10 Tips for Talking About Porn’s Harm

There are many legitimate reasons why someone might have a conversation about porn’s many harmful effects — but what if they are struggling to know how to start and what to say?

For many people, conversations about porn have focused on religious, moral, or personal opinions about whether porn is “bad.” However, these days the conversation has shifted. That’s because decades of scientific research and innumerable personal experiences have reshaped the conversation to include a wider, more diverse audience for whom porn has impacted.

This is one reason why Fight the New Drug does not discriminate based on religious beliefs, gender, race, or any other diversifying factor in educating about the harmful effects of porn. Read on to learn how you can have productive conversations about porn’s harmful effects and share what you’ve learned with others.

10 Conversation Starters

If you want to talk about this important topic with others, here are ten easy ways to begin.

1. Choose an Angle

There are many different motivations someone might have for fighting against porn. They include the effects it has on the brain, relationship with family members and romantic partners, or concerns over our society. Picking the angle that speaks to your potential ally can help them connect to what you’re trying to say.

2. Share Scientific Research

Fight the New Drug is not religiously affiliated or focused on legislation and does not teach according to religious or legislative views. So rather than coming from a moral, religious, legislative, or political standpoint, using science to introduce your beliefs can be an effective and inclusive way to start a dialogue. This can help establish common ground and draw people in beyond their background or beliefs.

3. Tell a Story Without Having an Agenda

Nearly everyone has a story to tell when it comes to being exposed to, experiencing themselves, or having a loved one who consumes porn. Sharing about it is an accessible way for others to listen without feeling defensive or like you have an agenda.

4. Keep the Talk Positive

Not many people can handle a lot of negative talk before they start to feel “compassion fatigue.” Keep the conversation upbeat by talking about social justice, commitment, and love.

5. Speak Without Shame

Even though consuming porn is usually thought of as a private activity, discussing it in the open, without having shame about it, can help others share and be open about it, too. Breaking the taboo can naturally lead to an honest conversation regarding this topic and ward off any discomfort or humiliation someone might feel about their own experience with it.

6. Bring Kids into the Discussion

Talk to your own kids if you have them and talk to others about how kids, in general, are negatively impacted by porn. Since 8–11-year-olds are commonly exposed to porn, they need to be equipped with facts on what it is and why it’s harmful to them.

7. Create a Team

Whether it’s with your romantic partner, your friends, or your children, get on the same side and support one another in the fight.

8. Wear the Gear

Simply sporting Fight the New Drug merch can be a natural conversation-starter because it can intrigue others and encourage them to ask you questions about the cause.

9. Make a Bold Statement

Take the example of Garrett Jonsson, a man who ran 30 marathons in 30 days and biked across the U.S. to raise awareness of the harm porn can do. Your statement doesn’t have to be so dramatic, but be bold enough to draw attention to your objective in a way that feels true to you.

10. Practice Mindful Gratitude

Spend a little bit of time once a day or week to reflect on how real love has enriched your life, and to express sincere gratitude for it in your life. This is a powerful, meaningful communication tool that shows others you are committed to choosing not to consume porn and your life has been better for it.

Let’s Talk About Porn

These 10 ways to talk about porn are just a start — there are many others. Take some time to think about how you can bring up the subject in a unique manner. We know it can be difficult to talk about, but every conversation moves the pendulum in the right direction.

If you want more guidance, you’ve come to the right place. Fight the New Drug has A Conversation Blueprint you can use to navigate this tricky topic, so check it out now!