🚩 Guide
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Jun 17, 2024
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4 min read
$482 million. Do you know what that is? It's the revenue generated by MindGeek (the parent company of PornHub) in 2023. And for those wondering, yes, it's enormous and not likely to stop.
PornHub is visited by more than 130 million "adults" on average every day. That's 130 million people consuming content aimed at satisfying sexual urges through sometimes ultra-violent, degrading, and even illegal "cinematic" content. Over 50% of men consume pornographic content almost daily. While not all are addicts, between 8% and 10% of consumers are considered "addicts."
For those who feel that pornography is taking up too much space in their lives, want to moderate, or stop consuming it altogether, you've come to the right place. We’ve researched studies, the web, and conferences on the subject to write this guide to help you quit pornography calmly and simply.
What Do We Call "Porn" in 2024?
Before diving deep into the topic, let's take a moment to redefine what we call "pornographic" content. Many think directly and only of well-known sites like PornHub, but there are other forms of pornography with a huge number of consumers and revenues.
🔞 Classic Porn
This is the most popular industry, including video content on platforms like PornHub, Xhamster, Xvideos, and Xnxx. These platforms offer content they produce or that their community produces (often raising issues about consent).
🍆 Medium Porn
Platforms like OnlyFans and MyM, which appeared around 2016, operate on a subscription basis with content creators. You subscribe to your favorite creator to access their content. Some even offer custom content for a fee. OnlyFans made $1.2 billion in revenue in 2022, more than MindGeek.
🍑 Soft Porn
Soft Porn is more discreet. This includes suggestive Instagram accounts and influencers who push the limits of nudity (and Instagram's rules). The problem with Soft Porn is that it creates an arousal state with hyper-sexualized bodies, potentially leading to consumption of Classic Porn.
When Can We Say We're "Addicted"?
Looking at photos of naked people isn't illegal, so what's the problem? The issue lies in the brain. Pornography is somewhat "unnatural" biologically. It pushes hormones to their peak, putting the body in an intense state of arousal, leading to a "need" to release this excitement through masturbation.
This hormone release and subsequent release process is highly addictive. Initially, the sensation is intense, and the body wants to repeat it. But the more it's done, the more the body gets used to it, leading to a need for increased frequency or intensity (or both). This is where problems begin, with individuals losing control over their impulses, consuming increasingly violent content, and some struggling to cope with real-life relationships.
❤️🩹 Symptoms to Watch For:
Inability to resist impulses
Irresistible urges to view pornographic content
Excessive consumption impacting work, social life, and professional life
Sexual dysfunction (impotence, etc.)
Changes in social behavior
Risky behavior to consume pornographic content
Hiding or lying about consumption, significant shame
Feeling like a victim rather than a consumer
What Are the Dangers of Being Addicted?
Why is consuming too much pornography a big deal? Firstly, it's a lucrative, constantly growing business with no intention of stopping. These businesses do everything to make you consume more of their content (special mention to the bot armies on platforms like X or YouTube leading you to OnlyFans pages).
Studies continuously warn about the health risks, especially for young people.
🩺 Health
Intensive porn consumption impacts health, especially for men. It can lead to erectile problems and disrupt the reward system, making the body unable to resist the urge for immediate gratification. This can cause issues with concentration, work, and social interactions, leading to significant problems.
✌️ Social
Porn changes people, often not for the better. They may lose awareness of limits, endanger themselves or others, and do anything to consume or replicate the effects of porn.
🗄️ Productivity
Excessive porn consumption affects productivity. Constantly thinking about pornographic content and being a slave to impulses makes it hard to stay focused and productive, potentially harming career progression.
How to Get Rid of Porn in Your Life
Now that we've covered the issue, what solutions are available to tackle pornography addiction? We’ve researched the best methods, but remember, these tips don't replace professional help (like psychologists, psychiatrists, or addiction specialists). If needed, seek professional assistance.
There are two main approaches: total abstinence and "moderated" use. Choose what suits you best!
🔞 Block Porn
It's like trying to lose weight while buying candy. Blocking porn is essential. Many online tools and apps can help. We recommend the Jomo app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. With it, you can block pornographic content with one click!
1️⃣ Download Jomo for free.
2️⃣ Go to Rules > Sessions > Templates > Block Adult Content.
3️⃣ Select your desired duration.
4️⃣ (OPTIONAL) Enable the "Breaks" option to allow a few unlocks if needed. For example, instead of quitting porn completely, limit it to once a week. This can effectively reduce consumption and negative impacts while minimizing frustration.
5️⃣ Start!
🙈 Limit Temptations
Reduce temptations by unfollowing Instagram accounts (or TikTok, etc.) with suggestive content. Take time to clean up your feeds, or ask a close one for help if needed. The less you see soft porn, the easier it is to avoid relapsing into watching porn.
🍫 Find Your Alternative
Like people who quit smoking, find an alternative activity for potential relapses. Some drink water when they want to smoke, then automate this new behavior. Find something to do when the urge arises, like doing push-ups, squats, or going for a run. Test what works for your lifestyle, physical condition, and interests.
If porn is ruining your life, apply these tips. If you don't succeed immediately, don't stress. Reflect on why you failed before trying again. Give yourself time, and don't be too hard on yourself. Recognizing the issue and taking action is crucial. If the situation gets out of control, consult a professional.
