Pornography Damages Teen Brains

Our society is over-saturated with sexual images. Everywhere we look, from billboards to grocery store check out counters, we are bombarded with blatantly sexual pictures. The Internet and cable television have allowed for unprecedented access to pornographic images. One doctor and medical educator believes that this obsession with pornography actually affects the brains of young people.

Gary Rose, M.D., President of the Medical Institute for Sexual Health, located in Austin, Texas, has recently revealed research concerning the development of the brain. "...We now know, through MRI studies-magnetic resonance imaging studies that are not harmful to do-that the pre-frontal cortex, the front part of the brain, is the last part of the brain to mature. That is the part of the brain that deals with long term judgment and delayed gratification... By scanning multiple brains, we have shown it is not really mature until about age 25. "

This has been revolutionary research, because before MRI scans were available, brain development was primarily studied by using cadavers. Scientists used to believe that the brain was fully developed much earlier in life, since it is 90% of its adult size, by the age of 6. But long term studies have shown that there is a second wave of brain development, that occurs later in childhood. The final part of this development affects some of our highest mental functions, and occurs during the late teens.

So now we know scientifically, what we already knew in our hearts. A teenager's brain is different-not a finished product, but a work in progress. They are not just adults in smaller bodies; they are still growing and developing. Until their pre-frontal cortex develops completely, they may not think about what the consequences of their behaviors are. They may be more impulsive, less inhibited, and more spontaneous than adults, while not considering negative consequences. The areas of the brain that help a teenager call a halt to risky, uncontrolled behaviors are still under construction.

Society has already acknowledged that a young person is more mature at age 25. Car insurance rates lower substantially at age 25, and many companies will not allow those below the age of 25 to rent a car. It is widely accepted that better decisions often come with maturity. But what does this have to do with our sex obsessed culture? Apparently a lot. Dr. Rose explains the correlation this way, "This is so important because in young people, their brains are still being molded. If they are getting the wrong flood of chemicals-if their neural pathways are being developed in an abnormal way, those parts of the brain will be superhighways that can't be changed when they come into adult life. People who have multiple sex partners at a young age, are likely going to continue to have multiple partners all their lives. Certain synapses of the brain will be pruned off, and risk-avoidance and delayed gratification may be affected." (Pruning refers to the withering away of connections of neurons in the brain, that are not used. The brain will strengthen the connections that are used most often.) Over 70% of young adults' music, television, and movies are openly sexual in content. The impact of these images, at an early age, may affect brain development. Dr. Rose continues, "So if we expose kids to pornography, if we expose kids to overt sexuality...we are building those pathways. If we are building hyper-sexual pathways, and others get pruned out-like those for sexual responsibility and modesty-we are not going to have healthy adults."

Not many teens are aware that when they view pornography, powerful biochemical reactions occur which can promote addiction. When sexual excitement occurs after viewing an image, the adrenal gland releases epinephrine into the bloodstream. The chemical then travels to the brain and locks in the image. The mind can then recall the image at any time, and trigger the same feelings of arousal. Other biochemicals are also released such as serotonin, endorphins, adrenaline, and dopamine, which contribute to euphoric emotions, causing the person to want to experience the feeling again.

This explains the addictive nature of pornography. However, over time, it will often require more explicit images to achieve the same effect. Being in a formative stage developmentally, this can affect a teen's sexual identity, as well as his sexual behavior. The air-brushed, cosmetically enhanced photographs and images create an unrealistic expectation of how a woman should look.

Women become dehumanized objects of gratification, and true intimacy in a real life relationship may never be achieved. Pornography can be just as addictive as drugs and alcohol. Overcoming its seduction is a physical, psychological, and spiritual battle that is not easily won. Often willpower and good moral character are not enough to break the cycle. It may require the help of a mental health professional, as well as spiritual counseling. The goal should be to make good decisions, set boundaries. and be accountable to someone.

While sexual curiosity is normal and healthy, when it becomes an obsession, it can disrupt lives and relationships. Some of the negative consequences might include wrong attitudes about sexual behavior, earlier and more promiscuous sex, modeling and imitating inappropriate behaviors, sexual deviancy, and sexually compulsive behavior. There are also emotional consequences such as nightmares and feelings of shame, guilt, and confusion.

In his article, Teenagers and Pornography Addiction: Treating the Silent Epidemic, John Mark Haney wrote, "What is certain, however, is that for many young people, pornography is not a casual interest, but an addictive force, that is leading to a quiet epidemic of young people who cannot control their online or television habits. And because of their accessibility, the Internet and cable porn channels have become the "super fix" for a new breed of addicts, who literally sacrifice health and happiness, to indulge in the magic images they quietly worship."

On the other hand, this research indicates that it is possible to mold the brain in healthy ways, that will provide a good neural connection foundation for the future. Dr. Jay Giedd, Chief of Brain Imaging in the Child Psychology branch of the National Institute of Mental Health commented, "This argues for doing a lot of things as a teenager. You are hardwiring your brain in adolescence. Do you want to hardwire it for sports, playing music, and doing mathematics, or for lying on the couch in front of the television?" (Studies have shown that practicing piano thickens neurons in the areas of the brain that control the fingers.)

It is exciting to think that positive choices of activities, during the adolescent years, could contribute to improved brain development. Because the brain is more impressionable, and more responsive than any other time in life, it is possible that greater effort in areas of interest, might create a more competent individual. Because of the great potential that occurs in adolescence, and the varied possible career choices, specializing in a chosen skill at that time, will most likely strengthen the abilities.

And at a time when the brain is most vulnerable, it is wise to stay away from the damaging effects of drugs, alcohol, and pornography. As Dr. Jay Giedd wrote, "It's a time of enormous opportunity and of enormous risk. And how teens spend their time seems to be particularly crucial. If the "use it or lose it" theory principle holds true, then the activities of the teen may help guide the hardwiring, and the actual physical connections in their brain...We think that this capacity for change is very empowering for teens."

It seems that the practical application of this research would be to optimize the brain's ability to learn during the adolescent phase. Parents and teachers should be aware of this window of opportunity, and make sure that young adults are given every possible chance to continue their education, and to develop desired skills.

In closing, it is good to know that there are additional reasons for teenagers driving us crazy. Maybe if we can just hang on long enough, their rebellious little brains will fully develop. (Hope springs eternal, I guess.)

Sources: http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200711/CUL20071113b.html
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teenage-brain-a-work-in-progress.shtml
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/teenbrain/interviews/todd.html
http://www.youthspecialties.com/articles/topics/sexuality/dancing.php
http://www.mental-health-matters.com/articles/article.php?artID=219
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101040510-631970,00.html