The term "porn addiction" is widely used, but the scientific community has still not reached a consensus on whether excessive pornography use is a true addiction. Research shows that the issue is far more complex than it appears.
In Australia, 76% of men and 41% of women admitted that they had viewed pornographic material at least once in the past year. Among young people aged 15-20, more than half of young men (54%) and one in seven young women (14%) do so weekly.
For most people, viewing porn is ordinary behavior, but for some it becomes problematic. The term "problematic pornography use" is used when a person cannot control their actions despite negative consequences. According to global studies, between 3% and 15% of people may face such a problem, more often men.
The causes of problematic pornography use are varied: from mental disorders (such as ADHD or depression) to personality traits such as impulsivity and low self-control. Social factors - low relationship satisfaction, loneliness, religious beliefs - also play a role. People experiencing a lack of emotional support are at risk.
Scientists identify several manifestations of problematic use: compulsivity (a strong urge to relieve tension), impulsivity (spontaneous actions without regard for consequences), emotional dysregulation (using porn to manage stress) and addictive features (craving, a need for more extreme content).
Officially, problematic pornography use is not recognized as an addiction. It is absent as an addiction in the WHO International Classification of Diseases and the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic Manual. However, recent research, including international reviews, shows that in some cases it can function as an addiction.
Researchers increasingly call for problematic pornography use to be classified as a behavioral addiction, similar to gaming or gambling. These behaviors activate similar brain areas associated with the reward system. However, a similar response also occurs to ordinary actions, such as drinking water, so it is important to consider the results in context.
Interestingly, many people consider themselves addicted to porn even if they consume it rarely and in a controlled way. This is linked to moral incongruence: when a person has strict religious or moral beliefs against porn but continues to use it, this causes distress and a sense of addiction.
If you or a loved one are experiencing problems controlling pornography use, it is important to consult a qualified psychologist or sexologist. Specialists will help determine what exactly drives the behavior - loss of control, moral conflicts or underlying mental disorders - and will suggest effective therapy methods, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy.
One should be cautious with information in this area: many non-professionals offer unproven treatment methods. Conversations about porn are best conducted with respect and care, as the topic is often associated with shame and guilt.