What's the Harm?
- Harm to the User’s Family and Society

Like a stone thrown into a pond, the ripple effect of one life flows out to impact the world around it. What we think and do makes a difference. That’s why pornography affects not only its immediate victims and users but families and society at large. The below discusses three harms to families and our world caused by pornography use.

	Pornography devalues the worth and personhood of human beings Many studies have shown that longterm exposure to pornography makes men less sensitive to the dignity and rights of women. Further, the viewing of child porn encourages men to view children as sexual objects. How could it be otherwise? For further information on how pornography degrades attitudes towards women and children, click here. (Note: this will take you to a page of website victimsofpornography.org).
	Pornography use damages intimate relationships Many marriages and other intimate relationships have been destroyed by pornography use. One reason is that a man obsessed with idealized images of “perfect” women will have lessened attraction to a real-life, imperfect woman. Another factor is that pornography can distort and pervert personal sexuality. For some men, pornography has become so much a part of their “arousal template” that they can’t make love without it - either physically or mentally. And, of course, child porn leads one away from healthy adult sexuality. Yet another reason relates to time and energy. A man who has masturbated for hours with porn is less likely to make love or even spend time with his wife. He also has less time and energy to spend with his children and friends. For testimonials of wives damaged by their husbands’ use of pornography, click here. (Note: this will take you to a page of the website victimsofpornography.org).
	Pornography use causes immense financial loss Pornography is big business. In 2001, the pornography industry took in more than $10 billion. That’s more than the money spent on movie tickets and the performing arts combined (NY Times, May 20, 2001, "Naked Capitalists"). Imagine the good that $10 billion spent on health care, housing, etc. could have done. It’s also revealing to consider the drain on economic productivity caused by pornography. Most internet pornography viewing occurs during working hours and at work. (Retzlaff, Eric. “Pornography’s Grip Tightens by Way of Internet.” National Catholic Register. 6/13-6/19/00)

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