By Pravin Periasamy
In the heart of Malaysia, a silent struggle unfolds – a battle waged behind closed doors, shrouded in secrecy and shame: pornography addiction.
It is a pervasive issue affecting countless individuals, often remaining unspoken, its victims suffering in isolation.
The digital age has ushered in unprecedented access to explicit content. It has ensnared many in a cycle that devastates lives, relationships and communities.
A Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia study in 2023 unveiled a sobering reality: 75% of Malaysian teens have watched pornography. This is not just a statistic – it calls for urgent intervention.
Unseen is the heartache of families as they witness the deteriorating emotional wellbeing of loved ones. For many, the discovery of this addiction feels like betrayal – a wedge driven between parents and children or between partners – eroding trust and understanding.
The psychological effects on teens are profound. Pornography distorts self-perception. It leads to low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction and unhealthy expectations of real-life relationships. For many, the addiction fuels feelings of shame and isolation, creating a vicious, inescapable cycle.
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For many youths in Malaysia, curiosity transitions into compulsion, spiralling into addiction. This cycle is particularly dangerous, as pornography alters neural pathways, creating an addiction that mimics the effects of drugs like nicotine or cocaine. Over time, users require escalating doses of stimulation, leading to distorted views of sexuality and intimacy.
Let us break the taboo surrounding this topic. We need to foster environments where individuals feel safe to discuss their struggles without fear of judgement. Schools, families and communities should work together to promote awareness, educate youths about the dangers of pornography, and offer healthy coping mechanisms for stress and curiosity.
As a society, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this epidemic. The statistics are a sobering reminder of the urgent need for action.
Policymakers must prioritise comprehensive sex education programmes that emphasise emotional wellbeing, respect and consent.
Internet service providers can play a crucial role by enforcing stricter age-verification measures and offering tools for content blocking.
We need to foster open dialogue, support affected individuals and implement comprehensive education on the realities of pornography. In this way, we can dismantle the stigma and isolation that perpetuate this addiction.
Together, we can illuminate the path to recovery, offering hope and healing to those ensnared in the shadows.
The fight against pornography addiction is not just about reducing numbers or statistics. It is about safeguarding the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the people. It is about preserving the sanctity of relationships and empowering individuals to break free from the chains of addiction.
Let us stand united, break the silence and foster a society that chooses healing over shame.
To those feeling trapped in this cycle, know that help is available. Seeking professional support is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards reclaiming control of your life.
For families, approach this issue with compassion and understanding.
Recovery is a journey best travelled together.
Pravin Periasamy is the networking and partnerships director of the Malaysian Philosophy Society.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
