If you haven’t seen it yet, actor Terry Crews recently released a video titled “Dirty Little Secret” in which you can watch here. In the video, he discusses how his porn addiction almost cost him his marriage. Being inspired by a man of his public stature to humble himself enough to admit that he has struggled with this problem, this article is a call to ban to the pornography industry in America by providing real life consequences of porn viewing.

The truth is that pornography has become ingrained in American culture, and we have accepted it. However, this cultural decision has consequences that strongly affect divorce rates and general well-being. Although it may seem an innocent or curious habit at first, the desire can manifest into something much greater.

While the general public might tell you that it is natural to explore your sexuality, the truth is that this sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you intended to pay.

When you reflect on the consequences of an innocent or private decision, you are truly affecting much more people than yourself. Below I outlined, in my own personal opinion from experience, a list of the people it surely will affect and how it will affect them.

1. Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is widely recognized today as a form of modern slavery, and there are 20 to 30 million involved in the trade. By giving into the desire to lust after women on pornographic sites, in my opinion, you are further developing a demand for the exploitation of others.

2. Objectification of Men and Women

In my opinion, after viewing pornography, although you may not realize it, your mind begins to wander; it becomes increasingly more difficult to see people as emotional human beings because you begin to see them as an instrument for your own pleasure. In turn, keeping normal relationships is difficult because you can only see how they could benefit your needs rather than seeing them as God has created them.

3. Insecurity

Pornography creates a fantasy world where women and men have enhanced features that you don’t see every day. This can create mental harm to yourself because you don’t feel adequate, although men see to have tremendous skill of hiding this fact.

4. Distorted Expectation of Sex

One of my Christian mentors shared with me an experience of his honeymoon, telling me that he couldn’t help but think of pornographic images at certain times. Rather than have sex as it was originally designed, your mind is floated by other people’s interpretations of what sex is supposed to be. In turn, you rob yourself of having your own interpretation.

5. Diminishes Sexual Pleasure

When it is time to have sex and your mind is filled with all of these pornographic scenarios, then it is easy to lose interest in the whole process. Not only can this cause harm for yourself, but also your partner.

6. Porn is Like a Drug

The truth is that porn is just like any other drug—in some cases even worse. As Terry Crews courageously states in his video, the only power that it can hold over you is fear. However, when you put it out in the open then the fear loses its power. Therefore, it is important to involve people into your life to help you deal with struggles. I know that is what has helped me the most.