Porn addiction among youth: Signs, mental health effects and effective treatment approaches

Over the last few years, the need to help youngsters struggling with porn addiction has been voiced at multiple platforms. In fact, earlier this year, the Madras High Court voiced concern and highlighted the urgent need for society to address this issue.

Those addicted require guidance, education, and counselling to overcome their addiction. Rather than simply condemning or punishing them, a more mature approach that focuses on supporting and empowering them to make positive changes.

On International Youth Day, Mathrubhumi English reached out to Dr. Shashidhar B, Consultant for Andrology at Manipal Hospital in Whitefield, Bengaluru, to understand more about porn addiction.

What are the common signs and symptoms of porn addiction in young people, and how can we identify them?

Some important sign are such as these people suffer from compulsive sexual activities where there is a tendency to ignore day to day normal activities, responsibilities, neglect personal care and they have stronger urges and intensive cravings for sex. 

They view progressively more extreme pornography to get the same release that less extreme porn once offered. They indulge in pornography despite knowing the negative consequences irrespective of time and place. 

A person engages in risky behaviour to view pornography, such as doing so at work. They spend large sums of money on pornography, possibly at the expense of daily or family necessities.

They lose interest in real sex, reduced interest towards your partner and may require more stimulation to get aroused during sexual activity.

How does excessive porn consumption affect the brain development of adolescents and young adults? 

Pornography pictures and materials are synonymous with additive substances which are hyperstimulating agents which results in increased levelof dopamine secretions. This can inactivate the dopamine reward system, which makes a person unresponsive to natural stimulus of pleasure.

It can cause subnormal development of brain and directly related to poor mental health and can impact behaviour, mood, social anxiety, depression and negative body image.. 

Can porn addiction lead to other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem, in young people?

Chronic use of pornography seems to create sexual dysfunctions, especially the inability to achieve erection or orgasm with a real life partner. Instead of turning to a romantic partner for sexual gratification or fulfillment, habituated porn users instinctively reach for their phones and laptops when desire comes calling. 

Studies have observed that due to abberent changes in the dopamine transmission system  which facilitate depression and anxiety. They struggle to regulate their behaviour and impulses.

What role does social isolation play in the development of porn addiction among youth?

Statistics suggest that porn addiction could affect 5-8% of the adult population. Loneliness involves feeling of isolation due to lack of social interaction. 

BLAST feelings (bored, lonely, angry-afraid, stressed, tired) is a phenomenon reflecting the vulnerable state of children during the pandemic, and may result in addiction.

How does porn addiction impact relationships and intimacy in young people's lives?

Increasing Internet pornography addiction might become a severe epidemiological problem. As essential aspects of life, such as learning and playing, become reliant on gadgets. The erosion of the social system further limits the opportunities for teenagers to have good social relationships within their environment.

Pornography can affect habits, lifestyles, and sexual attitudes. Recent study revealed approximately 21.9% of participants tend to experience pornographic sites as their personal habit and approximately 10% of them reported reduced sexual interest to have real-life partnerships and prefer 'virtual sex' as faster, safer, less demanding, and satisfying their special sexual fantasies.

What are the most effective treatment approaches for porn addiction in youth? How do we support them?

Research does not support any specific treatment for pornography addiction ac they beleive that it is not medical condition, People seeking treatment for pornography addiction may instead benefit from addressing other issues, such as relationship problems, sexual shame, or depression.

Combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is very helpful.  Regarding BLAST feelings and pornography addiction, education was also given to the parents to achieve more effective outcomes. Some people use pornography out of boredom or exhaustion. A more healthful lifestyle may involve spending fewer hours on the computer.

Can porn addiction be a precursor to other addictive behaviours, such as substance abuse or compulsive behaviors?

Yes, a combination of anxiety,stress, isolation and depression can result in other addictions like alcohol dependency and substance abuse. 

How does exposure to explicit content at a young age affect healthy sexual development and attitudes towards sexuality?

Use of pornography may also affect people’s relationships. For example, some research indicates that pornography creates unrealistic expectations of sex. There is a lack of interest in real sex, violence attitudes against women and affects pair bonding.

What are the long-term (2 years) consequences of untreated porn addiction on a young person's mental and physical health? Is it hard for them to develop feelings for someone?

Depression, isolation from society, withdrawal from loved ones violent behaviours, substance abuse, low self-esteem and decreased self body image. 

Most porn addicts are reluctant to share their issues with those around them like family and close friends, fearing stigma. How does the person channelise his or her issue?

By building a support system of friends and loved ones can make a big difference in invoking positive change. Reach out for professional help when ever basic interventions might not be helpful. 

If someone is introvert and is trying very hard to get rid of this addication, but continues to feel the urge. How do we help people like that? Is it the dopamine kicking in? How to control that?

Recovery from porn addiction requires support, commitment, and a willingness to change. With the right strategies and a strong support network, lasting recovery is within reach.