The Science Behind Pornography

"Pornography is everyone else's problem until it becomes a problem in your home!"
- John L. Harmer, Chairman

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Is there really a science behind pornography?

Yes! Numerous respected scientists and psychiatrists have concluded that pornography is an addiction like alcohol or drug abuse. Some scientists belive it is even more addictive than heroine. Addiction is caused by chemical dependencies within in the body and neural pathways through the brain. Recent studies make it clear that pornography needs to be studied more carefully. In short, science is revealing that there are serious moral implications involved in this addiction.

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Why does the science matter?

For years, legal experts, judges and partisans have complained that public morality should play a role in developing policies or making law. We strongly disagree. However, we intend to move quickly over this debate by supporting and financing scientific research into the effects of pornography on individuals and society. With peer-reviewed studies we can build support behind legal efforts brought against the pornography industry across the country.

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How does pornography affect the brain?

The brain is the functioning turnstile that helps us decide on moral issues, prompts us to act, think, love, run, flee or fight. The brain is designed to be flexible and pliable. What we choose to watch and act on is firmly "imprinted" on our brain. When a person is exposed repeatedly to pornography the brain is stimulated and releases chemicals. This "cocktail" of chemicals builds a dependency within the brain driving feedback loops that require more and more stimulation to sustain the "high". The release of chemicals also causes the brain to shut down specific functions, rewire pathways, set expectations, and weight decision making in an improper way. There are numerous studies underway to study the effects of pornography on the brain.

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How can I help with this effort?

As you can imagine brain studies using fMRI technology is not inexpensive. Hundreds of people have already given to the Lighted Candle Society. You too can become a member and receive our weekly alerts along with our newsletters. Right now for a donation of $25 you receive an annual membership in the Lighted Candle Society. You will also receive two free books: The Sex Industrial Complex by John Harmer, Chairman of the Lighted Candle Society and A Brain Gone Wrong by Dr. Dean Belnap.