Increasing Number of Australians Seeking Assistance for Sex and Pornography Addiction
Statistics show that more Australians are seeking assistance for sex and pornography addiction as private, paid content platforms gain popularity.
In 2023, the number of users and creators on OnlyFans, a subscription and pay-per-view platform, increased by nearly 30 percent, indicating a growing interest in private adult content.
OnlyFans also reported a 19 percent rise in gross payments processed, totaling $6.63 billion.
The Banyans Healthcare, a rehab center in Brisbane, noted a 184 percent surge in inquiries for pornography and sex addiction support over the last six months.
Psychologist Gavin Brown expressed concerns that platforms like OnlyFans are normalizing pornography and leading individuals to view it as a viable career option.
“We have individuals openly discussing their OnlyFans careers and earnings, mirroring the influencer trend without considering the long-term consequences,” he explained.
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“We have glamorized something that is actually very damaging,” Brown emphasized.
Brown urged for more open discussions about porn addiction, especially its effects on youth.
He highlighted the harmful impact of online pornography, which differs significantly from traditional printed material due to its constantly updating nature and its effects on brain function.
Experts fear that platforms like OnlyFans may contribute to porn addiction as they offer a continuous stream of tailored explicit content.
Signs of developing addiction include loss of interest in a partner, excessive porn consumption, and seeking increasingly explicit content.
Research shows that young people often encounter online porn around the age of 13, with many unintentional exposures before that age.
“Porn addiction can profoundly disrupt daily life, relationships, and overall well-being, despite being less outwardly visible than other conditions,” Brown noted.
The NSW government has launched an inquiry into the effects of harmful porn on mental and physical health, beginning with a public hearing soon.
Early exposure to porn can negatively shape young people’s views on gender and relationships, according to anti-violence organization Our Watch.
Banyans Healthcare founder Ruth Limkin stressed that treatment and support for sex addiction are available and vital.
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