Why Blocking Porn is a Complex Issue, Not an Impossible Task

Millions of individuals seek to manage their porn consumption, as evidenced by a survey (opens in a new tab) on pornaddictiontest.com taken by over 22,143 users, where over 80% of participants reported difficulty quitting. People are becoming more aware of their porn use and are actively trying to cut back or eliminate it altogether. One approach is to block porn, but as we'll see, it's not as simple as flipping a switch. Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the complexities of blocking porn!

Government Efforts

Governments worldwide have long struggled with finding the right solution for blocking porn. Several countries inlcuding Egypt, India, USA, Russia, Philipines etc. have attempted nationwide porn blocking. However, the effectiveness of these efforts is questionable due to technological limitations and user workarounds like VPNs. The recent UK proposal (opens in a new tab) for online passport verification before the user can access porn further illustrates the ongoing discussions and challenges in this area.

Challenges with Apps

So, governments tried blocking porn, right? Well, turns out it's not that simple. ISPs haven't exactly been all-stars in making it work, and those crafty VPNs just keep getting better at slipping through the cracks. This leaves it up to us regular folks to find our own solutions. Luckily, app developers have come up with some pretty creative tools to help fight the porn urge, from apps that monitor your screen like a hawk to others that bombard you with motivational quotes (hey, whatever works!).

Okay, let's talk about these porn-blocking apps. Some apps act like screen detectives, watching 24/7 for explicit words and using special device "accessibility" permissions (meant to help people with disabilities!) to block your screen entirely. This means they see everything on your phone, from your bank app to your private photos – yikes! While they might be the ultimate blockers, can you really trust an app with that much power?

Here's the other thing: these apps are just that – apps. You download them, and guess what? You can also delete them when the urge strikes. Some sneaky apps try to fight back by asking for "device admin" privileges, basically gluing themselves to your phone. This might be okay for work phones or keeping tabs on your kid's device, but as an adult, who wants to lose control of their own phone, right?

Finally, some apps take a different approach, aiming for accountability by sharing your browsing history and other info with a chosen partner. While having someone hold you accountable can be helpful, sharing your entire digital life isn't exactly everyone's cup of tea.

So, you're down to try one of these anti-porn apps, even if it means giving up a little freedom. But here's the thing: even the strictest app out there can't be 100% effective at blocking porn. If someone is truly determined, they'll find a way around it, whether it's uninstalling, switching phones, using a vpn, or using some other unique way to gain access. Porn is just too easily accessible.

Beyond Blocking

Despite the limitations, these apps can still play a valuable role. They can significantly increase the difficulty of accessing porn, potentially helping individuals overcome addiction or achieve a "better place" in managing their habits. Importantly, different users will have different needs. Parents seeking to control access for their children might prioritize stronger control with some privacy trade-offs, while adults in committed relationships might prefer apps focused on accountability and shared responsibility with their partners. In conclusion, blocking porn presents a complex issue with no easy solution. While apps alone may not provide an absolute answer, they can offer valuable assistance in users' journeys towards managing their porn consumption and finding their own "better place."