May 23, 2024 06:00:00

What are the 5 strategies recommended by experts to 'avoid pornography'?

Experts

are divided on the issue, with some saying that watching pornography has a negative impact on both the mind and body, such as negatively affecting relationships and sex life, and others saying that it has a positive effect on relieving stress and anxiety. Nevertheless, as advice for those who want to refrain from watching pornography to avoid taking up too much time or consuming physical energy, Psych2Go , a YouTube channel that animates topics on mental health and psychology, explains 'How to stop watching pornography recommended by brain and psychology experts'.

Ways To STOP Watching Porn, Backed By Research - YouTube


In today's world where pornographic content can be easily accessed from smartphones and PCs, many people have experienced accessing pornography for healing at random times, or feeling excited late at night and being unable to stop looking for pornography. Psych2Go has put together five tips in a movie to help you break out of this habit and control your time and emotions.

The first is to 'strengthen your defenses.' When you are browsing social media or news sites in a relaxed state, a sexual advertisement may suddenly appear, giving you the urge to watch pornography.

According to psychologists, in order to prevent this pattern, it is important to understand what kind of thought process causes this pattern of pornography addiction in the first place. For example, if you are browsing social media aimlessly to relieve boredom, even if you see a pornographic ad and it doesn't provoke a strong urge, you may be drawn to pornography that slightly interests you. Therefore, one countermeasure is to not visit social media or specific sites unless you are actively enjoying or researching something that interests you.

The second method is called '

Habit Swap .' Hugh G. Byrne, a Washington-based mindfulness specialist, says that any unhealthy habit, such as unhealthy eating, excessive drinking, procrastination, or stressful thinking, can be replaced with a healthy habit. Even if you find yourself turning to pornography, you can try to change the habit of 'looking at social media when you have time' to 'reading one sentence of an educational book.'

Psychiatrist Judson A. Brewer also points out that by simply making an effort to pick up a book when you are about to pick up your smartphone, you can replace the habit you want to avoid with a positive one. According to Brewer, Habit Swap not only allows you to temporarily avoid undesirable behaviors and choose more desirable ones, but it also allows you to imprint new habits in your brain.

The third point is to find a community where you can share your experiences with the new habit you have tried. Participating in social activities can help you distract yourself from pornography. Johan Harry, a writer and expert on addiction, said, 'The opposite of addiction is not abstinence or prohibition, but connection with others,' and that overcoming addiction is not just about cutting something off, but about filling it with something else that is meaningful.

The fourth point is to 'draw a path.' Social psychologist Roy Baumeister says that constantly checking your progress gives you the belief that 'you have the ability to change.' For example, if your goal is to quit pornography, marking the days when you succeeded on the calendar will give you a sense of satisfaction. This experience of success will not only satisfy you, but also give you confidence in changing yourself.

The fifth point is that it is important not to try to overcome pornography addiction on your own, but to seek help from others. If you try various things and don't see any results, you will fall into a vicious cycle of stress, which will further damage your health. Psychotherapist Paula Hall recommends seeking professional advice in such cases. According to Hall, the various methodologies are general, but consulting a professional can provide you with insights and strategies tailored to the individual, allowing you to aim for a more desirable solution.

If you want to break the habit of watching pornography, it’s important to take proactive steps by implementing these strategies, looking after yourself, and possibly seeking support.