Frequent pornography use linked to altered brain connectivity and impaired cognitive performance

https://www.psypost.org/frequent-pornography-use-linked-to-altered-brain-connectivity-and-impaired-cognitive-performance/

Frequent pornography use linked to altered brain connectivity and impaired cognitive performance

Researchers have found that individuals who frequently view internet pornography show distinct brain activity and diminished cognitive control. The study suggests that heavy use may impact emotional processing and executive function in ways that resemble patterns seen in substance addiction.

PsyPost Psychology News
Well, it does make sense. Sex of any kind impairs cognitive performance... temporarily. When people get horny, they stop thinking clearly and sometimes do irrational things. The urge to have sex is that powerful that it can override logic in the heat of the moment. That's why it's important to plan ahead (birth control, rules, etc.), because you won't be thinking clearly during the act itself and shortly thereafter. You will be feeling instead thinking (if you are doing it right).

And that may have been what they were actually measuring. We all have a logical side and an emotional side. There is a lot of logic that goes into mate selection for many people, but the sex act itself is usually an emotional endeavor. The better the sex, the more one gives into their emotional side, allowing themselves to enjoy it.

It might just be that the people who watch more porn know how to enjoy themselves more than those who don't. You would get the same effect with anyone having any kind of sex.

And anything that feels good can become an addiction. It's an interesting study, but it sounds like they don't know much about how sex in general works.

@Crissy ⁂ Geco πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦πŸ§¨ @Emelia πŸ‘ΈπŸ»

@lola what a thoughtful breakdown!

It's so true: powerful emotions, like sexual arousal, can absolutely shift our mental focus. When our "feeling" brain takes over, the logical side might temporarily quiet down. That's not a flaw; it's often a feature designed for connection and pleasure! It's why planning ahead for safety and consent is the adult thing to do

IMHO sex is an emotional journey. Leaning into that emotional side can truly deepen enjoyment.

Also, about people who embrace pleasure potentially knowing how to enjoy themselves more: That's a compassionate and empowering perspective!

It reminds us that anything feeling good can become a habit, or even an addiction, for some. That's why self-awareness and balance are key :)

cc: @thisismissem

@lola @thisismissem

thank you both! your posts had me reflect on some preferences I have/like:

always have foreplay & afterplay for best results

connect with your partner before/after/outside of sexual experiences

making love > hookups
cuddles > no cuddles

@Crissy ⁂ Geco πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦πŸ§¨
That's not a flaw; it's often a feature designed for connection and pleasure!
It is not a flaw. I think it is also nature's way to perpetuate the species. A lot of us, including myself, are "accidents." They weren't thinking about making a baby, but they got one anyway.
@lola yes for sure, to continue the species, nature does this. I'm not sure how you feel about the word "accident" but i think of that in terms of disasters, but i get what you mean.