Internet pornography use has been linked to a life-threatening disease, according to a sobering new study.
Scientists believe that the tens of millions of people in the US who engage in pornography use could face their health being at risk.
This is according to research that was uncovered in a new study at the Chengdu Medical College in China which suggests that the taboo habit could be linked to a cognitive disease.
This study was conducted by having college students watch a 10-minute-long pornographic video.
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Both before and after watching the clip, the individuals were tasked with completing a test that measured their focus and attention control, as well as three psychological questionnaires.
Experts have now revealed that the student had much slower reaction times and made more errors after viewing the video than before.
In fact, the brain activity patterns resembled those with schizophrenia or drug addiction, according to the scientists.
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Now, the researchers are concerned that frequent pornography viewers could be experiencing neurological and behavioral effects that resemble ones noted in other addictions.
This is because these side effects over time could contribute towards more serious health risks as reduced cognitive function is known to be an early sign of cognitive diseases such as dementia.
In the study, which was published in PubMed Central, researchers said: “The effects of internet pornography addiction on brain functional connectivity in the prefrontal lobe exhibit characteristics similar to those of drug addiction.
“Moreover, individuals who frequently consume internet pornography report that they experience stronger sexual arousal and heightened pleasure while viewing, which subsequently adversely affects their cognition and emotions.”
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In another study published last year, thousands of people were evaluated for ‘problematic pornography use’, which is considered as the habit hurting your ability to perform at work and damaging relationships.
The study was conducted globally where it was found that 3% of people who participated were revealed to be viewing pornography a concerning amount.
However, only 1% of people were seeking treatment for their addiction.
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Dr Beatha Bőthe, who is the lead study author and psychologist at the University of Montreal, said: “Our research shows that the problematic pornography use may be more common than many might think and affects a wide range of people.
“'It highlights that while many are struggling, not many seek help. That’s important because it suggests that more work needs to be done to understand and support those who are affected by it.”