I stumbled across a really strange article this morning which basically states that free online porn and video games are rewiring the male brain of young adults and is causing them huge emotional trauma.
I found the theory to be very interesting as we’ve been bombarded by a select group of feminists recently who have been arguing that the video game scene is entirely male dominated and sexist against women and porn is degrading to women.
So to read about an academic study that is implying that the industries are actually both damaging men more than anything is quite bizarre.
“Now, with freely available pornography, which is unique in history, they are combining playing video games, and as a break, watching on average, two hours of pornography a week.”
…
“What I’m saying is – boys’ brains are becoming digitally rewired.”
He also mentioned the growing problem of a disputed phenomenon called ‘porn-induced erectile dysfunction’, or PIED: “Young boys who should be virile are now having a problem getting an erection.”
“You have this paradox – they’re watching exciting videos that should be turning them on, and they can’t get turned on.”
As with most studies this one isn’t without its detractors and an article from Psychology Today has already dismissed the link between porn consumption and erectile dysfunction. However the idea that porn and video games have become so good at providing pleasure which results in the consumers standard life being less than fulfilling is quite the scary concept.
We can’t ask for entertainment creators to make less exciting and interesting things but at the same time if we receive the majority of our excitement in life from a computer or TV there are surely bound to be negative aspects related to that. And for those who are less sure of themselves the idea that all video game characters are physically and intellectually superior to you and that all porn actors and actresses never reject you could cause some problems with normal social interaction.
This issue, if it truly exists, is only going to get worse with the expected influx in virtual reality gaming and interaction media. If you are being physically and emotionally satisfied by a digital experience is there really any use in attempting social interaction which often results in rejection?
Last Updated: May 11, 2015
justlikemo
May 11, 2015 at 09:09
however you are getting your body fix is up to you, but entertainment com on ( not cum on), how is it that porn is associated to gaming, if you are a porn addict you got issues and you need to sort them out.
Pariah
May 11, 2015 at 09:18
Porn in this case is related to men, not gaming. It just so happens that men consume both forms of entertainment, and are apparently negatively affected by them.
Hammersteyn
May 11, 2015 at 09:18
But not women?
Pariah
May 11, 2015 at 09:19
This study doesn’t include women, does it? O_o
There’s no mention of the effects porn and gaming have on women, so therefore it’s not relevant within this topic of discourse.
Also, I’ve had 3 hours sleep. My register needs to be formal or it will end up being utter gibberish.
Hammersteyn
May 11, 2015 at 09:22
I think the same would count for women as well if the study were to include them. They play games as much as men and the watch porn as well. Not sure what the percentage would be if you compare men and women but I’m sure it wont be completely one sided.
Pariah
May 11, 2015 at 09:24
It certainly won’t be one sided, I know many women who enjoy porn. Albeit they usually prefer to watch porn with their partners, rather than flying solo as the general male would consume it. Interestingly, women usually have an issue with men consuming porn on their own, but don’t mind at all when it’s done together. Of course there are many different people out there, and many people just don’t enjoy porn in any manner or form.
Lord Chaos
May 11, 2015 at 09:20
Didn’t you know women don’t play games or watch porn? Only us useless males.
*Pours gasoline.
Lord Chaos
May 11, 2015 at 09:14
I wouldn’t say it’s a fear of rejection for most people, more a fear of being disappointed.
Interacting with some people falls along the lines of playing CoD
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 09:17
Next thing they’re going to say is that gaming is making men sterile.
Hammersteyn
May 11, 2015 at 09:19
“two hours of pornography a week”??? Then again, it’s a better love story than Twilight
Pariah
May 11, 2015 at 09:20
Let’s be honest, The Shining was a better love story than Twilight.
Hammersteyn
May 11, 2015 at 09:23
As was About Schmidt (Kathy Bates in a hot tub…)
Mossel
May 11, 2015 at 09:30
hahaha! Wasn’t the average length of videos being watched on pornhub like 5min? So that’s 35min a week. Unless you masturbate like 3 times a day.
Hammersteyn
May 11, 2015 at 09:33
Two hours divided by five = 24 and divided by 7 is 3.43 O_o
I guess the .43 is on the weekends?
Mossel
May 11, 2015 at 09:56
Yeah you get the extra 0.43 for a lekker naweek bederfie.
