The warning signs that you’re an online porn addict – C-ville feature
I receive quite a few questions along these lines:
- What type of porn do addicts look at?
- How much time do addicts spend surfing porn sites?
- I watch porn – does that mean I have a problem?
All perfectly understandable enquiries – there is a lot of talk about porn/sex addiction, and a whole load of people at looking at porn. Before I jump in with answers, here’s a quote from an excellent news feature published today. Sexuality therapist and educator Annette Owens, MD, Ph.D. says:
I gave the green light to using erotica and porn as part of a healthy sex life, especially if you struggle with arousal. They are great tools to help you get in the mood for sex and to add a little spice. But just like your chili can get too hot, online porn can become too much. It’s time for the red flag to go up when someone:
1. Depends on arousal through Internet use (fantasy, chat, video, etc.)
2. Loses control of time
3. Experiences feelings of guilt about Internet use
4. Tries to find ways to get online when on vacation
5. Hides his/her Internet activity by keeping visited sites secret
6. Spends time at work using the Internet for porn
And if this someone has a partner, excessive Internet porn use can send the couple’s sex life into a downward spiral.
I really couldn’t have put it better myself.
The dividing line between harmless, recreational porn and problem, compulsive porn varies for every individual. So there’s no definitive test for a problem relationship with porn, but the criteria above has all the typical indicators covered.
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