Pornography And Lds: 25 Years From Now...

[Bernard Gui]

No I didn't. I asked which choice (not addiction) destroys families more? The Church is not really preaching "don't become addicted to porn". The Church teaches avoid even LOOKING at porn or it will DESTROY your life. This may or may not be true (I believe it is true), but either way this approach can be viewed as a fear tactic and in my opinion the Church should (and hopefully will) do a better job about teaching about pornography (and sex) if we want to have a better viewpoint about this " problem" in 25 years.

Not to beat a dead horse, but you did indicate a preference for which addiction I would prefer for my children....

What bothers you more, the thought of your son or daughter getting high or drinking on a Friday night, or sitting in their room viewing porn? Both happen within the walls of thousands (if not millions) of active Mormon homes. What would be more effective to emphasize on Sundays or at General Conference?

For the record, I think the Church is getting up to snuff on addictions. It's taken a while, but we are on the right track.

Seven years ago, when a family member became addicted to drugs and alcohol, there was not much in the way of support from the Church, other than the valuable advice to fast, pray, go to the temple. There was no effective program in place, especially for family members who were experiencing the joys of co-dependency.

I am happy to say that things are very different today. There is an excellent LDS 12-Step program for addicts and an upcoming similar program for co-dependency. The 12 steps are based on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, who is the only source of healing. Using ideas from other 12-step programs, the LDS program includes modern scripture, quotes from General Authorities, changing the "higher power" concept to God the Father and Jesus Christ, etc., to make a very effective program.

I'm astounded at the powerful and specific comments General Authorities have made

about these problems over the past several years. Members of the First Presidency and

the Quorum of Twelve specifically have shown empathy and understanding.

I applaud the constant emphasis on the problems of pornography, and while it can be grating to some, it is a problem that is only going to get worse. Silence now would result in future disaster.

Non-LDS can also attend LDS recovery groups. Churches in our area sponsor programs for both addicts and co-dependents. Some leaders are a bit slow in recognizing the destructive influence of co-dependency, but more and more are getting on board.

The LDS 12-step leads the addict or co-dependent through the process of repentance. It is made clear that there is only one source of healing, the Lord Jesus Christ. The program is balanced by urging participants to work with Priesthood leaders and professional counsellors when needed.

Bernard

Edited August 3, 2011 by Bernard Gui

[KevinG]

Having been in a Bishipric, a HP Group leader, a parent, a Home Teacher and a Human Resource professional my experience is that the problem of pornography leading to broken marriages, child abuse and even loss of jobs is not exaggerated in the least. Blaming the porn epidemic on religions makes about as much sense as blaming alcoholism on the Word of Wisdom.

My own very difficult experience with various addictions is that the dependence on stimulating the pleasure centers with visual stimulus and chemical stimulus is not much different for the addict.

Fortunately I was provided with good support from family, friends, priesthood authority and most of all the Holy Spirit over the years which helped me break many bad habits of my youth (some introduced to me at a very young age and through abuse) realize that additions never go away but the behavior can be controlled and now my life has more joy in exchange for giving up some articifial pleasures.

Bernard is spot on about getting help and not rationalizing that "its not that bad" either individually or for the church in general.

[Loran Blood]

Please do. Please provide social science data that support the allegation that porn is such a huge problem for society as many churches claim. It hasn't been done yet in this thread.

These particular claims come from Edelman, B. (2009). Red Light States. Who buys online adult entertainment? Journal of Economic Perspectives 23 (1), pp. 209-220.

It isn't intended as a poison pill. Most of the info on porn addiction as a huge societal problem comes either from churches or religious foundations, or from other institutions that are peddling their recovery methods. Is my perception skewed? Maybe, but you can correct that by provinding mainstream scientific research that shows just how pervasive and rampant this porn problem is.

I guess Ares is on vacation? Anyway, I have no philosophy on pornography. I want nothing to do with it. The only time I am confronted with it, is in church. I do not deny that porn addiction exists, I only claim that it is a problem for a relatively small number of people.

Only theoretically. I have nothing to do with porn, so it's not something that keeps me up at night worrying about.

Thanks for the lecture but I'm going to ignore it.

As I suspected you most likely would. Thanks for the white flag.

