5 things that happen to your brain when you watch porn

That porn doesn't always create the most realistic image regarding sex. There will be many more complaining neighbors around the world if porn were indeed that way, by the way. But realistic or not, people do like to watch it. Yes, probably you too. And apparently, there are a number of things that happen in your brain when you take that little moment for yourself. In men and in women. Regardless of which category you clicked on. Hardcore or female-friendly: these special effects porn has on your brain.

Your brain shrinks
Yes, REALLY. I always thought that this kind of thing was just a myth to make people watch less porn. But no. German researchers have shown that the more porn someone watches, the smaller a part of the brain becomes. Which part? Well, the part that is linked to motivation and reward behavior. This also means that if you binge-watch porn, you will no longer feel that satisfied and fulfilled feeling. That piece of your brain is actually getting smaller and smaller. Oops.

You find your partner less attractive
This is not a 100 percent certainty that this happens, no worries, but it can happen. This is called the Coolidge Effect. The more porn you watch, the more apathetic you become towards your own partner. You start to live and get a kick out of a dream world, and your own partner is no longer exciting. I probably don't need to tell you that if you go this way, you should ring the alarm.

It's bad for your memory
To put it bluntly: when you're horny, you remember nothing. And no, that's not a good excuse for cheating. But the fact is that when men or women are aroused, they can remember things less well. I assume that's just due to complete distraction and lack of focus, but many studies have been done on this. Horniness messes with your memory.

You only want more and more intense
What I mentioned in point number one: you get used to the porn you watch and the feeling of satisfaction decreases. And so you want more. And if more doesn't work, you want more intense. So yes, it can happen that you start with female-friendly porn and before you know it, you're deep into the BDSM and 50 Shades of Grey categories. It's completely normal.

It can really be addictive
When you watch porn, a part of your brain is activated that also works overtime when you use drugs. The high you get from that is also triggered to a lesser extent by porn. If it really goes too far and you become truly addicted to porn, your brain is comparable to that of a drug addict. Aiii.