Early Exposure to Porn Can Increase Chances of Addiction

Key Points

• Research shows a direct link between early exposure to porn and addiction

• Early first exposure to pornography can also lead to risky sexual behavior later in life

• Technology has increased accessibility to porn for young people

• Specialized treatment can help those struggling with porn addiction

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Adolescence is one of the most pivotal times in the brain's development, meaning that experiences during this phase of life can have mind-altering consequences, both good and bad. Neurosurgeon Donald Hilton explains that brain development during adolescence has a large impact on long term patterns of behavior. Exposure to porn at a young age can affect how an individual perceives and experiences arousal and sexual norms. 

Research findings around addiction after exposure to pornography at a young age 

Research into the impact of early exposure to pornography at a young age has revealed several negative outcomes. 

A study conducted on school-aged students in Indonesia found a strong relationship between the age of first-time porn exposure and risky sexual behavior. The more severe the porn addiction, the more risky sexual behavior became. Consequences of porn addiction related sexual behavior included unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease and illegal or unsafe abortions. The authors of this study also indicated that lifestyle factors, such as internet use, greatly increase the risk of early exposure to porn and developing unhealthy sexual behavior. 

A systematic review of multiple studies on early exposure to porn revealed that experiences related to sexual behavior that occur during formative years greatly impact the success of romantic relationships and sexual satisfaction later in life. 

Factors that were impacted by early exposure to porn included:

• Age of first sex

• Risky sex behavior

• Increased number of sexual partners

• Sexually transmitted diseases

• Unplanned pregnancy

• Aggressive sexual behavior

• Long-term relationship satisfaction

Porn Addiction in young people: Stats & trends

A study published by Common Sense Media reported that 73% of teens between the ages of 13-18 have watched porn online and that up to 90% of kids between 8-16 years old have been exposed to porn in some form. While viewing porn at a younger age does not necessarily mean someone will become addicted, it does increase their risk of developing problematic porn use later in life. 

It is worth noting that porn addiction is a relatively new concept, so more research is needed to explore key areas of the topic, including new pornography addiction stats and trends in the United States. 

Rise of the “Gooning” fad in teenagers

Gooning is a new trend that has been on the rise, specifically in the “Gen Z” generation, in recent years. Gooning involves marathon masturbation sessions that can last multiple hours. The goal of gooning is to reach a transcendent level of pleasure due to prolonged masturbation without release, similar to “edging.” 

This trend is risky among teenagers, as it typically involves watching excessive amounts of porn and can lead to addiction. There are also physical concerns of gooning, which can include erectile dysfunction, penile damage due to overuse and decreased satisfaction from real-life sexual experiences. 

Signs of Porn Addiction in youth

While many people use porn as a part of a regular and healthy sexual lifestyle, porn use can be problematic when it becomes uncontrolled and excessive. Signs of porn addiction in youth can include:

• Isolating from friends and family

• Withdrawal from regular activity 

• Mood swings

• Depression or anxiety 

• Guilt or shame surrounding porn use

• Inability to stop or reduce porn 

• Ignoring other responsibilities to watch porn

Porn Addiction treatment options in the U.S.

Treatment for porn addiction will depend on the severity of an individual's behaviors and what options are available to them. Treatment for porn addiction can include inpatient facilities, outpatient options, individual or group therapy, along with support groups.

Birches Health offers specialized virtual treatment for porn addiction with trained therapists. Birches Health works to reduce common barriers to treatment that may prevent those who need it from accessing services for porn addiction. Treatment with Birches is available anytime, anywhere. To get started with Birches or get more information on porn addiction treatment, you can:

• Book an appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com