[Loran Blood]

I did, both with logic and data.

I have seen not a shred of logical argument from you to this point, but only sweeping statements of opinion. You'll have to do far better than that.

Data? See below. You, like Keith Brian are carefully cherry picking but you haven't even begun to do your homework.

[KevinG]

I suspect the reason that religious groups focus on pornography more than scientific groups is that the APA, Kinsey and other human behavioral sciences groups are busy normalizing all sorts of behavior while religious groups are busy holding the line on standards.

If you don't believe casual use of pornography is a problem you don't do studies on it.

I don't have time to dig right now but the prevelance of issues in the work place with internet abuse (porn, social media, gaming, etc.) is widely documented in articles from SHRM and other HR resources. IT professionals have to deal with security issues related to these sites also.

The issue of getting pleasure fro the virtual world in any form, escape behavior and lack of ability to properly socialize in the "meat world" is a real problem and I don't see it getting better as the virtual world produces more money making and distracting options.

I would guess that pornography and internet addiction will continue to be a perennial topic (like WOW, temple attendance and family duties) as long as the Saints are on the earth.

[Ares]

Ares is not on vacation. Ares does have a life and expects our netizens to act like adults.

However, now would be a good time to remind people not to make personal comments, imply someone has a personal addition because of their position on this subject or otherwise engage in other socially questionable behavior.

Please stick to the topic and avoid personal comments everyone.

Thank you...

[Gervin]

Gentle readers:

If anyone reading this discussion has problems with addiction of any kind, don't be ashamed.

There is powerful help available. Despair can be replaced with confidence and love.

Bernard

Good message of hope.

Pastor Alistair Begg talked today on the subject of sexual immorality in case anyone is interested. He does make a distinction between sins against the body - sins of excess (alcohol, drugs, etc.) and sins of sexual immorality that come from within (they don't have to be done in excess to be sinful .. done once is a sin). "It drives like no other impulse and when fulfilled it effects the human psyche like no other sin." A Begg

[Bernard Gui]

Good message of hope.

Pastor Alistair Begg talked today on the subject of sexual immorality in case anyone is interested. He does make a distinction between sins against the body - sins of excess (alcohol, drugs, etc.) and sins of sexual immorality that come from within (they don't have to be done in excess to be sinful .. done once is a sin). "It drives like no other impulse and when fulfilled it effects the human psyche like no other sin." A Begg

An issue on which we can all unite and take a stand!

Bernard

[Bernard Gui]

Ares is not on vacation. Ares does have a life and expects our netizens to act like adults.

However, now would be a good time to remind people not to make personal comments, imply someone has a personal addition because of their position on this subject or otherwise engage in other socially questionable behavior.

Please stick to the topic and avoid personal comments everyone.

Thank you...

Seems like this discussion has been blissfully devoid of personal comments.

Bernard

Edited August 3, 2011 by Bernard Gui

[Loran Blood]

Show me a peer reviewed article in a scientific journal supporting your position. The Google Scholar literature search will keep you busy for a while.

You are pretending to be scholarly.

All you're doing here, as anyone with a substantive background in the pornography debate, and with a equally substantive hold on the social history of the culture can quite easily discern, is defending your worldview. So am I, but let's not pretend one world view has "scientific" support while the other doesn't. A plethora of social science data is available, if you comes down from your cherry tree and out of your secular humanist/leftist/Kinseyan cubby hole and inhale deeply of the bracing air of reality.

http://s3.amazonaws..../ManningTST.pdf

http://onlinelibrary...0368.x/abstract

From the abstract:

This meta-analytic review examines the effect that exposure to pornography produces on aggressive behavior under laboratory conditions considering a variety of possible moderating conditions (level of sexual arousal, level of prior anger, type of pornography, gender of subject, gender of the target of aggression, and medium used to convey the material). The summary demonstrates a homogeneous set of results showing that pictorial nudity reduces subsequent aggressive behavior, that consumption of material depicting nonviolent sexual activity increases aggressive behavior, and that media depictions of violent sexual activity generates more aggression than those of nonviolent sexual activity...

http://overcome.byu....icles/Birch.asp

http://www.diolaf.or...0the%20home.pdf

http://www.ncfpc.org...s/101118s1.html

http://extension.usu...e_2010-01pr.pdf

http://www.surgicaln...9;aulast=Hilton

From the abstract:

