By: Pamella Magwaza

Pornography, which was once a taboo, has become almost an everyday thing with the growth of technology and the internet becoming easier and cheaper to access.

Children as young as eight years of age are no longer “finding dads stash of magazines” as a first encounter with pornography but are now being shown explicit videos by friends at
school or around their neighbourhoods.

Something that most young teenagers deem as “harmless fun” can lead to later Porn addiction, unhealthy marriages and even abuse within relationships.

Studies have shown that one in three men around the world suffer from pornography addiction which can lead to unsatisfactory romantic relationships and unrealistic expectations
from their partners.

Clinical Psychologist, Nonhlanhla Zulu said, “Men are more likely than women to be addicted to pornography because they are by nature more visually stimulated than women.

Most men who regularly watch pornography are more likely to objectify women then those who do not watch it at all.”

“The brain can hold on to these images for years and that is what makes it hard for the viewer to ‘forget’ and quit the habit,”added Zulu.

Michael Madlala (21) spoke about his first experience with pornography and the effects it had on him.

“I was about 8 when I had my first experience with pornography and sex. I grew up with a man older and more ahead then I was. He told me about porn and showed me videos from the
sites and DVDs,” said Madlala.

When pornography is watched, it is said to give the body a high feeling and the “feel good” hormone dopamine is released. This is almost the same feeling that alcohol or drugs can give
and that is why most people get addicted to Pornography especially when viewed at a very young age.

“When I was younger, I was addicted. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I got exposed to older girls who fell in love with it too and I just couldn’t look at females the same,” admitted
Madlala.

The danger of pornography is that it gives the brain a false sense of intimacy because the same hormones that are released during normal intercourse are released when one is alone
with a computer screen and videos.

Marriage Councillor, Lucilla Bridges, who has worked with couples for many years has seen how much of devastation pornography can have on marriages.

“Most men who have an addiction to pornography or view it regularly often have a very difficult time finding fulfilment with their relationships with their wives,” said Bridges.

“To most women the devastation equals that of their husbands having an affair with another woman,” concluded the councillor.

As technology continues to grow the habit of pornography viewing can only get more frequent and easier to access for children at younger ages and can also potentially lead to
future adults with dysfunctional relationships.