Internet and Cybersexual Addiction

156 Pages·2005·1.18 MB·English

Internet and Cybersexual Addiction
My comments may be in any colour, quotations are always in pale blue.
For Moore, what Sade’s work ultimately brings to light is the "shadow self" that exists within each individual.
This part of the self is consigned to the shadows of our own being by forces and rules from without. Motivated
by the fear that our true nature will be rejected by broader society, we force our very being to conform to
expectations not of its making. Despite its pariah status, this side of the self strives to find an outlet for
expression, to be granted legitimacy in a polite setting where this cannot be granted. That these impulses form
our shadow, darker half becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy: if the expectation is that these parts of our very Site Map
selves are bad, that is how we ourselves will come to view them, and how they themselves will find expression.
Dark Horse Multimedia Inc.
Yes, I admit I'm a libertine: I've conceived everything one can conceive in that genre, but I've surely not done
all I've imagined and surely will never do it. I'm a libertine, but I'm not a criminal or a murderer.
Marquis de Sade, to his wife, 1781.
As is often the case with emotive issues,
terminology, interpretation and fear
are causing many confusions and difficulties.
Clearly, much of the content is of an adult
nature.
Addiction and Dependency

Brown’s Checklist of the Common Components of Addiction:
Salience
The addictive activity becomes the most important thing in the person’s life and dominates thinking (preoccupation
and cognitive distortions) feeling (cravings) and behaviour (deterioration of socialised behaviour).
Conflict
Disputes about the extent of excessive behaviour arise both between the addicted person and others around and with
the addicted person themselves. Continual choosing of short term pleasure and relief leads to disregard of adverse
consequences and long term damage which in turn increases the apparent need for the activity as a coping strategy.
Tolerance
Increased amounts of the addictive activity are required to achieve the former effects.
Withdrawals
Unpleasant feeling states and/or physical effects when the addictive activity is discontinued or suddenly reduced.
Relief
The effects of the addictive activity are so powerful that there is a rebound effect when it ceases (withdrawals) and
when it is over the only way to avoid feeling more miserable than before (to find relief) is to do it again at the earliest
opportunity.
Relapse and reinstatement
Tendency for repeated reversions to earlier patterns of addictive behaviour to recur and for even the most extreme
patterns typical of the height of the addiction to be quickly restored even after many years of abstinence and control.
Planning deficiencies in addiction from the perspective of reversal theory, R.I.F. Brown (1993), In Advances in
Reversal Theory. (eds. Kerr J., Murgotroyed S. and Apter M. J.) pp. 205-223. Swets and Zeitburger
However, the term “addiction” is hardly used in diagnostic manuals such as The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) http://www.psychologynet.org/dsm.html by the American Psychiatric Association
and The International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) http://www.who.int/whosis/icd10/ by the World Health
Organisation (WHO). The sections on psychoactive substance use are in both manuals based on the underlying
assumptions and conceptual framework developed by a WHO Working Group, and are therefore similar in their
intellectual foundation (Jaffe, 1992). As the term “addiction” became a concept surrounded by a lively and sometimes
heated debate, the WHO attempted in the 1970’s to employ the notion of dependence (Brown, 1993a). In both the
DSM-IV and the ICD-10 the term “ addiction” is hardly used and the notion of dependence is adhered to.
In DSM-IV (p. 181) the criteria for substance dependence are as follows:
A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three
(or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
1) tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
· a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
· markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance
2) withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
· the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
· the same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
3) the substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
4) there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
5) a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving
long distances), use the substances (e.g. chain smoking), or recover from its effects
6) important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
7) the substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurring physical or psychological
problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (e.g., current cocaine use despite
recognition of cocaine-induced depression , or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse
by alcohol consumption).
There are many similarities between the DSM-IV criteria for substance dependency and the common features that
constitute an addiction. Especially salience, tolerance and withdrawal are central aspects for both concepts. However,
symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal are neither sufficient nor necessary for the diagnosis of substance dependence
and some individuals display compulsive use of the substance without physiological dependence (Frances and Miller,
1998). Substance abuse is distinguished from substance dependence in DSM-IV. There are four substance abuse
criteria, which require one of them to have been present during the last 12 months to establish a diagnosis.
The Prevalence of Gambling Addiction and Sexual Addiction among Male Inpatients under Treatment for Alcohol
Addiction in Norway, T. Roald, European Association for Gambling
What is Internet Addiction?

