As a whole, the effects of internet pornography are poorly understood. Currently, medical processionals, sex educators, and businesses with a vested stake in the industry are engaged in debates on the subject.
If you feel your life is negatively impacted by internet pornography, I recommend visiting yourbrainonporn.com. On this website, you can find various studies and resources for exploring your situation and possible next steps.
As a whole, the effects of internet pornography are poorly understood. Currently, medical processionals, sex educators, and businesses with a vested stake in the industry are engaged in debates on the subject.
The inception of virtual reality only adds complication. Like many other aspects of our digital ecosystem, virtual reality technology and internet pornography are evolving faster than our ability to fully understand their impact.
With this in mind, my opinion is that choosing to engage in internet pornography and VR porn is a personal journey that should be taken with conscious intention and moderation. Like many other freedoms, it comes with an expectation of responsibility.
Exploring the current research on the topic can be a great way to develop your own strategy for self-assessment and healthy engagement. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. My personal opinion is that the above website is the best place to get started.
My Own Experience with VR Porn
In moderation, I personal found VR porn to be healthier for me than regular porn.
One of the primary criticisms of 2d porn, a.k.a. non-VR porn, is that it trains the viewer to engage in sexual experiences as an outside participant; to engage as a voyeur.
While VR porn can also offer voyeuristic experiences, I personally found myself gravitating towards the interactive experiences that simulated engaging with a consenting partner.
When consuming VR porn, I find myself regularly engaging in simulated eye contact with the virtual partner, even smiling while doing so. I also find the empathetic parts of my brain activating with the intention of providing the virtual partner with pleasure. While traditional 2d porn trained me to enjoy the models as distant pleasure objects, virtual reality porn trained me to enjoy the models as simulations of real partners.
While “storyline” in pornography has become a joke, I had a contrary experience with VR porn. To my surprise, VR allowed me to actually enjoy the slow build up of the dialogue as it slowly made its way to enthusiastic consent.
Of course, real experiences offer greater ROI than simulated experiences. But when comparing 2d porn against VR porn, I would say that simulated interpersonal experiences (VR) are healthier than simulated voyeuristic experiences (2d).
I do think that VR porn, when consumed in moderation, and with the correct intentions, can be an opportunity to explore simulated interpersonal experiences. Additionally, the right types of simulations can even promote healthy consent practices and empathy.
-Kintaro