Pornography is a huge industry. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) reports that somewhere between 50 and 99 percent of men and 30 to 86 percent of women consume it in some fashion. And when it is consumed at an obsessive rate, it can quickly turn into a problem.
What Is Porn Addiction?
Perhaps the best way to describe pornography addiction is to break it down, one definition at a time.
Pornography is defined as “the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement”; or “the depiction of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction.” Addiction is defined as “a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble).”
Thus, a pornography addiction is a strong and harmful need to regularly engage with erotic materials in an effort to create a quick and intense emotional reaction.
Although not currently recognized as a true mental “disorder,” many people struggle with this addiction as it progresses from a healthy sexual behavior, transforming into an obsession that takes over their life.