HairyEwok
May 11, 2015 at 10:07
Almost Half Life 3 confirmed.
Mossel
May 11, 2015 at 09:27
It’s all about balance. I really like videogames, but nothing beats a good run, surf or hiking up the mountain. (I sound so Capetonian right now).
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 09:37
Aren’t you the guy they use for the Cape Town travel marketing? 😉
fred
May 11, 2015 at 09:41
Run … no way , rather cycle.
Lord Chaos
May 11, 2015 at 09:43
Rather go to the driving range.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 09:44
A drive along a mountain pass for me.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 09:45
Offroad yes.
The road belongs to the cars and motorcycles.
Mossel
May 11, 2015 at 09:49
Yeah MTB is pretty awesome, but expensive as hell.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 09:51
Too expensive for me, sadly.
Waves are free though. 🙂
Mossel
May 11, 2015 at 09:53
But a wetsuit isn’t haha! I really want to get into Kite surfing but hell it’s expensive.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 10:00
Ish. Very much.
Mossel
May 11, 2015 at 09:49
haha! R30000 MTB or R1500 shoes. I’m very stingy.
MathewW
May 12, 2015 at 14:53
We seem think the same way and like the same things bro AND we’re both Capetonian.
Mossel
May 12, 2015 at 15:28
Great minds think alike?
Mossel
May 11, 2015 at 09:29
It’s also like how alcohol has become mandatory at social events. I mean imagine going out with friends or braaing without beer…the horror!
fred
May 11, 2015 at 09:39
When kids come along you become more responsible and cut down on the drinking. It is all part of growing up.
Mossel
May 11, 2015 at 09:48
I’m not saying get blind drunk. Just that everyone will still have some beers or wine. Braaing with coke just doesn’t feel right.
fred
May 11, 2015 at 09:51
But that is ok , a few drinks always help to make the people interact more , it only becomes an issue when becoming part of your daily routine I think.
Mossel
May 11, 2015 at 09:53
Yeah I agree on that. The point is it sort of becomes mandatory to have drinks in order to have fun. Just like video games and porn allegedly.
Sovereign
May 11, 2015 at 09:36
I kinda prefer porn, because it doesn’t want me to go visit its mom over the weekend, or listen to its problems.
Lord Chaos
May 11, 2015 at 09:37
Scary, but very true.
Ranting Raptor
May 11, 2015 at 09:37
As with all things moderation needs to be cautioned.
Drinking – Moderation
Smoking – moderation
Gaming – Moderation
The more you consume anything, be it entertainment, drugs or even food, the less of a buzz you get each time.
My favorite meal is chicken, roast potatoes, rice and gravy. If I had to have that every day however, I’d start getting bored.
Same with anything the human mind “craves” for.
Moderation is key in pretty much all aspects of life.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 09:40
I don’t smoke and only really drink on weekends, so I’m relaying those hours to gaming, okay? 😀
Pariah
May 11, 2015 at 09:40
So the perfect number of times in a month is 7, would you say? Or perhaps that’s how many hours a week?
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 09:41
LOL
Ranting Raptor
May 11, 2015 at 09:42
#Glaress
#NoLonger7Characters
Pariah
May 11, 2015 at 09:48
#StillMadeYouThinkAboutIt
#IWonAnyway
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 09:48
#Hashtagging
Pariah
May 11, 2015 at 09:49
#AsLongAsItsNotInRealLife
#ItsOverratedAnyway
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 09:49
#True
#IHaveNoIdeaWhatsGoingOn
#IAgreeAnyway
Pariah
May 11, 2015 at 09:50
#IloledIRL
Ranting Raptor
May 11, 2015 at 10:15
#DARNIT!!!!!
I_am_Duffman!
May 11, 2015 at 09:44
That is some insightful stuff right there. Will definitely steal that example.
Sageville
May 11, 2015 at 09:42
Sounds more like scare mongering, the study has been debunked, didn’t stand up to peer review.
fred
May 11, 2015 at 09:46
So it did stand up. 😉
Captain JJ Fantasticus
May 11, 2015 at 09:47
XD
Goal9
May 11, 2015 at 09:53
“Feminists find it surprising when men prefer to play videogames and watch porn instead of putting up with all the man hate recently.”
Pariah
May 11, 2015 at 09:54
I don’t mind living in a woman’s world, as long as I can be a man in it.