Eating, of course, is essential to individual survival, necessary for survival of the species. Another activity necessary for survival of the species is sex, an observation which leads to a series of logical questions derived from the work on obesity. Would the findings seen in eating addiction be seen in excessive sexual behavior? Can sex be addictive in the neurological sense? If so, are there associated with the addiction anatomical changes in the brain seen with other addictions?A recent study supports growing evidence that compulsive sexuality can indeed be addictive. In 2007, a VBM study out of Germany looked specifically at pedophilia, and demonstrated almost identical finding to the cocaine, methamphetamine, and obesity studies. ^[25] It concludes for the first time that a sexual compulsion can cause physical, anatomic change in the brain, the hallmark of brain addiction.

http://www.ncbi.nlm....8?dopt=Abstract

http://onlinelibrary...hly+maintenance

http://www.drjudithr...ny-20041118.pdf

http://www.sciencedi...092656685900212

From the above abstract:

This experiment assessed the effects of media depictions that portray rape myths on men's beliefs in such myths. The study was conducted in two separate sessions. At the orientation session, measures of personality, motivation, experience, and aggressive tendencies were administered to 307 males. In the experimental session, 145 of these men were first exposed to one of eight audiotaped versions of a passage. One of these portrayed the myth that rape results in the victim's sexual arousal. Later, subjects listened to a second passage depicting either nonconsenting or consenting sex. Their perceptions of the second portrayal and their beliefs in rape myths were then measured. The findings provided support for the hypothesis that media depictions suggesting that rape results in the victim's arousal can contribute to men's beliefs in a similar rape myth. Moreover, analysis of the mediating role of individual differences indicated that men with relatively higher inclinations to aggress against women are particularly likely to be affected by media depictions of rape myths. It is suggested that these data may be explained best on the basis of information retrieval processes. In addition, it was found that power motives were consistently related to greater beliefs in rape myths.

http://jfi.sagepub.c...t/9/4/518.short

From the above abstract:

Male and female students and nonstudents were exposed to videotapes featuring common, nonviolent pornography or innocuous content. Exposure was in hourly sessions in six consecutive weeks. In the seventh week, subjects participated in an ostensibly unrelated study on societal institutions and personal gratifications. Marriage, cohabitational relationships, and related issues were judged on an especially created Value-of-Marriage questionnaire. The findings showed a consistent impact of pornography consumption. Exposure prompted, among other things, greater acceptance of pre- and extramarital sex and greater tolerance of nonexclusive sexual access to intimate partners. It enhanced the belief that male and female promiscuity are natural and that the repression of sexual inclinations poses a health risk. Exposure lowered the evaluation of marriage, making this institution appear less significant and less viable in the future. Exposure also reduced the desire to have children and promoted the acceptance of male dominance and female servitude. With few exceptions, these effects were uniform for male and female respondents as well as for students and nonstudents.

http://www.ingentaco...020002/art00002

Abstract from the above:

Since the advent of the Internet, the sex industry has profited from an unprecedented proximity to the home environment. Consequently, couples, families, and individuals of all ages are being impacted by pornography in new ways. Examining the systemic impact of Internet pornography, however, is relatively uncharted territory and the body of systemically-focused research is limited. A review of the research that does exist was undertaken and many negative trends were revealed. While much remains unknown about the impact of Internet pornography on marriages and families, the available data provide an informed starting point for policy makers, educators, clinicians, and researchers.

You might try doing a little homework next time, and becoming a bit more informed on the the issue at hand. Keep in mind too, that "social science" is not "science" in the normally accepted sense of the term, but is much more akin to various philosophies of human behavior linked, with various degrees of conceptual legitimacy, to empirical research methods.

Deep subjectivity, bias, and ideology are masked within the social sciences by the connection of the term "science," to the study of human behavior and social phenomena, so let's not pretend that the question here is somehow closed.