The Internet itself is a neutral device originally designed to facilitate research among academic and military agencies.
How some people have come to use this medium, however, has created a stir among the mental health community by
great discussion of Internet addiction. Addictive use of the Internet is a new phenomenon which many practitioners
are unaware of and subsequently unprepared to treat. Some therapists are unfamiliar with the Internet, making its
seduction difficult to understand. Other times, its impact on the individual’s life is minimized. The purpose of this
chapter is to enable clinicians to better detect and treat Internet addiction. The chapter will first focus on the
complications of diagnosis of Internet addiction. Second, the negative consequences of such Internet abuse are
explored. Third, how to properly assess and identify triggers causing the onset of pathological Internet use are
discussed. Fourth, a number of recovery strategies are presented. Lastly, since Internet addiction is an emergent
disorder, implications for future practice are presented.
Internet Addiction: Symptoms, Evaluation, And Treatment, K. S. Young, Young, K.,(January 1999) Internet
addiction: symptoms, evaluation and treatment. In L. VandeCreek & T. Jackson (Eds.). Innovations in Clinical
Practice: A Source Book (Vol. 17; pp. 19-31). Sarasota, FL: Professional Resource Press
http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Addictions/netaddiction/articles/symptoms.htm
Prior research has utilized the Zung Depression Inventory (ZDI) and found that moderate to severe rates of depression
coexist with pathological Internet use.1 Although the ZDI was utilized for its expediency with on-line administration,
its limitations include poor normative data and less frequent clinical use. Therefore, this study utilized the Beck
Depression Inventory (BDI), which has more accurate norms and frequent usage among dual diagnostic patient
populations. An on-line survey administered on a World Wide Web site utilized the BDI as part of a larger study. A
total of 312 surveys was collected with 259 valid profiles from addicted users, which again supported significant
levels of depression to be associated with pathological Internet use. This article discusses how a treatment protocol
should emphasis the primary psychiatric condition if related to a subsequent impulse control problem such as
pathological Internet use. Effective management of psychiatric symptoms may indirectly correct pathological Internet
use.
The Relationship Between Depression and Internet Addiction, K.S. Young and R.C. Rodgers
http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Addictions/netaddiction/articles/cyberpsychology.htm
also
HealthyPlace.com
http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Addictions/netaddiction/articles/index.htm
What is Cybersexual Addiction?
Cybersexual Addiction has become a specific sub-type of Internet addiction. It has been estimated that 1 in 5 Internet
addicts are engaged in some form of on-line sexual activity (primarily viewing cyberporn and/or engaging in
cybersex). Early studies show that men are more likely to view cyberporn, while women are more likely to engage in
erotic chat.
People who suffer from low self-esteem, a severely distorted body image, untreated sexual dysfunction, or a prior
sexual addiction are more at risk to develop cybersexual addictions. In particular, sex addicts often turn to the Internet
as a new and safe sexual outlet to fulfill their compulsions without the expense of costly 900-lines, the fear of being
seen at an adult bookstore, or the fear of disease among prostitutes.
HealthyPlace.com
http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Addictions/netaddiction/cybersexual_addiction.htm
The survey results show that almost one in 10 respondents indicate they are addicted to sex and the Internet. Dr. Alvin
Cooper, clinical director of the San Jose Marital Services and Sexuality Centre in San Jose, Calif., conducted the
online poll, believed to be the largest Internet study of online sexuality to date. The survey, conducted during June
2000, received responses from over 38,000 users and found that people who engage in online sexual activities are
spending a substantial amount of time on these pursuits to break away from their daily routines, explore fantasies,
relieve stress and spice up their sex lives. MSNBC website surveys are self-selected and unscientific, not the random
samples utilized by polling organizations.
MSNBC.com Cybersex Survey Suggests Hundreds of ...” Business Wire. 7/19/01
http://www.nationalcoalition.org/stat.phtml?ID=53
"The National Council on Sexual Addiction Compulsivity estimated that 6%-8% of Americans are sex addicts, which
is 16 million-21.5 million people."
Cooper, Alvin, Dana E. Putnam, Lynn A. Planchon, and Sylvain C. Boies. "Online Sexual Compulsivity: Getting
Tangled in the Net." Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 6:79-104. (Taken from Amparano, J. "Sex addicts get
help." The Arizona Republic, p. A1. 1999
also http://www.ejhs.org/volume5/SexAddiction.htm
"A recent study by researchers at Stanford and Duquesne universities claims at least 200,000 Americans are
hopelessly addicted to E-porn."
Koerner, Brendan I. "A lust for profits." U.S. News online, 3/27/00
http://www.usnew.com/usnews/issue/000327/eporn.htm
The Warning Signs of Cybersexual Addiction

