There are various resources available to assist individuals who have developed a problematic relationship with pornography. While important, the truism of prevention is the best medicine must not be ignored. Unfortunately, most of the online resources out there are focused on intervention rather than prevention. These resources focus on helping compromised individuals quit pornography. But what about instances of problematic use that could be averted if only users were empowered with the knowledge and skills required to use it responsibly?
Too many wellness providers are afraid to broach the subject because they don’t want it to seem as if they are promoting the use of something that exists in a moral grey area. That doesn’t change the fact that median consumption rates of porn are 74.5% among men and 58% among women in the United States. A number of these individuals are wondering how to prevent pornography addiction. The prevention plan provided below answers that call. It is for individuals who have made a conscious decision to make pornography a part of their sexual expression, yet recognize that there is a risk involved. In adopting precautionary measures, generally healthy individuals may enjoy pornography and know when to pump the brakes, if needed.
Problem Use of Pornography Prevention Plan for Individuals Who Want to Explore Sexuality (w/porn) in a Healthy Responsible Way
Consider “Ethical Porn” Over Free Streaming Sites
Many of the tube-and-streaming sites and apps that Americans access on a regular basis are a near free-for-all when it comes to sexually explicit content. This is problematic when considering that among the signs of problem porn use is an increase in the intensity or type of sexual content viewed to attain the same dopamine release that was once associated with casual viewing. When this notably more explicit and intense content is presented via thumbnail images/videos along side the content that you came to explore in the first place, there is a temptation to click through. As time goes on, the more explicit content may become the new “go to” until it too no longer satiates. From there, things may escalate into content that you may have once considered to be obscene or lewd (i.e. scenes that depict violence against women, barely legal performers, et cetera).
While mainstream pornographic apps/sites generally do not feature time limits on how long a user can view content in the same relative manner as regulated gambling sites do, some platforms have taken a stance to be more ethical in the content they produce and/or make available for public consumption. The content provided is commonly referred to as “ethical porn” or “fair trade porn”, which refers to pornography that is produced with a focus on the well-being, fair treatment, fair pay, provision of comfortable working conditions, and full consent of performers. It prioritizes, diversity, safety, and respect in the production environment. This is directly reflected in the content that is viewed by subscribers.
“Ethical porn features events like seeking consent and using protection that are left out of traditional porn scenes; it also showcases a range of bodies, sexual preferences, and pleasure palettes and reflects a wider lens than the typical “male gaze” that shows images from a man’s point of view. While ethical porn does not solve every problem, these sites are growing in popularity and can be a worthy alternative.” (Psychology Today)
While critics may suggest that “ethical porn” is just another angle to grow market share, researchers have addressed the subject, with some going as far to recommend platforms as healthier alternatives to many of the free streaming services that have infiltrated the United States. For instance, in the research paper titled “The Criteria to Identify Pornography That Can Support Healthy Sexual Development for Young Adults”, the National Library of Medicine created a list of “Pornographic Websites That Might Support Healthy Sexual Development” which include (but are not exclusive to) the following:
- PinkLabel.tv
- LustCinema.com
- MakeLoveNotPorn.tv
How did the National Library of Medicine arrive at these recommendations? Key criteria includes the following:
| The online content is known to be ethically produced, including but not limited to attention to consent, safe working conditions and fair pay. |
| The online content shows negotiation of consent on screen, including but not limited to open communication, explicit statements of sexual desires, respect of boundaries and/or ongoing consent. |
| The online content shows safe sex, including but not limited to condom use, dams and/or lubrication. |
| Performers exhibit a variety of body types, abilities, genders, races and/or ethnicities. |
| The production features a variety of sexual practices and pleasures, not just ‘penis-in-vagina intercourse’, and not just orgasms. |
| The production include representations of emotional intimacy during sex. |
| Producers consult with consenting adults in production to ensure it is what they want. |
It’s important to note that there is no scientific evidence or published study that directly compares the so-called addictiveness of “ethical porn” versus mainstream porn. Further, experts generally focus on problematic pornography use in general, rather than categorizing it by production ethics. That being said, when considering what was stated above about problem use being associated with an increase in the intensity or type of sexual content viewed to maintain the same “high”, there is a case to be made to be more mindful about the platforms used. Moreoever, given that “ethical porn” features more realistic intimacy scenarios, the risk of developing these other signs of problem porn use may be mitigated:
- Loss of interest in sexual relationships with spouse or partner, due to them being unlikely to participate in unrealistic intimacy scenarios.
- Using the internet for anonymous sexual rendezvous or to find prostitutes who are willing to participate in unrealistic intimacy scenarios that your partner will not do.
- Feelings of shame or depression regarding use of content that you once thought to be too obscene.
There is usually a cost to subscribe to “ethical porn”, but the investment may be worthwhile for someone who is concerned about more responsible usage overall.
II. Use Tools Provided by Porn Consumption Devices
Interestingly, a compulsion to use one’s phone may encourage an individual to consume online porn when they put their device down to take a break from it. In other words, there may not be an incarnation of problematic use of pornography, but the manifestation of digital device addiction. That, or the two may cooccur.
During a recent Ohio State University panel on problem gambling (which has many parallels to problem porn use) Kindbridge Behavioral Health’s own Daniel Umfleet referenced how this compulsion to simply pick up our digital devices can disrupt an otherwise normal routine:
“Everything you do is overridden by that phone. It’s a problem. So if you’re spending an inordinate amount of time doing just various random things for the sake of it, you’re trying to get your brain activated. You’re pleasure seeking in some way, shape, or form. So pay attention to how many times a day you’re picking your phone up.”
Among the “various random things” one may do on their phone, is view pornography more than they intended. So as Umfleet suggests, integrate protocols to manage smartphone usage in your pornography addiction prevention plan. Become aware of the built-in responsible-use tools on your devices that can help you be more mindful of your time viewing porn:
- Built-in tools to limit screen time on iPad and iPhone
- Built-in tools to limit screen time on Android
Further, perform a search within your Apple or Google Play store to find and download apps that allow adults to limit usage based on time and the types of online content consumed.
III. Identify Your Risk Classification
We also encourage you to dig a bit deeper to develop your plan to prevent pornography addiction. Everything detailed above can be very effective for individuals who are generally in good shape from a mental health perspective. However, those who may have underlying issues may be predisposed to problematic porn use and likely need to opt out of consuming such content for the immediate future. If you exhibit or suspect that you have any of the following, avoid using online pornography until you get help and clearance from a therapist:
| ADHD | Anxiety and Stress |
| Bipolar Disorder | Depression |
| OCD | PTSD |
| Stress | Substance Use Disorder |
IV. Regular Involvement in Wellness Counseling
People regularly engaged in any pleasure seeking activity (porn use included) need to look at online counseling as more than an intervention tool, but a prevention tool too.
By making online counseling a part of your overall health and wellness strategy, you make it a part of your pornography addiction prevention plan by default. Ongoing online counseling empowers you with an ability to be more mindful of your emotions, feelings, actions, and behaviors, which includes those involved with pleasure seeking via digital pathways. Together with your counselor (and/or group) you will learn how to detect if/when potential for problematic behavior exists, and take steps to prevent its manifestation.
Explore wellness counseling options available on our virtual platform right here.
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