Porn effect on brain: Frequent and excessive pornography

Frequent and excessive pornography consumption can have long-lasting effects on the brain’s dopamine system. Research suggests that prolonged exposure to pornography can lead to changes in dopamine receptor sensitivity. Some findings also suggest that Internet pornography consumption might represent a defense mechanism against excessive stress, which enables to cope with stressful events, helps in mood regulation, and decreases depression and anxiety. But is watching porn bad for your brain? The effects of porn on the brain go beyond simple pleasure — they can reshape brain chemistry and function over time. Studies have also shown porn effects on brain regions responsible for self-control, emotions, and cognition. The negative association of self-reported pornography consumption with the right striatum (caudate) volume, left striatum (putamen) activation during cue reactivity, and lower functional connectivity of the right caudate to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex could reflect change in neural plast …