Edited August 3, 2011 by Loran Blood

[Loran Blood]

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1973.tb00095.x/abstract

http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?collection=journals&handle=hein.journals/jbem49&div=22&id=&page=

http://www.experts.scival.com/georgia/pubDetail.asp?t=pm&id=11331695&

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/107/5/1116.abstract

The essay below is quite interesting...if you are interested.

http://www.drjudithreisman.com/archives/Pby%20Burgess%20w%20Cartoons.doc

[Calm]

I am curious if those who believe that porn is a healthy behaviour within a marriage if they are also okay with adultery. If not, what is the difference? It's okay in their view as long as the sexual act isn't acted out with another person being present in the same location?

[Jeff K.]

That is an interesting point. Porn is in effect focusing on someone other than one's wife or husband in order to satisfy ones desire.... How long until they decide imagery isn't enough? It seems counter intuitive to believe that thinking about doing something wrong is somehow ok.

[keith_brian]

All you're doing here, as anyone with a substantive background in the pornography debate, and with a equally substantive hold on the social history of the culture can quite easily discern, is defending your worldview. So am I, but let's not pretend one world view has "scientific" support while the other doesn't. A plethora of social science data is available, if you comes down from your cherry tree and out of your secular humanist/leftist/Kinseyan cubby hole and inhale deeply of the bracing air of reality.

http://s3.amazonaws..../ManningTST.pdf

http://onlinelibrary...0368.x/abstract

From the abstract:

http://overcome.byu....icles/Birch.asp

http://www.diolaf.or...0the%20home.pdf

http://www.ncfpc.org...s/101118s1.html

http://extension.usu...e_2010-01pr.pdf

http://www.surgicaln...9;aulast=Hilton

From the abstract:

http://www.ncbi.nlm....8?dopt=Abstract

http://onlinelibrary...hly+maintenance

http://www.drjudithr...ny-20041118.pdf

http://www.sciencedi...092656685900212

From the above abstract:

http://jfi.sagepub.c...t/9/4/518.short

From the above abstract:

http://www.ingentaco...020002/art00002

Abstract from the above:

You might try doing a little homework next time, and becoming a bit more informed on the the issue at hand. Keep in mind too, that "social science" is not "science" in the normally accepted sense of the term, but is much more akin to various philosophies of human behavior linked, with various degrees of conceptual legitimacy, to empirical research methods.

Deep subjectivity, bias, and ideology are masked within the social sciences by the connection of the term "science," to the study of human behavior and social phenomena, so let's not pretend that the question here is somehow closed.

Okay, nice. You know how to find scientific abstracts. Good for you. But, what do those studies say? What do studies referencing those studies say about those studies? These are the questions that you should be asking.

The most current synthesis of all the available research I could find on the topic of porn was a review paper written by a BYU graduate named Jill Manning. Here are some direct quotes and conclusions from her paper. Note the purpose of the paper:

The objective of the research review process was to compile current, empirical findings that emphasize the systemic versus individual impact of Internet pornography, namely the impact on marital and familial relationships. An emphasis was placed on research that is empirical in nature, contained in peer-reviewed journals, and conducted since the early 1990s when the Internet became a widespread medium for sexually explicit materials and online sexual pursuits (Cooper, Galbreath, & Becker, 2004).

On the state of current research:

"Examining the systemic impact of Internet pornography, however, is relatively uncharted territory and the body of systemically-focused research is limited."

On the limitations of current research:

While educated guesses and psychological theories may be used to elaborate on what the research means for marital and family relationships at large, it is acknowledged that there are currently no studies that look specifically at marital or family process and pornography.

Note her use of the term "no studies".

On the definition of the term "pornography":

Furthermore, many agree “pornography is an elusive term with a range of meanings, dependent not only on cultural, social and historical contexts, but also on individuals’ own experiences and beliefs” (Ciclitira, 2002, p. 191), and that trying to find a common definition is not only futile but needs to be distinguished from the more positively viewed erotica (Russell, 1998).

So, even from the start, the author of the review paper acknowledges that the current research is limited, current research does not show the affects (if any) of pornography use on family relationships, and that even defining the word "pornography" and separating it from erotica is difficult. Also, to be clear, the author notes that correlation is not causation and that it's not clear whether social dysfunction is the cause or result of porn usage. This should be enough for me to stop and say that the scientific data is definitely not conclusive about porn use and certainly doesn't support the position of the LDS church on it -- at least not at the present time. However, let's continue further into the paper.

