Recent research shows the effects of pornography on the brain and society. Dann Aungst, author of From One Addict to Another and certified Addiction Counselor, wrote a blog post for Covenant Eyes titled “4-Non Biblical Reasons Porn is Ruining Your Life.” Aungst explained how the human brain contains a chemical called dopamine, which carries information relating to emotions, cravings and a sense of pleasure. When people watch pornography, dopamine becomes “super charged” in the brain causing an artificial high, which then makes the brain become fatigued. The inability to bond with the computer screen leaves the brain unsatisfied and results in a desire to continue watching.

Meyer said he felt empty during his junior year of high school. His sleep schedule was difficult because he stayed up late to watch pornography, but was up early for baseball practice and school.

“My parents kept asking me if I was okay,” he said. “They would sit me down and try to have a conversation with me. They would ask ‘What makes you feel passionate,’ or ‘What are you looking forward to in the future,’ and I didn’t have an answer.”