What is gay porn addiction?
What is porn addiction?
The overuse of porn, in watching it, or thinking about it, to the detriment of other concerns, and interests.
Definition
Referring to the abnormal inclination to be watching or viewing pornography, at the extreme level, where it effects a person's normal daily living, their social obligations, and work related obligations.
To be constantly craving or needing to be watching assorted pornography, either online or through other media, at the exclusion of all else, which can also include effecting one's sleeping patterns, ones eating habits, as well as one's hygiene habits.
It is also considered to be included in those who have a sexual addiction, in that in the absence of being able to have sex, they use pornography as a means to satisfy their sexual cravings, on a temporary basis.
Some also suggest, that a sexual addiction can be established, due to one's pornographic addiction. Again, this is not based on any actual criteria, as set down by the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
History
Controversial, in that it is not a recognized mental disorder, and is not mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This is the bible for what is, what isn't a mental disorder.
According to Irons and Schneider, they use the criteria set down by the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) used for alcohol and other substance abuse. They include reference to Cooper (1990) and his generalized criteria to determine if the order is merely behavior, or mental.
About
Based on the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) there are several factors that determine if one's actions are a mental disorder, or merely a form of behavior, or choice of action, that they are fully aware of.
This includes (but not limited to) one's increasing need to view such material, to the point where it is their primary objective of the day. It further includes one's pre occupation with it, in all facets of their life, both awake, and asleep.
It also evolves to where a person becomes agitated when unable to satisfy their craving, their need.
Some of the other associated patterns that indicate a supposed disorder, is that they seek to act out the various aspects of what they see, or increasingly require such stimulation in order to be satisfied.
It can include a growing need for more extreme forms of the stimulation, or where it requires one to engage in longer times, with the chosen behavior, to achieve satisfaction.
The giving up of other interests in favor of viewing more pornography, is another marker or supposed identifier of being a pornographic addict.
Practice (Associated Acts): Online Pornography Addiction, is considered by some shrinks, to be more dangerous than normal pornography addiction, due to its wide availability, and ease of access.
These supporters of such a disorder, claim that due to the ease of access, the wide variety available, and the ability to view this in private along with the anonymity of one's viewing, this poses a greater risk than ordinary pornography, i.e. magazines, videos.
They also claim that these 'addicts' are constantly seeking more hardcore and varied sites, to satisfy their craving. In addition, the state that the advent of 'shock sites' with twisted humor, allows these 'addicts' to justify their addiction by passing it off as humor.
Noteworthy: Opponents of the concept, believe that many people regularly view porn, without any of the cumulative effects claimed by supporters. They state that most are quite capable of leading normal productive lives, despite their preoccupation of viewing porn, either online or not.
Supporters claim that such addiction leads to acting out the fantasies encouraged by the pornographic situations, which is why they consider monitoring one's access to such material of importance.
It should be noted, that until the early twentieth century, masturbation was considered a mental disorder.
It should also be noted, that until 1973, homosexuality was also perceived as a mental disorder.
Related Terms
Supporters of the theory of this addiction, rely on 'filters' to aid in the treatment of supposed addicts. They claim that the use of 'filters' helps to restrict the availability of porn to the addicts, thus reducing the harmful effects.
Most computers today, are equipped with such filters, known as 'family preferences' or 'parental controls'.