Stage IV Cancer of Society

The Western society is in serious danger of a violent death from a very aggressive cancer. It has already caused the loss of the sence of decency, and the moral compass is no longer pointing in the right direction. Our frame of mind has been perverted, and our views of what is good and what is evil has shifted.

But what is this cancer? I believe the root of it all may not be all that obvious at first. It is rarely spoken of, hidden in the darkness of solitary lives, but it has infiltrated the lives of hundreds of millions of adults and children around the world.

Of course, I am writing about pornography.

Through the invention of the internet, pornography consumption has increased exponentially. Its reach now touching those that would have been too embarrassed to purchase the magazine at the corner store. It's tenticles are now threatening the innocence of a child from a mere click on his parents cell phone. Pornography has made its way into the lives of almost every family in some way, and its effects have taken its toll on society like claws crippled tightly around the neck.

Pornography has been linked to a range of societal harms, contributing to relational breakdowns, increased violence, and broader cultural shifts that undermine social cohesion. At the individual level, it often leads to reduced satisfaction in real relationships, with studies showing that compulsive use correlates with isolation and dissatisfaction. This extends to marriages and families, where pornography use is associated with a 300% increase in infidelity, 68% of divorces, and overall dysfunction, including decreased intimacy and higher rates of separation.

On a societal scale, it normalizes objectification and violence, particularly against women, with research indicating that viewers are more likely to downplay sexual assault, and entertain aggressive behaviors. The industry itself fuels trends of exploitation including human trafficking, nonconsensual content, and abuse, where performers often face coercion, drugs, and threats, indirectly supported by consumer demands. Broader effects of heightened cybercrimes like stalking and pedophilia are rampant. And the culture of over-sexualization has eroded empathy and trust. Collectively, these factors contribute to societal fragmentation. With increased rates of depression, anxiety, and violent acts among consumers, pornography weakens community bonds and promotes a cycle of harm that affects public health and human rights.

But, the effects are so much deeper than that, as the destruction of society is but a symptom of the destruction of man. There are real, physical detriments to a person that is exposed to pornography. Consumption of these images triggers significant neurological changes, very much the same to those seen in substance addictions, by overstimulating the brain's reward system. It leads to heightened dopamine release, creating a cycle of arousal addiction where the brain prefers novel, explicit stimuli over real-life interactions, resulting in desensitization and reduced responsiveness. Studies using MRI scans show reduced gray matter in regions like the striatum and prefrontal cortex, which are involved in motivation, decision-making, and impulse control, leading to weaker responses to sexual cues and impaired self-regulation. Functional connectivity alterations, such as hyperactivity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, mimic the same patterns in drug addiction, with enhanced cue reactivity and diminished interest in non-pornographic activities.
Over time, this can cause hypofrontality—a shrinkage in the brain's "braking system"—which fosters compulsivity, emotional instability, and cognitive deficits like poor judgment and increased risk-taking.

The psychological effects of pornography are just as destructive. Anxiety, depression, and a disconnect from societal norms, as the brain's reward pathways become rewired for hyper-stimulation is enough to destroy a man’s ability to funtion.

Understandably, the feminist movement has made very little noise about the industry because pornography effectively reduces a man back to the primal tendencies of a child. Putting him under the controlling spell of her body reduces his posture and fortitude to that of a puppy starving for affection. Right where they want the “patriarchy” to remain.

But the greatest destruction is found when exposure to pornography occurs during childhood or adolescence. It inflicts lasting harm, exploiting the brain's high plasticity and vulnerability during development. It often results in trauma-like responses, including anxiety, disgust, shock, and obsessive behaviors, with children under 12 more likely to engage in peer sexual assault or exhibit problematic sexualized actions. Neurologically, early viewing leads to reduced gray matter (up to 10-12% in some studies) and stunted prefrontal cortex development, impairing impulse control, empathy, and emotional regulation into adulthood. This can cause the child to be more prone to addictions, unrealistic sexual expectations, and skewed attitudes of objectification, increasing risks of sexual aggression, body dissatisfaction, and acceptance of violence. The long-term outcomes of these poor children include higher rates of depression, substance use, risky sexual behaviors, and relational difficulties, such as poor bonding and increased teen pregnancy. Overall, it disrupts healthy sexual maturation, leading to lifelong challenges in mental health, relationships, and social integration.

As Catholic Knights, we cannot be consumers of pornography. Not in any form. Our eyes, minds and bodies must be protected, set apart from the others. How could we serve our Lord and the Church if we are ruled by our lusts? Beyond that, we are called to be warriors. This battle against pornography is one that we must engage in. Our fight is not just for ourselves but for others, for the children who are being poisoned every day. We cannot effectively win this battle if we are drawn to the temptations of the enemy.

This Lenten season, I invite our members and followers to make sacrifices for those who are caught up in the pornography web, pray for the end of this demonic industry, and make acts if charity by encouraging those who you know to reject it and to come back to the light of Jesus Christ.

May you all be blessed by our Lord and may the Blessed Mother protect you!

In Nomine Domini