In the first section after her caveats described above, the author notes that there is some association of negative behavior with individuals that consume pornography, including a study that specifically found a slight increase in behavioral aggression with porn exposure, a slight decrease in aggression with pictorial nudes, and the strongest increase in aggression coming from exposure to violent sexual behavior (with r=0.216). The first study of this section -- the effect of porn usage on individuals -- was heavily criticized, as noted by the author.

In the section on porn usage among couples, the author notes:

It is important to note that certain couples and even clinicians claim

pornography consumed, in a mutual, consensual, and open manner can be

an enriching aspect of marital intimacy, thereby adding another perspective

to the pornography debate. This mutual scenario, however, is not the

predominant experience coming forth in today’s cultural milieu or clinical

settings. The reason why this population may not be represented in the research

or clinical observations is that couples who mutually benefit from

pornography are unlikely to seek treatment or encounter caregivers who are

aware of related studies. Mutual consumption also is more likely to involve

erotic content as opposed to hard-core pornography involving animals, children,

adolescents, violence, homosexual themes, group sex, and/or sodomy

involving weapons (i.e. knives or glass), inanimate objects or unusual body

part (i.e. fist or arm). Further investigation into mutual pornography consumption

is needed to clarify differences between couples who mutually

consume and those who consume alone and without a partner’s consent or

knowledge.

Further, the author notes:

Moreover, pornography-induced fantasy, employed in a mutual way,

is inherently different from solitary Internet viewing because it is used

as a bridge to become closer and more present with one’s partner,

as opposed to a wall that cuts one’s partner off, draws sexual energy

away from the marriage, and heightens distance between partners (B.

McCarthy, Personal Communication, June 1, 2005).

Skipping ahead to the conclusion (because I am getting tired of writing this post);

As the

first Internet generations reach adulthood, it is anticipated that the full magnitude

of online pornography’s effect will become even clearer, and alter

the pornography debate accordingly. Related research in neuroscience, marriage

and family therapy, and developmental psychology will augment what

is now only a nascent area of social psychology and clinical research. What

is certain is that this issue promises to be around for some time.

So, no, the research is not in on the exact effects of pornography, at least not as of 2006. So, the arguments for and against it are still mostly personal and anecdotal.

As I have said before, I have no problem with people saying that they don't view porn for religious reasons. That's fine. Other religions see nothing wrong with it. But, the science certainly doesn't support many of the claims made on this message board about porn usage.

[keith_brian]

I am curious if those who believe that porn is a healthy behaviour within a marriage if they are also okay with adultery. If not, what is the difference? It's okay in their view as long as the sexual act isn't acted out with another person being present in the same location?

Do you acknowledge that there is a difference between watching a violent movie and committing a murder? If so, I think you can apply a similar answer to the question above.

[Jeff K.]

Do you acknowledge that there is a difference between watching a violent movie and committing a murder? If so, I think you can apply a similar answer to the question above.

Summary—Research on violent television and films, video

games, and music reveals unequivocal evidence that media violence

increases the likelihood of aggressive and violent behavior

in both immediate and long-term contexts. The effects

appear larger for milder than for more severe forms of aggression,

but the effects on severe forms of violence are also substantial

THE INFLUENCE OF MEDIA VIOLENCE ON YOUTH

I trust that answers your question....

[Bernard Gui]

So, no, the research is not in on the exact effects of pornography, at least not as of 2006. So, the arguments for and against it are still mostly personal and anecdotal.

[EDIT TO ADD]

Compare the conclusions of your article (2006) with the one I posted earlier (2008):

http://www.frc.org/special/pat-fagan/virtual-intimacy-and-pseudo-sexuality

Things are moving fast in this new area of sexual pathology.

'Nuf said.

Bernard

Edited August 4, 2011 by Bernard Gui

[keith_brian]

THE INFLUENCE OF MEDIA VIOLENCE ON YOUTH

I trust that answers your question....

And yet, strangely, I know many LDS who are perfectly fine with any level of violence in movies but have no tolerance for any form or sexuality or nudity ... Strange ...

But, this is another topic for another thread. If you'd like to start one, I'd be happy to comment.

[keith_brian]

'Nuf said.

Bernard

So, you concede the point to me. Good.

