I think I might be addicted to Internet porn. What should I do? ? One Hand on the Mouse in Monroe
Commercial voyeurism is a perfectly legitimate pastime. In fact, it is evident that our society condones it.
The constant pop-up windows that invade our computer screens promising lesbian-on-lesbian action, the steamy TV commercials in the wee hours of the night and the steady flow of dirty e-mails that fill our inboxes everyday are just a few examples that illustrate this phenomenon.
Most everybody has encountered Internet porn at least once in his or her life, be it by choice or by accident. Whether it is through auto completion when typing in a Web address on our friend’s laptop or finding a smut folder on our grandpa’s computer while helping him download a program, unassuming people are caught all of the time.
Your question reminds me of a Doctor Ruth story a professor recently told me, and I think it speaks to this issue quite nicely. The story goes something like this. Doctor Ruth was participating in a radio show in which she received a call from a college student who was worried that he masturbated too much.
She simply responded with the query, “How are your grades?” After he answered that they were fine, she assured him he’d be okay.
I think what Doctor Ruth touched upon was the idea that no amount of sexual gratification is too excessive unless it hampers our lifestyle. Behaviors cross the boundary into disorders only when they are obsessive, compulsive or have a great deal of anxiety associated with them.
Just remember that it is very healthy to release sexual energy any way you see fit, as long as you are not impinging on another non-consenting human being or causing yourself mental anguish.
If you feel your behavior is benign and sexually rewarding, more power to you. Keep right on spanking the monkey with one hand and right-clicking with the other. ? Joan
Got a love or relationship question that’s literally … ummm … burning? Send it to the love goddess herself, Joan Knihnicki, at love@campustimes.org.
