Pornography; it is almost as common as pizza or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in today's society. It's not only acceptable, but it has also become expected and considered resourceful. It's available to anyone of any age and on cell phones, computers, tablets, books, magazines, DVDs, social networks, Netflix and even on cable television in some cases. Teens and many adults even make their own "porn" by sexting and recording themselves in sexual acts. Hardcore or soft porn isn't just something found hidden in your dad's sock drawer like it was for our parents. It's literally accessible anywhere anytime and used by both men and women. Again, it's as common as p-b and j and there's usually no stigma in today's society.
But science has objectively begun to see that pornography has a negative effect not only the person's sex life, but also his or her brain's chemical makeup. It causes depression, insecurity, and other negative emotions. It objectifies women and men. It desensitizes our sensuality and raises sexual expectations and appetites to a level that is largely unreasonable and unhealthy for most people.
Some people have even claimed that pornography causes sexual identity confusion because you can become physically turned on to either sex or the same sex through repeated stimulation. To learn more check out this website and this article by GQ called "10 Reasons Why You Should Quit Watching Porn."
So should we live without pornography in our lives? My answer is yeah, certainly. But I don't think I can answer it for you. I will say that if pornography has become an addiction for you then it is obviously something you need to learn to live without. Either way, if your answer is like mine the next question we should ask is, "How?"
This is where XXXChurch comes in. Even if you are not a Christian or religious at all, this organization is helping thousands around the country to experience life without porn. They are non-judgmental. They hang out with porn stars and directors like Ron Jeremy and Brittany Ruiz. They have figured out the best way to beat porn, whether it's an addiction or not, without feeling like a loser for using porn or a fanatic for trying to live without it. Craig Gross heads the organization and has many resources available as well as a great blog for those who are interested.
J.S. Park in one article on their blog says there are 4 things a person will experience when finally living without porn. First is withdrawal, which to me demonstrates the power of pornography over our lives. But next are renewed productivity, loss of objectification, and renewed connection and intimacy.
I'm not here to preach to anyone or condemn anyone or even to say that all porn is always a bad thing - which could be true, but I don't know. I'm just writing about this because it's prevalent in our society and needs to be addressed. If you want to take a step in living without porn I recommend taking the 30 Day Porn-Free Challenge with XXXChurch. I've done it and I plan on doing it again! Either way, as a society it's time we talk about it openly and honestly and study its effects on not only adults but also children.
What's your experience?
PS. The federal government should have no part in trying to legislate on the issue.
