Compulsive or Addictive? The Evolving Science of Pornography Use

The Evolving Science of Pornography Use (Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash)

Recent neuroscientific and psychological research has intensified the debate over whether excessive pornography consumption should be classified as a true “addiction” or a “compulsive sexual behaviour disorder” (CSBD). The World Health Organization (WHO) recently included CSBD in the ICD-11, shifting the focus from the medium (pornography) to the behavioural pattern of impaired control.

Addiction or Compulsion? A Diagnostic Shift

This change reflects a broader move away from moral or value-based judgements and towards observable patterns of behaviour. Rather than asking what someone is using, clinicians are encouraged to look at how the behaviour functions in a person’s life and whether it causes distress, loss of control or harm to relationships, work or emotional wellbeing.

What Neuroscience Tells Us

Recent fMRI studies have provided a “biological” lens, showing that individuals with high-frequency porn use often exhibit brain activity patterns similar to those with substance use disorders. Specifically, hyper-reactivity in the brain’s reward system, the ventral striatum, is observed when subjects are shown cues related to pornography.

However, researchers emphasise a key distinction: unlike chemical substances, the “high” in porn use is driven by the natural reward of novelty, often referred to as the “Coolidge Effect”, where the brain seeks constant new stimuli to maintain dopamine levels.

The Role of Shame and Perceived Addiction

Furthermore, 2024 studies from various international clinics suggest that “perceived addiction”, where individuals feel addicted due to moral or religious conflicts, is a significant factor. In these cases, distress may stem as much from shame and self-judgement as from the behaviour itself.

Researchers now argue that treatment must address both the neurological habit and the psychological distress caused by the behaviour to be effective. As the digital landscape shifts toward high-speed, immersive content, the scientific consensus is moving toward viewing this not as a moral failing, but as a complex neuro-behavioural challenge.