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Does using filters make you dependent?

Discussion in 'Rebooting - Porn Addiction Recovery' started by Just Pray, Nov 10, 2015.

  1. Just Pray

    Just Pray Fapstronaut

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    Do you think using filters on your internet connection makes you dependent and that if/when the filter is removed, that you will just go into beast/animal mode and lose the plot?

    Personally I use an extremely strict filter and it works well for me but I don't want to target this problem in the wrong way.

    Please share your opinions. I'm really interested to get different takes on this.
     
  2. rampageingapes

    rampageingapes Fapstronaut

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    I geared my filter so that it only targeted porn and porn sites. I never have to take mine off if I don't want to, it doesn't get in the way of anything but me watching porn.
     
    Just Pray likes this.
  3. Strugglesaurus

    Strugglesaurus Fapstronaut

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    I used to have a very strict filter. It did help me slip in to dependency, to the point of complacency. I think it's up to the person, but I believe that strict filters reduce your ability to cope with triggers.

    It's not a strict filter that is the main problem, however. It's the mindset that tends to develop when you're completely blocked off: "I'm safe, I have nothing to worry about." I've experienced it myself, and also seen others fail because they let themselves get too comfortable.

    As of now, I only have straight up porn sites blocked, as well as sites with nudity. After a year of strict filters, I'm learning to use sites responsibly, instead of avoiding them. Such as reddit, facebook, Hulu, Netflix, etc. I think that's what is important: training yourself to use potentially triggering sites in the right manner, and dealing with triggers when they come up.

    I still don't watch movies or play games that have gratuitous sexual content/nudity because I don't support it personally. I think it's good to not avoid everything under the sun, but also don't go seeking out triggers just because they are available to see.

    Good luck. It is your decision in the end. A strict filter vs no filter/limited filter is not what's important. It's the mindset you cultivate during your reboot and how you handle triggers when they do come up.
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2015
  4. I feel that filters can help you, since it won't allow you to go on to those nasty sites, but I believe that it will cause one to become dependent. Not so much like "oh great, nothing's stopping me anymore, beast mode" kind of deal, but you won't develop the self-control, discipline and mental strength in order to manage your sexual feelings and behavior without the handicap.

    If you feel that it helps you a lot then by all means continue, but that's my opinion, which is to slowly spend time to really develop the mental strength and attitude with NoFap. I mean, that's where the magic happens, the mind is affected and you want to reboot it and change it back to normal, for the better. Good luck though, stay positive and keep going! ;)
     
    Just Pray likes this.
  5. volt2187

    volt2187 Guest

    I can see their use, but to me I'm not a fan of them because we need to improve our willpower to control our emotions and choices. For those who might need them because they are that tempted, there needs to be a point where you remove them and allow yourself to be on the internet without giving into the temptations.

    I get great satisfaction from not viewing the sites that I regularly did for 5 plus years, by making the decision not to. There was a point where I would check every single day, usually in the morning, for updates, that's how hooked I was. Now I feel I have the willpower to completely block that out of my life and have zero temptation to view those sites. Yeah part of me says "DO ITTTTTT, just for a minute", but I am able to recognize just how wrong it is, for both myself, but also the women portrayed in those sites.

    Now instead of checking for those updates, I take pleasure in checking for new posts and threads here. :)
     
    SolidStance and Just Pray like this.
  6. Nothing more to add, except you guys sound like champions. Everything well said.
     
    Just Pray likes this.
  7. Just Pray

    Just Pray Fapstronaut

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    Yea guys, thanks for everything you said. I feel wiser :) and I will definitely be implementing a change in my strategy
     

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