Does Pornography Harm America?

The Internet explosion has brought the previously underground world of pornography directly to the homes and desktops of thousands of Americans. In fact, porn now grosses an estimated $15 billion annually in the U.S. alone. While some see pornography's popularity as a sign of America's profound moral decay, others believe pornography is harmless -- and even beneficial or educational. Is pornography dirty entertainment or good clean fun?

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“Pornography is Addictive”
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Pornography is Addictive

Nat. Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families

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Numerous research studies, as well as overwhelming anecdotal evidence, indicate pornography use is addictive. Counselors and therapists are virtually unanimous in their view that as pornography use grows, the materials become more and more coarse and in some cases lead to acting out. Dr. Victor Cline, an expert on sexual addiction, found that there is a four-step progression among many who consume pornography.

Addiction: Pornography provides a powerful sexual stimulant or aphrodisiac effect, followed by sexual release, most often through masturbation.
Escalation: Over time addicts require more explicit and deviant material to meet their sexual "needs."
Desensitization: What was first perceived as gross, shocking and disturbing, in time becomes common and acceptable.
Acting out sexually: There is an increasing tendency to act out behaviors viewed in pornography.

Evidence

Link: Porn Addiction Similar to Substance Addiction

Link: Sex Addiction: Hidden Problem in Many Families

Link: A Drug Called Pornography

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