Many people turn to pornography in hopes that they will have pleasure, happiness, less stress, a better relationship with their partner, etc. After all, that is what it promises to provide.
But pornography only lies.
In fact, those who use porn as a means for an escape from the stresses of life have some of the lowest reports of mental health. (Brown, Durtschi, Carroll, & Willoughby, 2017).
Like drugs and smoking, pornography can be addictive and harmful, and people need to be aware of how dangerous it can be.
Since 1965, all cigarette packages have been required to carry a health warning. In 1984, Congress enacted the Comprehensive Smoking Education Act. This act requires all cigarette packages and advertisements to display four specific health warnings, "Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, and May Complicate Pregnancy". Other drugs such as cigars and tobacco have similar warnings issued by Congress to warn people of the effects from smoking these products. While pornography may not be classified as a drug, it should issue a similar warning. Here are some suggestions:
- Warning: Consuming porn may lead to addiction and will worsen your mental health.
- Warning: Consuming porn is associated with poorer body image and a lower self-esteem.
- Warning: Consuming porn will hurt those you love most and will tear your family apart.
- Warning: It is possible that not all pornography actors displayed have given their full consent to be filmed.
We cannot let the pornography industry continue to hide the truth. Porn is harmful and causes much more anguish than we credit it for. It destroys lives, don't let it destroy yours.
If you are struggling, start your recovery today! You can find recovery resources at, https://www.citizensfordecency.org/addiction-recovery.
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