>Routinely spending significant amounts of time in chat rooms and private messaging with the sole purpose of
finding cybersex.
>Feeling preoccupied with using the Internet to find on-line sexual partners.
>Frequently using anonymous communication to engage in sexual fantasies not typically carried out in real-life.
>Anticipating your next on-line session with the expectation that you will find sexual arousal or gratification.
>Finding that you frequently move from cybersex to phone sex (or even real-life meetings).
>Hiding your on-line interactions from your significant other.
>Feeling guilt or shame from your on-line use.
>Accidentally being aroused by cybersex at first, and now find that you actively seek it out when you log on-line.
>Masturbating while on-line while engaged in erotic chat.
>Less investment with your real-life sexual partner only to prefer cybersex as a primary form of sexual gratification.
HealthyPlace.com
http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Addictions/netaddiction/cybersexual_addiction.htm
If 1-3 of these symptoms are found to be true, this may be an area of concern and should be openly discussed with a
friend or family member. More than 3 positive answers would indicate the need to consider more professional
counseling with someone trained in the treatment of addictive disorders and consideration of a 12 step support
program like those listed in resources for sexual addicts.
>Spending increasing amounts of online time focused on sexual or romantic intrigue or involvement.
>Involvement in multiple romantic or sexual affairs in chat rooms, Internet or BBS.
>Not considering online sexual or romantic "affairs" to be a possible violation of spousal/partnership commitments.
>Failed attempts to cut back on frequency of online or Internet sexual and romantic involvement or interaction.
>Online use interferes with work (tired or late due to previous nights use, online while at work etc.).
>Online use interferes with primary relationships (e.g. minimizing or lying to partners about online activities,
spending less time with family or partners).
>Intense engagement in collecting Internet pornography.
>Engaging in fantasy online acts or experiences which would be illegal if carried out (e.g. rape, child molestation).
>Decreased social or family interactive time due to online fantasy involvement's.
>Being secretive or lying about amount of time spent online or type of sexual/romantic fantasy activities carried out
online.
>Engaging with sexual or romantic partners met online, while also involved in marital or other primary relationship.
>Increasing complaints and concern from family or friends about the amount of time spent online.
>Frequently becoming angry or extremely irritable when asked to give up online involvement to engage with partners,
family or friends.
>Primary focus of sexual or romantic life becomes increasingly related to computer activity (including pornographic
CD ROM use).
Sexual Recovery Institute
http://www.sexualrecovery.com/index.html
also
Online Sexual Addiction
http://onlinesexaddict.org/
Rosenberg & Associates
http://angelfire.com/mi/collateral/sexualaddiction.html
As the internet is a relatively new phenomenon, classification of people with associated problems has not yet been
fully described the sexological or psychological/psychiatric literature. However, psychological factors cited for such
misuse of the internet for sexual purposes include:
1. Depression, specifically hypomania.
2. Compulsive disorders, compared to gambling or eating disorders.
3. Anxiety and stress relief, offering an escape into fantasy.
4. A sexual dysfunction, such as erectile impotence, whihc makes sexual intercourse difficult or impossible.
5. Lack of social skills to form relationships.
The Triple A engine is a term that refers to the internet as offering three factors at the core of its effect on some
vulnerable people, namely Accessibility, Affordability and Anonymity, (the last as believed by the user). In ones own
home almost any type or variety of sexual material can be viewed, often there is no direct cost involved, although
users can pay to join specific groups to receive regular material, Usually this behaviour is anonymous, but if
apprehended modern techniques enable such downloading to be traced.
The most vulnerable people are those who do have paraphilic urges, but in past times have been able to control them.
With access to the internet, The Triple A engine is too much for them and they cannot resist their urges, especially if
they are undergoing g a period of stress, depression or anxiety. Furthermore, such users, often experience rapid
habituation and a flattening of response to the material viewed so that the nature and frequency of use has to increase
to maintain their arousal levels. Salience occurs when the patient (?) spends an increasing amount of time thinking
and fantasising about the internet, as well as spending inordinate amounts of time using it, often to the detriment of
family life and work.
Extracts from WebManager's psychosexual report, 2003
Are You a Cybersex Addict?

