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Wired for intimacy. How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain
Summary
Struthers explored the effects of pornography on the male brain. Pornography is a billion-
dollar industry that will be in business for many years to come and this published 2009 text
discusses how pornography shapes a male’s relationships, mental development, and sexual
relations once saturated by the consumer. According to Struthers, constant exposure to
pornography causes the brain to exude addict-like behavior. This book provides great insight into
the social impact of pornography and of course the lack thereof. The author has written the book
to serve as a tool to understand how pornography consumption has given many individuals
complex thoughts and a distorted mind, unlike societal norms. The printed work also explains
how irrational decisions of intimacy and sexuality can derive from the continual view of
pornography itself.7
The author emphasizes education on the effects of pornography, how it can alter the
brain, and how it should be explored in an effort to create better relationships. The research
found in the literature “Wired for Intimacy. How pornography hijacks the male brain” discusses
how the different regions of the brain will function once pornography has been considered and
observed. Moreover, the book also explains the importance of having conversations about
sexuality and how that will promote understanding between individuals and their need for
intimacy. This author's publication mostly focuses on how we are wired as human beings and our
natural behaviors once exposed to pornography.7 In view of the fact that we are given free will,
we are open to many things that can tarnish our minds or create unhealthy patterns in our
lifestyles. Lastly, the author discusses the importance of all individuals taking time to understand
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their purpose in this world. By waiting on the Lord and operating continuously through love we
are able to respect ourselves as well as respect others without objectifying or criticizing one
another.
Concrete Responses
Life is fixated on sex but it is intended for intimacy (Struthers, 2009). I grew up in a two-
parent home along with my four brothers. I was the second oldest and oftentimes felt like the
most mature. In all honesty, my upbringing was rooted in chaos and laughter. Nonetheless, I
would not change it for the world. In my teenage years, I realized there was a double standard in
my home for me and my brother. My brothers were able to start dating well before High School
whereas on the other hand, I was not allowed to talk to male peers even in passing. My oldest
brother was very open in communication about his sexuality and his intimacy with his
girlfriends. Many people believe that they are developing a genuinely intimate relationship
(Struthers, 2009). There were many nights when we all set up watching our favorite TV show
after dinner and we had to hear my brother going on and on about a new girl every week. He was
very descriptive and made sure we knew exactly what he was talking about for each female. The
male brain is wired to pick up on sexually relevant cues (Struthers, 2009). He would say “Not
only is she easy on the eyes but she's soft between the thighs”. We all knew what he meant and
for the reason that he was the oldest my younger brothers idealized him. Part of me wondered
and started to admire my brother's girlfriends. Genuine love is very different from this temporary
infatuation (Dobson, 2005). Young people are inflamed with sexual curiosity, romanticism, and
sheer biological passion (J. M. Dobson, 2015). I wanted to know what made them so beautiful
and made them desired by men. It is easy to distinguish real love from infatuation (Dobson,
2009). One day my mom caught me stuffing my bra to look like the females in my teen magazine
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and decided to have a deep conversation with me. She explained to me how God made me
exactly how I was meant to be and there was nothing I needed to change or alter for any man.
Every day it seems something new is learned or mimicked (J. M. Dobson, 2015). I noticed that
with the love and support of my family, I was able to grow gracefully and felt extremely
empowered by my mother. There is a form of intimacy that human beings were created to
experience and that is an intimacy that has been shared between God, Adam, and Eve (Struthers,
2009). This has contributed to the acceptance of my flaws over the course of time. The feeling of
guilt over actions that would not ordinarily distress a child is a result of early childhood
instruction (Dobson, 2009). Multitudes of children similarly are being pushed from toddlerhood
headlong into this distorted system of evaluating human worth (J. M. Dobson, 2015).
Reflection
I do not agree with the author's direct focus on the male brain in addition to the brain's
response to pornography dependency. Pornography taps into many men's wrong thinking about
themselves and places where their brains are most vulnerable to exploitation (Struthers, 2009).