As I said before, if you want to say that you don't watch porn because you believe that your god commands you not to watch it, fine. I find that no different than people who are strict vegetarians or spend one month fasting from sunrise to sunset because they believe their god/gods command them to do so.

However, the science doesn't support the claim that pornography is bad, as I have just shown.

[Bernard Gui]

And yet, strangely, I know many LDS who are perfectly fine with any level of violence in movies but have no tolerance for any form or sexuality or nudity ... Strange ...

We're not talking about just "any form" of sexuality or nudity.

Bernard

[Bernard Gui]

So, you concede the point to me. Good.

Lame.

As I said before, if you want to say that you don't watch porn because you believe that your god commands you not to watch it, fine. I find that no different than people who are strict vegetarians or spend one month fasting from sunrise to sunset because they believe their god/gods command them to do so.

Well, that is exactly the problem. You see no moral difference between vegetarianism and pornography.

However, the science doesn't support the claim that pornography is bad, as I have just shown.

Your data are out of date. So to speak. Even the 2008 paper is out of date now.

Bernard

Edited August 4, 2011 by Bernard Gui

[keith_brian]

Lame.

I'll take that as a yes ...

Well, that is exactly the problem. You see no moral difference between vegetarianism and pornography.

Your moral difference is based on your religious values. Someone with a different religion wouldn't see porn as necessarily bad.

Your data are out of date. So to speak. Even the 2008 paper is out of date now.

Bernard

Perhaps you could provide an updated reference then?

[keith_brian]

We're not talking about just "any form" of sexuality or nudity.

Bernard

Again, the difficulty of defining what we mean by "porn"

I personally know SEVERAL LDS that consider any form of nudity or suggestiveness in a movie, magazine, book, etc. to be de facto porn.

In fact, when I was still a practicing Mormon, I had a bishop tell a Sunday School class that the Sport Illustrated Swimsuit Edition was porn and anyone who had read that needed to talk to him.

[Bernard Gui]

EDITED FOR STYLE AND CONTENT

I'll take that as a yes ...

Lamer.

Your moral difference is based on your religious values. Someone with a different religion wouldn't see porn as necessarily bad.

Are you sure you want to stand by that statement? See below.

Perhaps you could provide an updated reference then?

You are pulling a Questing Beast here.

You should have read Loran's list of studies. Especially this one:

http://www.surgicalneurologyint.com/article.asp?issn=2152-7806;year=2011;volume=2;issue=1;spage=19;epage=19;aulast=Hilton

A decade ago Dr. Howard Shaffer at Harvard wrote, "I had great difficulty with my own colleagues when I suggested that a lot of addiction is the result of experience … repetitive, high-emotion, high-frequency experience. But it's become clear that neuroadaptation-that is, changes in neural circuitry that help perpetuate the behavior-occurs even in the absence of drug-taking." [13] More recently he wrote, "Although it is possible to debate whether we should include substance or process addictions within the kingdom of addiction, technically there is little choice. Just as the use of exogenous substances precipitate impostor molecules vying for receptor sites within the brain, human activities stimulate naturally occurring neurotransmitters. The activity of these naturally occurring psychoactive substances likely will be determined as important mediators of many process addictions." [24]

In 2005, Dr. Eric Nestler wrote a landmark paper describing all addiction as a dysfunction of the mesolimbic reward centers of the brain. Addiction occurs when pleasure/reward pathways are hijacked by exogenous drugs such as cocaine or opioids, or by natural processes essential and inherent to survival such as food and sex. The same dopaminergic systems include the ventral tegmental area with its projections to the nucleus accumbens and other striatal salience centers. He wrote, "Growing evidence indicates that the VTA-NAc pathway and the other limbic regions cited above similarly mediate, at least in part, the acute positive emotional effects of natural rewards, such as food, sex and social interactions. These same regions have also been implicated in the so-called 'natural addictions' (that is, compulsive consumption for natural rewards) such as pathological overeating, pathological gambling, and sexual addictions. Preliminary findings suggest that shared pathways may be involved: (an example is) cross-sensitization that occurs between natural rewards and drugs of abuse."

