Time To Cut Down On Porn?

Have you ever wondered if the old adage “too much of a good thing” might actually be true. Surely, there are some things where it is probably true. Overeating can be a problem. Too much drink can be a problem. Even participating in too much exercise can be a problem. Pretty much anything that is done to excess can cause issues in other parts of your life.

Even, we’re sad to report, viewing porn.

There are many differing opinions on pornography that run that gamut from one end to the other. Some love it, some hate it. Some promote it, some would like to wipe porn out of our collective consciousness.

These are the extreme views. The rest of us probably fall somewhere between “meh” and “yeah, when in need, I check it out.”

The Dichotomy of Porn

So, let’s try and keep that narrative in mind. Watching or reading porn is a normal human behaviour that many people enjoy. It can enhance both our solo and partnered sexual activities. It can help us explore fetishes and new sexual interests. It employs countless people and has been around for a very, very long time.

Porn can also be problematic. It is replacing formal and parental education (though that isn’t really the industry’s fault). Porn can replace intimacy in relationships. Porn can cause false expectations of proper sexual behaviour.

Concerns With Porn Habits

One particular issue that is particularly problematic is the relying on it too much to enjoy your sexual self. Porn is a quite and easy way to get turned on. If you have favourite sites or performers, chances are that one short viewing session will get you hot to trot and ready to go in minutes. Ain’t nothing wrong with that at all...unless this becomes the only way you find that you are getting turned on. If you can’t get hard or wet without checking our your stash of sexy viewing material—for masturbation or partnered sexytimes—consider this a great big red flag.

Another concern to consider about your porn consumption is how and when you like to take a lusty look. For most folks, porn viewing is strictly an at home, in bed or on the couch activity—and it doesn’t leave the house. People who are starting to lose a bit of control over their habit might start sneaking peaks wherever possible. With friends, out at dinner, at work, in the library. If you’re out in a public space right now, there’s a good chance someone is looking at porn, hardcore or softcore, near you. This type of behaviour is a serious red flag.

We couldn’t continue this talk anymore without bringing up the idea of addiction. Is it possible to be addicted to porn? Well, any talk of addiction when it comes to sex and sex-related activities is being hotly debated. Because porn is a product, injested (if you will), there is a good chance that it can be considered an addicting activity. As such, a potential porn addiction needs to be considered through a mental lens.

Of course, not all people will have problematic relationships with porn. Some will enjoy it for years and years without a problem. The concern is that we need to be aware. If you think you have a concern with your or your partner’s porn viewing habits, reach out for help.