A Netflix documentary released earlier this year and an upcoming feature film starring Zac Efron are bringing new light on Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious sexual predators in U.S. history. Interestingly, Bundy claimed his addiction to pornography fed the monster inside him as his porn consumption began taking on a darker and harder edge. Renewed interest and analysis of Ted Bundy and other serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer has led to a national conversation of what a pornography addiction is and whether or not you should be concerned if you or someone you care about has one. Does an addiction to pornography lead down a dark, murderous path? Here’s what you need to know about The Ted Bundy Dilemma and if you should be scared of a pornography addiction.
Why Porn?
The adult entertainment and pornography industry states it is performing a vital service for its consumers. And with an estimated $100 billion per year in revenues – that’s an average of about $3,000 per second – the pornography industry is one of the largest and most profitable businesses in the world. With couples enjoying porn to spice up their sex lives and alternative lifestyles being more common, pornography has become more accepted and mainstream. However, under the umbrella of pornography, there are niches that some may find morally bereft or peculiar; there are also darker sub-genres that go against the laws of nature, and also, the laws of the land.
Porn Fed the Monsters
Most people enjoy pornography to satisfy desires, loneliness, curiosity. However, some are not content with more “tame” material and seek out higher highs. A very rare few take matters into their own hands and find victims to act out their darkest desires and fantasies. Many prolific serial killers, including Bundy, Dahmer, Richard Ramirez, and John Wayne Gacy professed to porn addiction. In fact, Dahmer stated he would prepare to hunt for a victim by reviewing pictures of his previous victims, which he considered his victories. For Bundy, Dahmer and the like, seeing others victimized desensitized them; they began to see their victims as disposable.
A Dangerous Path
While none of these sadists blamed their actions on porn, they all professed an affinity for hardcore pornography. And with the advent of the dark web, one no longer needs to walk the streets or travel abroad to find fulfilment. That being said, not all pornography is bad but an addiction to porn, like to gambling, is not considered healthy. Those who do become addicted to porn likely will do so in secret. Bundy referred to his own addiction saying “…like an addiction, you keep craving something harder, which gives you a greater sense of excitement until you reach a point where the pornography only goes so far.” In that sense, it may be fair to conclude that anyone who begins to isolate themselves or consume more intense or dark porn may be traveling down a very frightening and dangerous path.
A common denominator
Bundy stated “I’ve lived in prison for a long time now and I’ve met a lot of men who were motivated to commit violence just like me and without exception, every one of them was … deeply influenced and consumed by an addiction to pornography.”
Seeking Help
It is possible to have a healthy sex life that is enriched by pornography, but when someone favors over interpersonal relationships, there may be cause for concern. If someone you know is addicted to pornography try to get them help. While the risk of them committing atrocities should not be a concern, their addiction will not bode well to achieving thriving and healthy relationships.
Advanced Psychology Partners can help with addictions to pornography. Call them today at (973) 534-5333 for a complimentary meet and greet session, or request your session online and take that step toward a happy and healthy life.
