What is pornography?

Some critics attempt to frame this kind of campaign as an effort "against nudity/sex"; others insist that the definition of pornography is inescapably vague and fuzzy--"yes, but what about an art museum?"  In contrast, FTND acknowledges that nudity can be a powerful and beautiful thing within the right context--for instance, between two individuals in a marriage, or in art such as the Statue of David.  And as we attempt to make fully clear in our materials, we view pornography as neither equivalent with sex nor sexy itself--but instead, as a substantial distortion and mis-use of sex in a way that potentially harms those who participate. 

How is pornography a drug?

Whether or not something is a "drug" depends on how it is being used by individuals.  Many activities (food, gambling, sex, work) have been acknowledged as potentially addictive when individuals turn to them in a compulsive way to bring 'relief' from stress and difficulty. In this sense, we join other thinkers who have begun to refer to pornography's drug-like function in society.  In his recent review of the scientific literature, for instance, author and researcher Mark Kastleman calls pornography a "brain-altering super-drug" and labels it, more specifically, as the "drug of the new millennium."  He goes on to summarize that "the latest brain research and clinical studies clearly show that pornography radically alters the human brain and dramatically impacts attitudes and behaviors in children, teens and adults." Read more on this topic by clicking here: Is Pornography Really a Drug?

what are the consequences of pornography?

As research has increasingly confirmed, pornography can have consequences on multiple levels--from the mental/emotional dynamics on an individual-level to social/relationship dynamics on on a community-level.  In a summary of the research literature, for instance, Kastleman writes, "The latest brain research and clinical studies clearly show that pornography radically alters the human brain and dramatically impacts attitudes and behaviors in children, teens and adults."  Arguably the most striking site of its consequences occurs in the context of marriage and family.  One of the most helpful and thorough summaries of these effects was prepared for a U.S. Congressional Subcommittee by a marriage and family therapist, Jill Manning in November of 2005 (see The Impact of Internet Pornography on Marriage and the Family: A Review of the Research. http://www.heritage.org/research/family/upload/85273_1.pdf). Read more on this topic by clicking here: The Brain and Addiction and Tolerance: Porn becomes the Norm.

how is pornography bad for relationships?

Some have argued that pornography can facilitate connection and intimacy between loving couples.  As nice as this sounds in theory, scientific findings combine with numerous heartbreaking personal accounts of those in relationships with pornography-users, to suggest precisely the reverse.  As noted in an earlier question, one of the most helpful summaries of the impact of pornography on relationships was prepared for a U.S. Congressional Subcommittee by Jill Manning, a marriage and family therapist, in November of 2005 (see The Impact of Internet Pornography on Marriage and the Family: A Review of the Research.  http://www.heritage.org/research/family/upload/85273_1.pdf). Read more on Porn and Relationships.

How can a healthy sexual relationship be good and pornography bad?

The argument that pornography is simply an extension of healthy sexuality presumes that the purpose of sex is largely for individual pleasure.  If this is the case, then it makes sense that in whatever way possible, more sexual engagement would be better (wherever, however, whomever).  Alongside many other voices in society--both religious and non-religious--we hold to another view of sexuality, that places it firmly in a relationship context--specifically, as a way to give and share love.  From this vantage point, we would argue that it is simply not possible to truly convey or give love via pornography--with the viewing of this material, instead, inevitably devolving into the objectified use of another for one's own pleasure.  Read more about The Chemicals behind the Addiction.

Pornography is not new. Why do you call yourselves "Fight the NEW drug"?

Whether or not something is a "drug" depends on how it is being used by individuals.  While yes, pornography has existed throughout human history, the science that proves that it is a drug is relatively new to human understanding. It seems clear that the prevalence and frequency of its use by individuals in our era is unprecedented and unmatched in human history.  This is the reason for our campaign title. 

How is pornography addictive?

As with other stimulating activities, pornography activates the pleasure centers in the brain that literally flood the mind with chemicals.  Compared with other activities, the intensity of this rush can be uniquely intense and can lead over time to feeling a "need" for more of the same.   Victor Cline's research has shown that--as with other addictions--pornography use can lead individual appetites to shift and evolve towards a need for stronger and stronger material.  This progressive desire and increased 'need' to consume pornographic material reflects one of the classic hallmarks of addiction.  Read more on The Brain and Addiction and how Porn becomes the Norm.

How does FTND "Fight" pornography?

When the majority of individuals in a community accept pornography as normal and harmless, then it becomes embraced as a welcome fixture in society.  To the degree this has already happened, the consequences of pornography have become worse and more widespread.  The "fight" that FTND aims to mobilize, is simply to educate others about the true effects of pornography, in a way that calls and gathers those willing to stand against the mass acceptance of the material. 

where can I learn more?

Read, stay open and talk with others.  Check out our science section where there are tons of articles to educate you on the harmful effects of pornography whether it's physically, behaviorally or socially.  Join us as a Fighter . . we need you!   

how do i become a fighter?

To become a Fighter, we invite individuals to take a tangible, public stand against pornography in what they say and do in their own sphere of influence in their lives.  Independent of anything else, this one-on-one impact, multiplied many times, is perhaps the most important thing about the campaign.  In addition, we will generate public awareness and education spots for a youth internet audience.  Because public education efforts require substantial money, for purposes of the campaign, we also invite supporters to contribute at least $10 to expanding our media reach as formal way to consider oneself a "Fighter." 

what does a fighter do?

Once again, in the sphere of an individual's own relationships and environment, we envision a "Fighter" as someone who is basically willing to take a stand in educating others about the dangers of pornography.  Rather than "imposing" anything on others around him or her, this simply entails sharing and advocating our message of education to those who may not be informed, in hopes of helping protect them against the danger.  As with anything, people are then free to listen, reject or ignore.  The fight happens through words.