid details of intimate experiences.
Pornography is short-term pleasure which can never provide long term happiness, but ultimately leaves its users increasingly dissatisfied. - Anon
The aftermath of excessive chemicals being released is that day to day pleasurable activities do not satisfy or create happiness which can eventually cause irritation, anger or depression. Fortunately, scientific studies concludes that the parts of our brains and the chemical releases that occur with pornography addiction can return to normal functioning with prolonged abstinence from viewing pornography. The antidote to these damages is to create a system of accountability and firmly decide to not make porn as an option in life. The real pleasures of life can never be attained through addiction but through the simple meaningful experiences.
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