Americans are watching more porn than ever, with the U.S. leading the world in Pornhub traffic in 2024. But is this trend doing more harm than good?
In short, yes. Therapist Danielle Sukenik has been discussing the negative effects of porn and how it can physically alter your brain.
A 2015 study found that men who frequently watch porn had reduced activity in the brain’s region responsible for motivation and decision-making. Additionally, heavy users of sites like PornHub showed decreased responsiveness to sexual stimuli, which could lead to issues in the bedroom.
Sukenik explained in an article for The Conversation: “This pattern is likely due to reduced connectivity between the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s decision-making center—and the reward system as more porn is consumed. As a result, cravings and impulsivity increase, as individuals seek to achieve the same level of reward in the brain.”
The therapist added, “Because pornography can alter brain function and affect pleasure responses, users may eventually feel compelled to seek out more extreme content.”
Studies have looked into how porn can alter the brain (Getty Stock Photo)
Sukenik isn’t the only expert discussing the impact of heavy porn consumption on the brain.
Paul Sheppard, a mindset coach who works with people struggling with anxiety, went viral on TikTok when he explained the effects of excessive porn use on the brain.
He said, “Here are some ways porn can mess up your brain—and your life.
“Too much porn can cause your brain to rewire itself, making you prefer porn over having sex with a real person.”
Porn can physically change your brain (Getty Stock Photo)
“Excessive porn use has been linked to performance anxiety, erectile dysfunction, sexual inadequacy, and negative body image,” Sheppard explained.
He then went on to describe why porn can be so addictive.
“Porn is a powerful stimulant,” he said. “In other words, it raises your dopamine levels to unnaturally high levels, making it highly addictive for some people.”
“It also makes everything else around you less enjoyable, because the only way to experience that intense pleasure is to return to porn,” he added.
Sheppard, the anxiety coach, mentioned that symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, lack of motivation, and general irritability could indicate you’re watching too much porn.
“If you’re experiencing any of these issues, reboot and rewire your brain by completely abstaining from porn and engaging in something else instead,” Sheppard recommended.
