Counsel #10 — The Cognitive Consequence

Picture: Counsel #10 — The Cognitive ConsequenceCLi 97.1

The primary negative impact of pornography is the effect it has on the brain. Each time a person watches porn, the neural pathways in the brain are reshaped, changing the brain’s natural reward mechanisms. With constant use, the brain is flooded with dopamine - ordinarily associated with feelings of pleasure - artificially creating a high.CLi 97.2

This overstimulation of dopamine receptors desensitizes the brain in a way that makes feeling pleasure “dull” or not as enjoyable. In turn, this causes the porn-addicted individual to seek out more hardcore, graphic material just to be aroused, leading to a cycle of unhealthy consumption and dependency. In addition, porn also weakens the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of our brain that is responsible for decision-making and self-control. When these parts are weakened, healthy relationships become more difficult to establish due to lowered impulse control. Even if porn has changed your brain, don’t lose hope. God can reshape our minds to reflect His will and His glory.^{[88]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XtHHik_oVA}CLi 97.3

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 NIVCLi 97.4

“The heart is corrupted through the imagination. The mind takes pleasure in contemplating scenes which awaken the lower and baser passions.” Ellen White in Letters to Young Lovers, p. 26 CLi 97.5

Reflect: Did you know that watching pornography changes the biological nature of the brain?CLi 97.6