The OSA-Q was developed to help people to identify if they might be having a problem with their online sexual
behaviour. The OSA-Q is a 24-item questionnaire that was developed based on signs and symptoms of sexual
addiction and how they might appear in relation to online sexual behaviour. It is important to note that the
questionnaire is not a psychological test; it has not been researched and its psychometric properties are currently
unknown (i.e., reliability and validity). At the present time the OSA-Q is only a self-exploration tool. Individuals who
use the OSA-Q that think they have a problem with sexual addiction are referred to seek a state licensed
psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of sexual problems.
The following questions refer to any sexual activity that one may engage in online. The questions should be answered
in relation to any sexual material or encounters one might be involved with online, including via chat, email, bbs,
pictures, audio, and video.
Online Sexual Addiction
http://onlinesexaddict.org/osaq.html
also
Sexual Recovery Institute
http://www.sexualrecovery.com/sri_docs/cyber.htm
Cybersex Blamed for Half of Divorces
There's further evidence that cybersex is increasingly being blamed for the break-up of marriages.
According to online divorce service divorce-online, half of all divorce petitions it processed are due to Internet
adultery and cybersex behaviour.
Of the 500 divorce petitions surveyed, half contained allegations concerning cybersex, inappropriate online
relationships and pornography.
The findings appear to support earlier studies into the Net and marriage break-up.
Last year, two-thirds of lawyers meeting at an annual conference in Chicago reported that the Internet had played a
significant role in divorces they had handled during the past year.
Meeting a new lover online and an "obsessive" interest in pornography were the top two problems cited in many
Internet-related divorce cases, they said. Other reasons that have led to the break down of marriages include excessive
use of the Net and chat rooms.
At the time, J Lindsey Short, Jr., president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, had this to say:
"While I don't think you can say that the Internet is causing more divorces, it does make it easier to engage in the
sorts of behaviours that traditionally lead to divorce."
Tim Richardson, 11/09/2003, http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/32770.html
Of course, there is also debate about the validity of the condition of 'Cybersexual Addiction', particularly by those who
make a living from its potential and application.
I am very interested in paid academics, who work on the edge of 'extreme sexualities':
WORLD CONGRESS OF SEXOLOGY, PARIS, 2001
Trudy Barber.
TheWorld Congress of Sexology was held in the Palais des Congrès, Paris, June 2001. Trudy chaired a Symposium
with Chiara Simonelli, and also presented a full paper with video excerpts. The Congress was attended by worldwide
sexologists and academics, many from South America, Africa, Australia, Scandinavia and the USA.
PRESENTATION ABSTRACT
Implications of Computer Mediated Arousal: SM and the introduction of Cyberfetishism.
In popular media, (in films such as The Matrix), images of computer users as 'cyberpunks' look more and more as if
they appear from a sadomasochistic representation of sexual dominance and submission. The attire and accessories
remind us of both the mechanistic and the sexual; the body fabrics of technology, are rubber, leather, PVC and
stainless steel: A Sadomasochistic and fetishists dream. In my own analysis of the interaction within SM relationships,
there is a doubling effect of the Dominant and Submissive role when enacted in Chat Rooms' in cyberspace. The tool
of control being the computer instead of the whip. By the simple nature of the unreliability of cyberspace, the emotion
of anticipation and (almost) danger of the situation accentuates the arousal factor. The actual textual domination and
submission, and the dominant position of cyberspace as a tool for such interaction accentuates and hightens such
emotions and preferences. As with all real time Dominant and Submissive games there is always a 'safe word' in use
during the action of a specific scenario.
In cyberspace there appears to be no safeword. The enactors rely entirely on trust. Trust through cyberspace: The
ultimate sadomasochistic tool for compliance, submission and sublimation. The participants are enslaved by their
computer mediated arousal.
This paper will introduce the notion of fetishistic auto-erotic arousal generated by standard computer usage within an
sadomasochistic framework. The computer, as an object in itself is, quite simply, the new sex fetish.
Trudy with partner Stu, at opening reception

