Sex & Porn
Sex Addiction
Sexual Addiction is…
Hypersexual disorder is defined as compulsive behaviors including seeking new partners, frequent sexual encounters, compulsive masturbation and frequent use of pornography (Weinstein et al., 2015). This behavior is commonly associated with risky sexual behavior, including unprotected sex and paying for services.
Additional symptoms of sexual addiction include obsessive thoughts about sex, secrecy of sexual behaviors, a preference for anonymous sex, indifference and disconnect of intimacy with sex, and rationalization of sexual behaviors (Weinstein et al., 2015).
Sex addiction is not in the DSM although it does typically exhibit symptoms similar to other addictions. It is classified under “sexual disorders not otherwise specified”. But sex addictions function through the same neurotransmitters as many other addictions. During orgasm, dopamine is released in the brain, which functions within the pleasure/reward pathway.
There are also theories about attachment styles and sexual development. Early attachment experiences can affect healthy cognitive and social development (Weinstein et al., 2015). Healthy attachment styles help to deal with stress and handle life problems, while unhealthy attachment like anxious or avoidant attachment styles are correlated with a high rate of sexual addiction and trouble dealing with stress and problems.
Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)
Porn Addiction
Internet sex addiction is classified by viewing and downloading pornography or participating in adult role playing rooms (Young, 2015). With the accessibility of the internet and so few constraints on it, frequently people come across adult web sites by accident.
Pornography is everywhere…
Symptoms of internet sex addiction include spending large amounts of time watching internet porn and messaging others with the intention of finding porn (Young, 2015). Also a preoccupation with using the internet and anonymous communications to find sex. They also hide behaviors from others and typically feel either guilt or shame about their porn use. Those addicted to porn are also less involved with real life interactions and partners, similar to sexual addictions.
Some Misconceptions about Internet Porn:
- In 2010, out of the top 1 million web sites, 42, 227 were ‘sex related’, that is about 4%
- From 2009 – 2010, 13% of all web searches were for ‘erotic content’.
- The world’s most popular porn site is Live Jasmin. 32 million visitors per month – claimed to be 2.5% of ‘one billion on the internet.’ The next most popular porn sites are PornHub (16 million views per month) and RedTube.
- Average length of visit for most websites is 4 – 6 minutes. Live Jasmin’s average engagement is 12 – 20 minutes.
- Depending on how internet traffic is measured, claims vary from 4% to 30%
http://www.forbes.com/sites/julieruvolo/2011/09/07/how-much-of-the-internet-is-actually-for-porn/