Addressing pornography addiction in Malaysia

IN THE heart of Malaysia, a silent struggle unfolds—a battle waged behind closed doors, shrouded in secrecy and shame.

Pornography addiction, a pervasive issue affecting countless individuals, often remains unspoken, its victims suffering in isolation.

The digital age has ushered in unprecedented access to explicit content, ensnaring many in a cycle that devastates lives, relationships, and communities.

A recent study conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 2023 unveils a sobering reality: 75% of Malaysian teens have watched pornography.

This is not just a statistic—it is a call for urgent intervention.

In the backdrop of these statistics lies the heartache of families witnessing the deteriorating emotional well-being of their loved ones.

For many, the discovery of this addiction feels like betrayal—a wedge driven between parents and children, or between partners, eroding trust and understanding.

The psychological effects on teens are profound. Pornography distorts self-perception, leading to issues like low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and unhealthy expectations about real-life relationships.

For many, the addiction fuels feelings of shame and isolation, creating a vicious cycle that seems inescapable.

For many young Malaysians, curiosity transitions into compulsion, spiralling into addiction.

This cycle is particularly dangerous as pornography alters neural pathways, creating an addiction that mimics the effects of drugs like nicotine or cocaine.

Over time, users require escalating doses of stimulation, leading to distorted views on sexuality and intimacy.

We must break the taboo surrounding this topic and foster environments where individuals feel safe to discuss their struggles without fear of judgment.

Schools, families, and communities need to come together to promote awareness, educate youth about the dangers of pornography, and offer healthy coping mechanisms for stress and curiosity.

As a society, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this epidemic. The statistics are a sobering reminder of the urgent need for action.

Policymakers must prioritise implementing comprehensive sex education programs that emphasise emotional well-being, respect, and consent.

Internet service providers can play a crucial role by enforcing stricter age-verification measures and offering tools for content blocking.

By fostering open dialogues, supporting affected individuals, and implementing comprehensive education on the realities of pornography, we can begin to dismantle the stigma and isolation that perpetuate this addiction.

Together, we can illuminate the path to recovery, offering hope and healing to those ensnared in the shadows.

The fight against pornography addiction in Malaysia is not just about reducing numbers or statistics—it is about safeguarding the emotional and psychological well-being of our people.

It is about preserving the sanctity of relationships and empowering individuals to break free from the chains of addiction.

Let us stand united, breaking the silence, and fostering a society that chooses healing over shame.

To those who feel trapped in this cycle, know that help is available. Seeking professional support is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward reclaiming control of your life.

For families, approach this issue with compassion and understanding—recovery is a journey best travelled together.

Pravin Periasamy is the networking and partnerships director of the Malaysian Philosophy Society.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.