Exhibitors and posters displays were on show. Over 100 symposia were attended each with four or more presentations
and discussions. Subject areas were varied, but tended more towards 'erectile dysfunctions' (ED) and the all important
AIDS education and information.
Social issues were also covered, as were subjects such as sexuality and religion, food and sexuality, extreme
sexualities, transexualism et al.
However cybersex addiction was covered at a symposia where, disturbingly, cybersex 'addiction' was defined and
'diagnosed' by as little as 7 hours per week on-line. 'Treatment' for a 'cure' involved lengthy psychotherapy and also
drug therapy. This brought to mind early 'diagnosis' of homosexuality that had to be 'cured'. Trudy does NOT agree
with notions of cybersex defined in this way.
Trudy wishes to express her thanks to Dr. J. Mackay of the World Health Organisation for her kind words and
support. To the Pfizer techies for saving the day at the last minute. Also a big thank you to Stu for archiving the event
and providing some Parisian romance!
http://www.inoohr.org/worldcongressonsexology.htm
When I carry out a substantial update, I email a long list of people, who have commented upon, or profess to have an
interest in, the sphere of paraphilias. I see that some do visit my site, but few respond, directly - I fully understand
why that would be the case.
Following an update email to Trudy, I received this reply:
STOP SENDING ME STUFF FROM YOUR WEBSITE!!
JUST BECAUSE I STUDY SEXUALITY DOESNT MEAN I'M A PEADOPHILE
OR HAVE ANY SYMPATHIES FOR THEM
FUCK OFF .
Trudy Barber, UK University Academic, 2003
I replied to Trudy, for the last time, as follows:
Thank you for your reply, You are removed from the list.
However, if you truly are studying sexuality, and are responding in the manner you have, then you are not studying,
only being selective in your bias.
If you are a student, don't become a professional - it will destroy you.
If you are a professional, you should be worried about you ability to do your job.
Thank you, at least, for replying.
WebManager, 2003
It is a shame that Trudy is unable to accept (for, she surely knows) that her research falls into the same, medico-legal,
domain of sexuality as paedophilia.
As we find, below, social scientists (at least in this area) do seem to have problem with the scientific method. This
would be mildly irritating, if it were, only, an academic issue; we are talking about people's lives here.
Professor Cleared of Child Porn Charges
A university professor who downloaded hundreds of hardcore child porn images from the Internet walked free from
court today after successfully claiming it was all for research purposes.
Dr Thomasz Janiurek, 43, of Cwmifor, Newquay, west Wales, claimed he was doing groundbreaking research into the
availability of child porn.
The geography professor viewed 778 separate images of children whilst working at the University of Wales, in
Lampeter, in the autumn of 2002.
A jury at Swansea Crown Court took just over four hours today to find him not guilty of 24 separate charges of
possessing indecent images.
During the trial the prosecution claimed that Janiurek’s behaviour throughout had been that of a guilty man.
Prosecutor Dyfed Thomas said that Janiurek had failed to tell any of his colleagues or his department what he was
doing.
He had taken no steps to check his position legally and had never approached the police.
When a technician needed to check his computer for viruses he had sent him away saying he was busy.
When the technician was admitted he discovered the history file on the machine, which shows which websites have
recently been visited, had been wiped clean.
A more thorough investigation eventually uncovered hundreds of images of children in various stages of undress on
the computer hard drive.
Mr Thomas had told the jury that the geography lecturer’s only object in accessing the sites was for his own sexual
gratification.
Janiurek, whose subject matter extends to human geography, insisted throughout that his only motive was one of
academic research.
Emma Smith, defending, had told the jury that the academic world was a different place.
“His research was designed in part to break new ground and would help him make a critique of work done by other
academics,” she had said.
“What he was trying to do was refute claims of a lack of availability of such appalling images on the Internet.”
She told the jury that the reason Janiurek had taken no notes of his work was because he was still thinking about how
he was going to use it.
“The defence case quite simply is this that was a logical progression of this man’s work. This was legitimate
research,” said Mrs Smith.
Antony Stone, PA News, Fri 30 Jan 2004, http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2473145
Some Thoughts About the Issue of Pornography Including Minors

I will offer my thoughts, at this time, on this topic. I will then consider a few of my thoughts on the recent spate of
entrapment/sting operations, their impact on the issue and the effect on those arrested. I will also offer a few thoughts
on why the target audience is apparently skewed.
Stopping Pornography Including Minors
Now, I am almost certain that this is going to be the most controversial part of this site, but it is unavoidable. I have
chosen ACPO http://www.antichildporn.org/ as a quality site, displaying all the appropriate arguments, in the most
reasonable way. I can then make my responses and I will receive responses, in kind (though maybe not kind); it is a
good starting point.

