“The computer is 'electronic cocaine' for many people. Our brains are wired for finding immediate reward. With technology, novelty is the reward. You essentially become addicted to novelty.” (Professor of neuroscience, Peter Whybrow, UCLA, 2012).

“Of all internet applications, porn has the most potential to become addictive.” (Meerkerk et al., 2006).

The Reward Foundation is a pioneering relationship and sex education charity. We are a key source of evidence-based information about love relationships and the impact of internet porn on mental and physical health, relationships, educational attainment and legal risks.

Our name comes from the 'reward system' of the brain, the part responsible for motivating behaviour and learning. This system can be hijacked and diverted by artificially strong 'rewards' such as drugs, alcohol, nicotine and the internet, especially pornography. Internet pornography or simply 'porn', is nothing like porn of the past. It's a super-normal or "industrial strength" sexual stimulus. As with cocaine and heroin use, it can lead to compulsive or addictive use in some people. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to its effects because of their still developing brain. They are also the most motivated to use it being keen to learn how to be adults. Bingeing on these substances and activities can shrink the grey matter in the brain. This in turn makes it difficult to put the brakes on impulsive or risky behaviour and to make good decisions. Porn can cause depression, social anxiety, sexual dysfunction and even suicidal ideation over time especially in young adults. Some heavy users escalate to illegal material like child sexual abuse material or act out sexual violence. Such offences can lead to time in prison.

Who needs to know?

Doctors, psychologists, criminal justice professionals, counsellors, guidance teachers, HR professionals, parents, politicians, and pastoral care leaders etc. Our free online course provides access to the evidence and support you need to make informed decisions about the person you care for and take appropriate action.

Learn more from popular Stanford University neuroscience Professor Andrew Huberman about how porn affects the brain. 

We do not offer therapy nor provide legal advice. However, we do signpost routes to recovery for people whose porn use has become problematic.