The PROBLEMATIC PORNOGRAPHY USE

A DISCUSSION ON THE POSSIBILITY OF ADDICTION

Abstract

This article consists of a narrative literature review dedicated to investigating the problematic use of online pornography, a phenomenon defined by dysregulated behavioral patterns, loss of self-control, and functional impairments, which should not be confused with the mere frequency of consumption. The selection of materials was carried out in scientific databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) using specific descriptors. The literature was cataloged and organized into analytical axes that integrate neurobiology, behavior analysis, and cognitive psychology. The objective of this article is to point out the possible negative neurophysiological, behavioral and psychological impacts resulting from the problematic use of pornography, without establishing a moral or normative bias on its practice. The findings suggest, as explanatory hypotheses, that this consumption can promote dysregulation of the brain's reward system via dopaminergic desensitization, the emergence of attentional bias towards sexual stimuli, and impairment of prefrontal inhibitory control. The automatization of habitual behavior and the dissociation between wanting and liking are also discussed. It is concluded that the problematic nature of the phenomenon is marked by subjective suffering, the persistence of the act despite aversive consequences, and the significant impacts on the individual's functionality, highlighting the relevance of an integrated theoretical framework and the need to establish criteria for identifying the problem presented, as well as the need for further research in the area.