The use of pornography in the developed world, primarily Europe and America proves to be common and the Internet provides a unique avenue for a vast quantity and extremely wide range of free pornographic material easily accessible anonymously at any time or place. The anonymity and accessibility of Internet pornography may encourage individuals to engage and explore pornography, who may otherwise not have gone to an adult bookstore or rented an adult video in person. The Internet has also provided the opportunity for people with rare sexual interests to find community groups to discuss and inquire more information regarding their atypical sexual desires as reported by Binik. A social psychological view of Internet porn from Fisher and Barack suggests that the behaviors may be enhanced for those already drawn to antisocial sexual behaviors as in paraphilias. It is also suggested that individuals may lose awareness of the reality of enactment of antisocial sexual behavior as they have access to such material on the Internet. Doring discusses a theory attempting to describe the drive for the use of Internet pornography called Triple A Engine. This theory uses three characteristics of online pornography as appealing factors for its use: anonymity, affordability, and accessibility.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Current and Relevant Statistics
3. A Contextual View
4. Effects of Using Internet Pornography
5. Treatment Approaches
6. Controversial Issues
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This document examines the prevalence of Internet pornography, its psychological and social impacts on various demographics, and the efficacy of current treatment approaches for problematic consumption patterns.
- Psychological motivations for consuming online pornography.
- Statistical trends regarding gender, sexual orientation, and usage frequency.
- The impact of sexual scripts on behavior and relationship quality.
- Positive and negative social consequences, including risks of addiction.
- Efficacy of therapeutic interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Excerpt from the Book
Treatment Approaches
Treatment approaches for Internet pornography obviously are methods that help reduce the amount of time spent viewing pornography and its effects on the functionality and quality of the individual’s life. One approach that reports a high success rate at the reduction of Internet pornography viewing is a treatment approach, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This treatment focuses on the processes hypothesized to cause the maladaptive behavior. The participant males were treated in 2009 for eight 1.5-hour sessions with an 85% reduction of their Internet porn viewing and an 83% reduction at follow-up 3 months later. This method also reports increases in quality of life and reduction of OCD and scrupulosity (Twohig & Crosby, 2010). ACT targets six processes that aim to decrease the effects of inner experiences of the undesired behavior
(urge to view) and increase the effects of other more desired inner experiences (self-created values to take part in meaningful activities). Inner experiences are reached and through addressing acceptance, diffusion, self as context, being present, values, and committed action.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the accessibility and anonymity of online pornography and introduces the "Triple A Engine" theory regarding user appeal.
Current and Relevant Statistics: Provides data on usage patterns across different genders and sexual orientations, noting the discrepancy in self-reported data.
A Contextual View: Explores the motivations behind usage, such as mood management and sexual scripts, and their influence on sexual behavior.
Effects of Using Internet Pornography: Discusses both the potential benefits for marginalized groups and the documented negative consequences on relationships and mental health.
Treatment Approaches: Details the success of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing problematic consumption and improving quality of life.
Controversial Issues: Addresses the ongoing debate regarding gender-based differences in experiencing pornography and the need for further research on diverse populations.
Conclusion: Summarizes the current research landscape and emphasizes the need for further study on the meso and macro-level implications of digital pornography.
Keywords
Internet pornography, sexual scripts, Triple A Engine, sexual behavior, addiction, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT, relationship quality, gender differences, mental health, sexual identity, online sexual behavior, psychological impact, digital media, sexual satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the multifaceted impact of Internet pornography on human sexuality, covering usage statistics, psychological motivations, negative and positive consequences, and potential therapeutic treatments.
What are the key thematic areas addressed?
The core themes include the accessibility of online porn, its influence on individual sexual scripts, effects on interpersonal relationships, and clinical approaches to manage compulsive usage.
What is the central research question?
The work investigates how the anonymity and accessibility of online pornography influence human sexual behavior, attitudes, and the quality of life of its users.
Which scientific methods are primarily discussed?
The paper reviews longitudinal studies, social psychological models like the "Sexual Behavior Sequence," and clinical intervention studies, specifically focusing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
What content is covered in the main body of the text?
The body analyzes statistical trends, contextual motivations (such as habit and fantasy), the impact on the LGBT community, and the potential for sexual behavior modification through therapeutic processes.
How would you characterize this work using keywords?
Key terms include Internet pornography, sexual scripts, sexual identity, behavioral addiction, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
What is the "Triple A Engine" theory?
It is a theoretical framework introduced by Doring (2009) that identifies anonymity, affordability, and accessibility as the three primary factors driving the consumption of online pornography.
How does Internet pornography affect relationships according to the text?
The impact is complex; while some reports suggest improved communication in some couples, longitudinal research, particularly among newlyweds in the Netherlands, highlights that intense preoccupation with online porn often correlates with decreased relationship quality for husbands.
Why is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) mentioned as a solution?
ACT is highlighted because clinical trials demonstrated an 85% reduction in Internet pornography viewing among participants after eight sessions, while also helping to improve overall quality of life.
What does the text suggest regarding future research?
The author concludes that more research is needed on the meso and macro levels, specifically regarding how pornography influences societal norms, values, and the experiences of diverse populations including transgender individuals.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Patrick Kimuyu (Autor:in), 2018, Internet Pornography and Its Impact on Human Sexuality, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/412257
