Decades of studies from major institutions have demonstrated significant impacts of porn consumption on individuals, relationships, and society.

If you aren’t familiar with Fight the New Drug, they are a non-religious and non-legislative 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to educate youth on the harmful effects of pornography using only science, facts, and personal accounts. In other words, think of Fight The New Drug like the Truth Campaign that raises awareness on the harms of smoking, but for porn.

Now they are debuting one of the biggest resources ever created – a docuseries called Brain, Heart, World. What’s up with the title, you may ask? The organization has separated the conversation on porn’s harms into three parts, based on the available research and studies. 1. how porn can have lasting, neurological impacts on consumer’s brain. 2. how porn can harm relationships, sexual health, and relational health of partners; and 3. how porn is connected to violence, sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation.

FAST FACTS ABOUT PORN

(Made available by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation)

It’s Everywhere: Young children are now exposed to hardcore (mainstream) pornography at an alarming rate, with 27% of older millennials (age 25-30) reporting that they first viewed pornography before puberty. Sixty-four percent of people 13–24 actively seek out pornography weekly or more often.

Both Male and Female Users: While hardcore pornography users are typically male, female use is increasing. Teenage girls and young women are significantly more likely to actively seek out porn than women over age 25.

Pornography Teaches that Women Enjoy Sexual Violence: Analysis of the 50 most popular pornographic videos (those bought and rented most often) found that 88% of scenes contained physical violence, and 49% contained verbal aggression. Eighty-seven percent of aggressive acts were perpetrated against women, and 95% of their responses were either neutral or expressions of pleasure.

The Research Is In: Since 2009, there have been 30 major studies that have revealed porn has negative and detrimental impacts on the brain.

The Addiction Gets Worse: A 2015 study from Cambridge found that pornography use can drive novelty-seeking, so users need more and more extreme content over time in order achieve the same level of arousal.

Like the Tobacco Industry, the Pornography Industry is Creating a Public Health Crisis. Despite tobacco’s former widespread use and acceptance in American culture, once its harms became apparent, society took action and adopted dramatic new policies to limit the harmful effects of smoking. Similarly we believe that people need to be protected from pornography exposure, and be made aware of the risks associated with pornography use. Additionally, pornography should not be socially endorsed, normalized, or presented as cool.