Struthers focused his findings on the male addiction to pornography. Women had to overcome
oppression (Struthers, 2009). He does not specify females or speak on female pornography
addiction. Men and women have similar needs yet their embodied nature may allow for their
expression in different ways (Struthers, 2009). The text in nature also takes into account how
pornography addiction affects the male gender in various ways generally with no emphasis on an
individual person. Repeated exposure to pornography creates a one-way neurological
superhighway where a man’s life is over-sexualized and narrowed (Struthers, 2009). The Author
specifically studies the neurological factors of pornography and this can cause misunderstanding
toward other forms of research for support. There are specific rejections that can stunt a man's
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emotional social and sexual growth (Struthers, 2009). Since God created this system as a means
by which the body can protect itself against danger, and he does not condemn us for this proper
functioning (Dobson, 2009).7
Reflection
I do agree with the author's view of the fact that he gives real-life certainty on the
destructive effects of pornography addiction. A man's brain is sexually mosaic influenced by
hormones, your voice, and the womb and in puberty and molded by histological experience
(Struthers, 2009). Struthers emphasizes how pornography is addictive and how it can impact
one's life with evidence of a statistical understanding of the matter at hand. I agree with
Struthers’s findings that show excessive pornography consumption can impact an individual
negatively and decrease their chances of maintaining intimate connections. The brain is flexible
and how it adapts and responds to culture and society (Struthers, 2009). The Author also uses a
biblical standpoint on how to recover from pornography addiction. Every man who struggles
with pornography needs wisdom from other men who can provide insight, comfort, and
encouragement (Struthers, 2009). We all must compromise and seek solutions to our problems
(Dobson, 2009). Through enlightenment, the individual is able to review their patterns and
thoughts. We accept salvation through his son and by the power of the Holy Spirit (Struthers,
2009).7
Application
This book is very informative in light of the powers of pornography on the male brain.
After reading the text I was able to learn about the effects of pornography in various ways
according to the author's data. by continuously educating myself on the male brain, I will be able
to pursue strong intimate connections when forming relationships with men. This book has
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opened my eyes to the importance of establishing boundaries in my relationships with others as
well. Specifying my limits encourages the full expectations of what I can handle when
establishing boundaries. The use of open communication and what I expect as well as what I will
be able to engage in allows me to develop proper emotional attachments when it is necessary to
pursue an intimate relationship. Maturing intimacy is rooted in the love that we have for one
another marked by forgiveness, grace, and perseverance (Struthers, 2009). By taking the time to
get to know my partner I am willing and able to emphasize intimacy and invest myself into
fostering a proper close relationship. Not all intimacy is gentle, so do not feel restricted
(Struthers, 2009).7For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love,
and self-discipline (English Standard Version, 2001, Timothy 1:7). The Father will give you
spiritual wisdom and insight that you may receive the spirit of great hope and Power (Dobson,
2009). Praying for guidance through challenging situations will alleviate a great deal of
temptation, and by seeking the wisdom of God and drawing from Biblical principles on a daily
basis one will be able to continue to grow personally and spiritually. Interacting with partners
who share the same values as myself will create a truth that shows our mutual respect for
intimacy. Reading informational books such as “Wired for Intimacy. How pornography hijacks
the male brain”, allows the mind to develop a new way of looking at the brain. I know that I must
celebrate any progress when I complete a milestone such as reading an informative book like this
very one. I had to learn to embrace change and be open to new experiences when it came to
reading this text. However, the book has truly enhanced my perception of men and the mind. It
has also allowed me to expand my reading capabilities. Set your minds on things above, not on
earthly things (English Standard Version, 2001, Galatians 3:2). Through the process of remaining
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References
Dobson, D. J. (2005). Preparing for Adolescence. Baker Publishing Group.
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781441224835
Dobson, J. (2009). emotions can you trust them? Gospel Light Publication.
Dobson, J. M. (2015). Building Confidence in your Child. Revell.
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/.
Struthers, W. S. (2009). Wired for Intimacy. How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain.
InterVarsity.
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