Editor’s note: This is the second in a two-part series discussing pornography.

by NIKKI ROBERTI
Lifestyles Reporter

In 1978, serial killer, Ted Bundy made the claim his pornographic addictions helped perpetuate his violent behavior.

“People have used the excuse of porn as a cop out,” Amy D. Page, assistant professor of sociology said in reference to Ted Bundy’s case. “But does it have the potential to fuel something already there? Maybe.”

In a recent poll, The Appalachian surveyed 50 male and 50 female students regarding their opinions concerning pornography and their own personal use of such material.

When asked if they believed viewing pornography regularly could alter one’s view on sex to promote violence and/or addiction, 61 percent of students surveyed said yes.

However, students were divided on what they believed a definition of pornography addiction.

When asked when did they think viewing pornography started becoming an addiction, 29.6 percent said every day, 23.5 percent said a couple times a day, 23.5 percent said a couple times a week, 10.2 percent said a couple times a month and 13.3 selected “other,” with the majority writing comments stating pornography addiction starts when one’s life is affected by the use.

Psychologist at the Counseling and Psychological Services Denise M. Lovin said when an addictive behavior starts interfering with life goals and the dependent has trouble stopping, therapy should be considered as a way to find a more efficient coping mechanism.

“Pornography can serve as distraction in life and like other addictions, [to] avoid dealing with stress like with food or alcohol,” she said.

Like any addiction, Lovin said an addiction to pornography is typically rooted in an underlying issue.

“If you think about it from an addiction model, one problem is [trying] to manage stress or experience self esteem or to feel adequate through a coping mechanism, and in this case an unhealthy coping mechanism,” she said.

In the case of pornography, Lovin said an addiction can lead to a lack of intimacy and social isolation.

According to a 2004 ELLE/MSNBC.com survey, 45 percent of men who used Internet porn five or more hours a week said they were masturbating too much.

In “Pornified”, a book by Pamela Paula, it states researchers have found prolonged exposure to pornography fosters male sentiments against having a family and if men already have a family, they begin to withdraw.

ELLE/MSNBC survey said one in five men who watch pornography for five or less hours a week said pornography took time away from their partner and children.

However, whether or not a pornography addiction can fuel violent behavior is still a controversial topic.

Lovin said while it’s not always the case, pornography can be a factor in violence due to how it typically objectifies women.

“It contributes to rape culture. It minimizes intimacy and detracts from what intimacy really is and healthy sexual relationships,” she said. “Rape is a form of violence I believe to be perpetuated by porn. It’s not absolute and not the only factor, but it has the potential.”

Associate Professor of Sociology Ken B. Muir does not agree pornography can cause violent behavior.

“The research that I've seen suggests just the opposite,” he said. “Pornography may, in fact, have a cathartic effect or act like a pressure valve for sexual release. “

“Honestly, I would rather them look at porn than raping women or men or women raping men,” sophomore technical photography major Melissa M. Raver said. “If it comes down to it and they can satisfy themselves with watching something without having to go out and pay for the actual physicalness of it or doing something illegal, I would so much rather them do that.”

Those who think they have any kind of addictive behavior or know someone who does are encouraged to look into the counseling center’s services.

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