Wakka Wakka
May 11, 2015 at 12:57
MGTOW, all the way.
Chule Gcanga
May 11, 2015 at 10:13
Very interesting topic Gavin. This makes me think of Japan & the effects of this. So Japan’s population is decreasing because people particularly the youth aren’t having babies, as people mostly gents say that social interactions are complex & societies
expectations are quiet high so the simple & less stressful method of satisfying ones needs be it sexual or mental is… Digital satisfaction..It’s easier. You get what you want & nothing more. No complications or augments or disappointments. Just straight forward instant gratification, with no strings. Now being a single guy who loves gaming. I have to say life is simpler & easier with the above mentioned. But that does not mean it’s right. i can partially vouch for this test. I go out way less, I’m not much interested in dating as it has proven to be stressful & takes alot of emotional & mental effort & strain. In all honesty i’d much rather sit at home, play game most of the time & yeah go to pornhub to…….. I Know this will have to change if i want kids & a family, but right now honestly. I agree with Japans youth in stating that it’s the easier less stressful way of gratifying social & physical desires. But is it conducive to the future of the planet if all gents simply go online, put on their V.R headsets & live the life they want on the net?
Jonah Cash
May 11, 2015 at 10:32
I am a gamer, a husband and a father… I game pretty much the same amount of time as I did when I was younger. But I understand the appeal of not getting into a relationship. And if I am honest I would probably not get married at 24 again… I would at least wait till I reach 30. But the feeling I get when my 5 year old daughter tells me that she loves me… there is nothing that even comes close in comparison. Nothing you can find on the net will replace that feeling.
Chule Gcanga
May 11, 2015 at 10:49
Yeah man, I hear you. Nothing will ever beat real experiences.
VoidWalker
May 11, 2015 at 12:12
first off, you are making some bad statement here. According to feminists, women make up like 42% of gamers. According to your title it’s only men being negatively effected . . . why? Also, women watch porn too, so again, why are men the only ones this article claims are effected?
Not only that, but you didn’t site any sources for the argument you gave about porn causing erectile dysfunction. I have to wonder if you are mixing that up erectile dysfunction related to being a virgin, which is a well know issue that a lot men get the first time they have sex. the issue is masturbation btw, not the porn.
Also, what basis do you use to assert that digital entertainment like pornography or video games must necessarily lead to some downfall? Seems to me you are making a naturalistic fallacy. just because something is unnatural to human behavior does not logically mean it is a bad thing or will ever be bad . . .
In short, I heard a lot assertions with absolutely no evidence . . . I find the doubling down on bad feminist theory to be kind of worrying. Why does this ideology perpetuate itself so much? It’s based on nothing but assertion and whining by red haired women with no clue about the topics they talk about because they don’t partake in the consumption of pornography or video games.
Whoami Idonno
May 11, 2015 at 12:27
Its interesting and I believe it is true but from an extent, when you are doing things such as avoiding interaction with family or friends to watch porn or to game I think it is a problem.
The use of porn I can understand, its easy to access and you don’t have to work hard and spend lots of money to get what you want, trying to bed a girl can be hard work and there is always a real chance you will get rejected. This I find easy to grasp but Women and Feminists cant seem to fathom it, they seem incapable of understanding anything from a males point of view.
Also what are resolutions they suggest? are they suggesting censorship?
nalsonmandela1
May 11, 2015 at 15:15
????it’s Easy Make With lazygamer < i started working online, completing some basic jobs that only requires from you a computer and internet access and I am happier than ever… It's been 6 months since i started this and i got paid so far total of 36,000 bucks… Basicly i profit close to 80 bucks/h and work for 3-4 hrs most of the days.Best part to whole this thing is that you can decide when to work yourself and for how long and you get a paycheck
at the end of each week. Click Here for More Detail
LivingIt
May 11, 2015 at 16:50
The book Manning Up, adds Adam Sandler-esque behaviours to what is ruining men in the world.
Gerard Matthews
May 11, 2015 at 19:52
Get a fast car, that will entertain you plenty.
Ghost In The Rift
May 11, 2015 at 20:37
All dudes are waiting for that perfect game that combines porn,rpg and action, that will break the internet on that they, though Geralt is pretty close.(Bonecraft doesn’t count)XD
MathewW
May 12, 2015 at 14:54
Women play video games and watch porn just as much as men do.
Hashtag just saying.