Problematic Pornography Use
Keyword(s):
Sex Wars
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The idea that pornography can be addictive or that people may compulsively use pornography was not a focal point of the so-called sex wars of the 1970s and 1980s. Now the contention that there is an epidemic of problematic pornography use is a pillar of the argument that pornography is a public health crisis. Scholars disagree about whether problematic use is an addiction or is better characterized as a compulsive use disorder. This chapter describes the research evidence about the prevalence, correlates, and consequences of problematic pornography use, discusses treatment options, and encourages collaboration with the networks of people who describe themselves as porn addicted or in recovery from porn addiction.