It’s been estimated that the average adult makes about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions every day (life choices). Every single decision aims to maximize the well-being of that individual and the people they care about. This observation is self-evident–you and I know it’s true. Even individuals engaged in self-harming behaviors have the twisted belief that what they are doing in the moment is in their best interest.
Why is pornography so popular if it’s so harmful?
The fact is people often choose to do things that don’t serve their interests. Sometimes this is due to ignorance–we simply don’t have the right knowledge. This was true of cigarette smoking for decades. Doctors even prescribed smoking to treat medical health problems! Other times it’s due to weakness. Many people are aware that their behavior isn’t serving them, but can’t muster the emotional strength to change it.
Today, I’ve transcribed a short clip that cautions people to be mindful of the harmful effects of pornography. Due to abundant research and testimonies out there on pornography, we can’t use ignorance as an excuse anymore. Knowledge is also a kind of power. It’s capable of inspiring the emotional strength needed to pass up on immediate gratification in the interest of something greater. I hope that’s the double effect it has on me and you today after watching this video.
For more, visit ConsiderBeforeConsuming.com You can also check out the complete archive of articles on integrity.
Transcript:
How many decisions do you make every day? Consider it. How many choices before you walked out of the front door this morning? When to get up, whether to exercise, whether to floss. The temperature of the water before you stepped in the shower. The carbs, the calories, the cholesterol, the expiration date on the milk carton. Whether you’d try to sneak another wear out of those boxers. And those shoes with that shirt? Those shoes? [puzzled voice].
Consider your constant daily string of careful considerations. Consider crosswalks before crossing streets. Consider job offers. Find your call. Find your meaning. Chef, mad scientist, zookeeper, beekeeper. Be a beekeeper. Consider it. Where are you going to live? How are you going to vote? Who do you want to be? Who are you going to be with? Who wants to be with you? Does she take a lot of selfies? Does he take a lot of selfies? I can’t be with him if he takes a lot of selfies. Swipe left. Swipe right. Don’t be inconsiderate, consider it.
Consider all the things you consider every day to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community happy, healthy, and hopeful. Now consider this: there’s an ever-growing body of research demonstrating significant negative impact for yourself and the ones you love in the use of pornography. It can change the way you think, damage your ability to connect with other people, and contribute to a different world than the one you want to live in.
This is not some kind of moral argument, it’s just something to think about. So give it a minute. Look both ways, check your blind spots, and consider it. Consider before consuming.