And,

Even more pertinent are recent papers published in 2010 describing the effect of sexuality on neuroplasticity. In one study, sexual experience has been shown to induce alterations in medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens similar to those seen with drugs of abuse. [21] Another study found that sexuality specifically increases DeltaFosB in the nucleus accumbens, and serves a role as a mediator in natural reward memory. This study also found that overexpression of DeltaFosB induced a hypersexual syndrome. [22] As Dr. Nestler said, DeltaFosB may thus become a "biomarker to assess the state of activation of an individual's reward circuitry, as well as the degree to which an individual is 'addicted', both during the development of an addiction and its gradual waning during extended withdrawal or treatment." [22]

Dr. Nora Volkow, Head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and one of the most published and respected scientists in the field of addiction is, in recognition of the change in the understanding of natural addiction, advocating changing the name of the NIDA to the National Institute on Diseases of Addiction, as quoted in the journal Science: "NIDA Director Nora Volkow also felt that her institute's name should encompass addictions such as pornography, gambling, and food, says NIDA adviser Glen Hanson. 'She would like to send the message that [we should] look at the whole field.'"

And,

With the increasing evidence that overeating can be an actual addiction as defined by measurable, verifiable changes in the limbic salience centers, our attention to this problem is appropriately increasing. Yet sexuality, with its moral ties, is handled much less objectively in scientific debate. This was apparent in the aftermath of the Hogg study published in 1997, which demonstrated a 20-year decrease in life expectancy for male homosexuals. [12] The authors, apparently feeling social pressure, issued a clarification to avoid being labeled what they called "homophobic." [11] That a science journal would publish such an apology of sorts is also noteworthy. We believe, however, with the preceding foundation it is time to begin serious discussions of sexual addiction and its components such as pornography.

The proposed DSM-5, slated to publish in May of 2014, contains in this new addition the diagnosis of Hypersexual Disorder, which includes problematic, compulsive pornography use. [1] Bostwick and Bucci, in their report out of the Mayo Clinic on treating Internet pornography addiction with naltrexone, wrote "…cellular adaptations in the (pornography) addict's PFC result in increased salience of drug-associated stimuli, decreased salience of non-drug stimuli, and decreased interest in pursuing goal-directed activities central to survival." [NOTE: That would be using sex for procreation]

In 2006 world pornography revenue was 97 billion dollars, more than Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo, Apple, and Netflix combined. [14] This is no casual, inconsequential phenomenon, yet there is a tendency to trivialize the possible social and biologic effects of pornography. The sex industry has successfully characterized any objection to pornography as being from the religious/moral perspective; they then dismiss these objections as First Amendment infringements. If pornography addiction is viewed objectively, evidence indicates that it does indeed cause harm in humans with regard to pair-bonding. [2] The correlation (85%) between viewing child pornography and participating in actual sexual relations with children was demonstrated by Bourke and Hernandez. [4] The difficulty in objective peer-reviewed discussion of this topic is again illustrated by the attempted suppression of this data on social grounds. [15] The recent meta-analysis by Hald et al. strongly supports and clarifies previous data demonstrating correlation with regard to pornography inducing violence attitudes against women. [10] With such strong correlative data, it is irresponsible not to address the likely possibility of causation in these regards. Reviewing this data in the context of current usage patterns is particularly concerning; 87% of college age men view pornography, 50% weekly and 20 daily or every other day, with 31% of women viewing as well. [5] The predictive effect of pornography on sexual behavior in adolescents has also been demonstrated.

Call me irresponsible - call me unreliable

Throw in undependable too

Call me irresponsible - yes I'm unreliable

But it's undeniably true - I'm irresponsibly mad for you.

Bernard

Edited August 4, 2011 by Bernard Gui

[keith_brian]

Lamer.

I get the feeling you're trying to win this argument on sheer volume alone.

Are you sure you want to stand by that statement? You may wish to step away from it later.

Nope. Pretty comfortable with it.

You are pulling a Questing Beast here.

You should have read Loran's list of studies. Especially this one. You could have saved

yourself some embarrassment...

http://www.surgicaln...9;aulast=Hilton

The important bits have been indicated.

Call me irresponsible - call me unreliable

Throw in undependable too

Call me irresponsible - yes I'm unreliable

But it's undeniably true - I'm irresponsibly mad for you.

Bernard

That talk is about porn addiction. It even says so in the title.

Try again.