GC Warns Against Use of Porn, Other “Harmful Coping Mechanisms” During Pandemic
5 March 2021 | In a March 3 article titled “At-Risk Behaviors on the Rise During this Pandemic,” the General Conference of the Adventist denomination identified porn use as a behavior to avoid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authored by Alina M. Baltazar, Duane C. McBride, Gary L. Hopkins, and Peter N. Landless, the article also warned against alcohol abuse.
Elaborating on pandemic era porn consumption, the articles said:
“Some individuals are using porn not just because they’re bored or stressed during a lockdown, or restricted in interaction with others, but rather as a reaction to relationship problems. Being confined at home with our families long-term is resulting in those who had problematic relationships before the pandemic—or are having increased conflict as a result of growing stress—reporting more relationship dissatisfaction. Indicators of this are reports from China showing a spike in divorce filings since lockdown restrictions were lifted.”
Although the article listed a number of more general suggestions for improving lifestyle quality during the pandemic, it did not elaborate on how to specifically tackle porn addiction.