AntiChildPorn.Org (ACPO) is an organization, comprised of volunteers from all around the world, whose mission is
to stop the sexual exploitation of the world's children. For the past two years ACPO has been addressing the issues of
Child Pornography production and distribution via the Internet, as well as the predatory use of the Internet for the
sexual abuse of children.
ACPO
http://www.antichildporn.org/

The ACPO Statement My Response

AntiChildPorn.Org (ACPO) I agree with the cessation of the creation of pornography including minors. At this
is an organization, comprised time, there is no doubt that there are children and adults who suffer trauma from their
of volunteers from all around early sexual activities.
the world, whose mission is
to stop the sexual exploitation
of the world's children ...
... as well as the predatory The negative outcomes of predatory use of the Internet are insignificant in relation to
use of the Internet for the where the real abuse occurs.
sexual abuse of children.
Contrary to the claims of pro- This is our real stumbling block. I am certainly not part of a pro-child-abuse group, so
child-abuse groups, child that is easy to cover.
pornography is not just
'pictures'. I see this as two issues, one technical and one moral.
First the technical. The ‘pictures’ are just pictures.
They are a digital/pixel representations of reality or, maybe, not reality. They are not
real. In a technical sense, they are no different from a picture of Darth Vader duelling
with Luke Skywalker, or Tom and Jerry - and no court can prove otherwise,
particularly if one shifts colour balance, resolution etc. This is, I suggest, one reason for
the recent USA Supreme Court Ruling:
http://www.prevent-abuse-now.com/news11.htm
http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0417/p01s06-usju.html
It reminds me of the ethnic belief of the camera taking your soul.
Speaking of soul, this brings us onto the second issue, that of morality (and
consistency). My personal belief (for I am clearly liberal) is that, as an adult, I should
have the right to see anything which exists on the Internet in the public domain, or if I
choose, legally, to pay for it - anything. Now, I know my country does not, with its
laws, unlike others:
http://www.prevent-abuse-now.com/news9.htm
http://www.c-a-s-e.net/Children%20At%20Risk.html
... but that is my moral decision and I accept the consequences. However, let me offer
you a few thoughts:
I have spoken to apparent paraphiles, of all preferences, online, I can tell you that they
can receive as much incentive from the fully-clothed child (or legal TV/video) or from
watching children in the street, as in seeing hard core pornography. In fact, I have
discussed the fact that the effect of the really hard material may wane and softer core
materials, some legally available, are just as appealing:
http://www.wired.com/news/ebiz/0,1272,45346,00.html
http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,52345,00.html
http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,52371,00.html
You can rarely, if ever, dissuade the fantasy of a paraphile, if they intend to create a
mental vision, which, of course, is not illegal. They will find a source. Interestingly,
this is confirmed by the research:
It is sometimes alleged that child pornography is a critical ingredient in motivating
child molestation in some people, but a recent clinical study of eleven male pedophiles
indicated that such material may not even be necessary. These men were arousable by
media materials widely available, such as television ads and clothing catalogues
picturing young children in underwear. In other words, rather than using explicitly
pornographic materials, these men appear to construct there own sexually stimulating
materials from sources generally viewed as innocuous.
Howett in Abnormal Psychology, C. Davison and J. Neal, 1998
or, even more so:
For example, "the vast majority of individuals who commit sexual offenses against
children are not sexually aroused by stimulus material involving children; 'their primary
sexual orientation is to adults and they molest children by fantasizing that they are
engaging in relationships with appropriate sex partners.'"
[Quoting prosecution expert from trial record in State v.Spencer, 459 S.E.2d 812, 815
(N.C.App. 1995).] in
http://www.forensic-evidence.com/site/Behv_Evid/BeE00005_2.html
And another thought, this time one of legal consistency. Now, I know clinicians would
never take any sordid enjoyment from the following, but why is the general public
allowed to read, buy and own the following materials?:
Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas
(Book with CD-ROM for Windows and Macintosh)
Sexual Assault Victimization across the Life Span: Color Atlas for All Professionals
Who Deal with Sexual Assault
Color Atlas of Sexual Assault
(Yahoo/Barnes&Noble/Amazon Search)
I do not wish to seem facetious, about such terrible topics, but the fact remains. A
person may be jailed for looking at the picture of a naked child, happily playing and
exposing her genitals, but are allowed to view the damaged genitals of such a child as a
result of sexual abuse. What of the larger number of books containing graphic
descriptions of such events? If a person were to create or own such a story, this too
would lead to prosecution. The law says nothing about the way in which the person
uses such materials, alone, only the fact that they have obtained them or own them.