Daily Mail article: A few clicks of the mouse…

An article in today’s Daily Mail examines the rise of porn addiction, and talks to couples who have found their lives severely impacted.

Many insightful points are raised, and I was particularly interested in the forthcoming research from London’ s Portman Clinic. When latest statistics are released at Easter, it is estimated that compulsive porn habits will account for between 25 and 50 per cent of referred patients. This compares to 11 per cent during 2001-03.

Dr Wood believes that it is the unique characteristics of the internet which have spawned such compulsive behaviour:

It accelerates people’s levels of excitement and engagement with pornography. People imagine there are no witnesses.

All the normal shame which might deter someone from buying a magazine or going to a sex shop is not there. These controls are removed. And because others view the same sites, it feels normal.

It seems to the person as if their behaviour has no consequences. It is very heady and intoxicating mix.

I also contributed to the article, and have received a wealth of feedback – I’ll post more to the blog over the next few days.