Aligning the “Manifesto for a European Research Network into Problematic Usage of the Internet” with the Diverse Needs of the Professional and Consumer Communities Affected by Problematic Usage of Pornography

Abstract

The Manifesto for a European research network into Problematic Usage of the Internet was published in May 2018. It was written from the perspective of the COST Action Network, a programme of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology CA16207 and is expected to have significant influence on research funding priorities over the next decade. The Manifesto identified nine key research priorities to advance understanding in the field. Our analysis shows that while at the most general level it identified problematic usage of pornography (PUP) as a key research priority, it then barely mentioned it again within the body of the report. This paper uses the Manifesto’s framework to suggest research areas into the problematic usage of pornography which are of particular relevance to clinicians and other professionals working in the field who want to develop approaches to assist individuals and target groups affected by PUP. It also looks at potential research opportunities inspired by the lived-experience of users withdrawing from PUP. A large number of opportunities are identified for new work on PUP across all nine key research areas of the Manifesto.

Emerging Health and Education Issues Related to Internet Technologies and Addictive Problems

“…On the other hand, the main aim was to cover health and education approaches in the context of these problems, which has partially been achieved, as the majority of papers (74%) included both approaches. However, half of the papers (54%) were studies undertaken in educational settings (i.e., high schools [ 14 , 18 ], universities [ 12 , 13 ]) with a health purpose, such as to adapt a diagnostic tool [ 12 , 13 , 20 , 21 , 32 , 37 , 45 ] or to study psychological mechanisms or comorbid problems which affect or mediate these problems to be used in prevention and treatment plans [ 17 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 46 ]. Only a few studies (20%) were conducted in health settings (i.e., hospitals [ 44 ] or health centres [ 33 ]) or were health reviews about these problems [ 46 ]).…”

“…Thus, other external variables, such as inter-individual and environmental factors seem to impact Internet use-related addiction problems as intra-individual factors (e.g., sociodemographic, and psychological characteristics). The external indicators which emerged in this Special Issue are related to the Matthew effect (i.e., good premorbid psychosocial adjustment [ 17 ]), parent’s education or socio-economic status (i.e., mother´s education [ 27 ]), parental care and monitoring (i.e., overprotection promotes these problems [ 31 ]), environmental factors (e.g., Internet cafés, advertising [ 40 ]), or professional communities (e.g., who manages those affected and their families [ 22 ]). Indeed, these contextual factors should also be considered in treatment plans, preventive actions, and policy options [ 46 ].…”

Problematic Pornography Use: Legal and Health Policy Considerations

“…At the same time, many mental health issues like social anxiety and depression, and physical health problems such as sexual dysfunction, reduce or disappear [ 36 ]. More academic research on recovery websites is recommended as little has been published [ 60 ].…”

“…Ideally, legislation and government health and social policy should support such softer interventions. After all, the consumption of adult pornography by adults is currently legal in most jurisdictions [ 60 ].…”

What the grey literature can contribute to addictive behaviour disorder classification •

“…Even the manifesto for a European research network into problematic usage of the Internet ( Fineberg et al., 2018 ) initially included pornography viewing, but later did not address this addictive behaviour in-depth as it did other behaviours. This has been criticised as approaches exist in Europe to assist the individuals and target groups affected by problematic pornography use which cover the needs of professionals and consumer communities affected by other addictive behaviours ( Mead & Sharpe, 2020 ). Some of these approaches include recovery communities in the form of self-help groups that support individuals to manage their pornography consumption (e.g., NoFap.com , RebootNation.org ); professional communities which treat problematic usage of pornography clients, such as therapists, medical practitioners, counsellors, coaches, and sex educators.…”