When our brain developed the most recent structures in the Paleolithic era reproduction opportunities were rare, therefore we are hardwired to:
- Development of strategies to maximize reproduction
- Sexual satiation due to decline in dopamine when sex with the same partner (“coolageeffect”)
Internet porn takes advantage of this programming
- Instant supply of new mates keeps attention for hours
- After a massive dopamine release (porn) everything that let up to getting there is written into memory
- Development of strong triggers, brain gets used to high d. levels “receptors downregulation”
- Symptoms of addiction, more dopamine is necessary to create motivation
+ Plastic changes in the brain (dopamine is the door to addiction opened with substances or behaviors)
Step I: releases when you get a new or unexpected reward (you learn what behavior got u the reward)
Step II: when you recognize that you are in a situation where a particular behavior can get you a reward (motivation to do the behavior)
General Symptoms and consequences: less self control, ED or decreased libido, very high cue-induced reactivity in the reward center, greater cravings but less satisfaction from porn, social anxiety, inability to concentrate, restlessness, anxiety and brain fog