A growing digital crisis is sweeping across the United States and capturing global attention: the rise of pornography addiction and its complex impact on mental health and social wellbeing. Recent research, echoed in an April 2025 report by WWMT in Michigan, highlights how excessive consumption of online pornography is not just a matter of individual choice—it is evolving into a public health concern with serious personal and societal consequences. The phenomenon is increasingly relevant in Thailand, where digital access is rapidly expanding and patterns of media consumption mirror global trends.
Experts and new studies show that the prevalence of pornography addiction is rising sharply, especially as access to explicit content becomes nearly effortless—America’s most-visited pornographic site, Pornhub, now claims over 100 million daily visits, ranking behind only Facebook, Google, and YouTube in online traffic. Counseling professionals like Ray Brandon, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, emphasize that even infrequent pornography use can deplete dopamine levels and trigger feelings of social isolation, leading to a cycle where “shame flourishes in the dark.” Brandon argues, “I don’t think really any use of pornography is healthy. I think it needs to be zero,” underscoring his belief in the potentially harmful nature of all forms of exposure (WWMT).
The significance of this crisis lies not only in individual health, but in the broader disruption to relationships, everyday functioning, and mental stability. Survivors like Andy Pace and another individual identified as O’Neill recount decades-long struggles with addiction—characterized by depression, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and profound loneliness. O’Neill describes it as living with a “background refrigerator hum of discontent,” a kind of malaise now increasingly reported among young adults exposed to online pornography. Recent 2025 cross-sectional studies from Egypt, referenced in PubMed, show that nearly a quarter of medical students surveyed admitted to problematic pornography use, with strong associations to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress (PubMed study).
The evolving science around pornography addiction is complex, reflecting debate and divergence among leading health agencies. While the World Health Organization’s ICD-11 (2022) recognizes “compulsive sexual behaviour disorder” (CSBD) as an impulse-control disorder, it stops short of classifying it as a formal addiction. Meanwhile, the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 and DSM-5-TR do not recognize compulsive pornography consumption as a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, sparking ongoing controversy within medical and research communities (Wikipedia). Critics argue that the concept of “addiction” may pathologize typical sexual behavior and risk-stigmatizing users, while proponents highlight mounting evidence of negative outcomes, including academic decline, loneliness, and decreased relationship satisfaction.
Reports and meta-analyses published in 2024 and 2025 reflect a surge of concern: a global study cited by CARE UK estimated that as many as 100 million adults—approximately 3% of the global population—may meet the thresholds for “problematic” pornography use (CARE UK). The implications cut across gender lines. A 2025 network analysis published in PubMed found that while problematic behaviors are more common among males, both young men and women are affected, each experiencing distinct psychological and social challenges.
Clinical research continues to search for effective interventions. One 2025 trial explored the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to stimulate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—the brain region associated with self-control—to help reduce cravings in individuals “at risk” for problematic pornography use. These neuroscientific advances, while promising for some, are still early in development and highlight just how new and poorly understood this form of addiction remains (PubMed study).
Therapeutically, group counseling stands out as a critical support mechanism. Both the WWMT report and supporting research underscore the value of peer support and social engagement for recovery. “I have never met a single addict who was able to recover in isolation,” emphasizes O’Neill, pointing to the power of shared experience to reduce shame and break cycles of secrecy. This resonates profoundly with Asian cultural practices, including Thailand, where communal healing and peer groups have long played a role in addiction treatment—from the Buddhist “12-steps” programs to family-based interventions for substance use.
In the Thai context, these findings point to urgent challenges and opportunities. Thailand’s high rate of internet access and early smartphone adoption, especially among youth, mirrors the risk environment described in the United States. Local data is limited, but anecdotal reports and research suggest an uptick in compulsive digital behaviors, including problematic pornography viewing, particularly during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, stigma around sexual issues may deter Thais from seeking help—an obstacle compounded by limited awareness and lack of clear national guidelines on digital sexual health.
Historically, Thai society’s attitudes towards sexuality have oscillated between traditional conservatism and increasing openness, especially in urban areas. The popularization of Western media, surging internet speeds, and gaps in sexual education have left many young people navigating risky digital environments alone. Buddhist teachings around moderation and mindfulness could offer culturally aligned frameworks for prevention and support, but must be adapted to address the realities of modern, tech-driven life.
Looking ahead, experts warn that problematic pornography use could continue to rise in both prevalence and severity—especially as AI-generated deepfake pornography, immersive VR experiences, and more personalized content intensify exposure and accessibility (Birches Health). Parents, educators, and policymakers will need to act swiftly, combining digital literacy programs, accessible mental health support, and culturally sensitive outreach to slow the tide of this crisis. Calls for integrated sexual health education in Thai schools have grown more urgent, as studies repeatedly show the links between early exposure, lack of guidance, and increased risk of addiction and psychological harm (Addiction Help).
For Thai readers seeking practical steps, the evidence suggests several immediate actions: openly discuss digital and sexual wellbeing within families and schools, seek professional help or join peer support groups if facing problematic behaviors, and advocate for comprehensive, modernized sexual health curricula. As the internet transforms the boundaries of privacy, pleasure, and risk, Thailand—like much of the world—must find new ways to address the silent digital crisis lurking on millions of screens.
Sources:
- WWMT: Pornography addiction: America’s new internet crisis
- PubMed: Effects of porn addiction on mental health and personality
- Wikipedia: Pornography addiction
- Birches Health: What we learned about Sex and Porn Addiction in 2024
- Addiction Help: Porn Addiction Statistics 2025
- CARE UK: Global study reveals nearly 100 million addicted to pornography