Question about dick pics

Hi, @Jackbtw and welcome to NoFap. You're going to get a lot of different answers to your question. I'm gay, too, and I understand that dating and hookup apps are big ways we meet guys. The real questions are:

1) Do you get aroused and eventually masturbate because of these pictures? If so, they count as porn.
2) Do you get aroused and eventually masturbate from just being on those sites/apps? If so, porn.
3 What is more important to you at this point in your life: hookups or freedom from addiction?

Many people continue to try to meet people during their reboots. We are only human, after all. But, what, other than a quick dopamine fix, are you getting from the hookups? Do they leave you with the desire for more and does that cause you to see out porn and masturbation? If so, I'm afraid that could negatively impact your reboot.

If you're going to dating sites with the intent of actually dating, that's different. One of the goals of NoFap, in addition to breaking the PMO addiction is developing a healthy sexuality with real people. Maybe tell guys in your profile that x-rated pics will be blocked?

Last question is: what are the terms of your reboot? Are you going porn-free only? Are you going porn AND masturbation-free? Or, are you going hard mode - porn, masturbation AND orgasm-free?

That's important, my friend. If you're only going porn free, and aren't masturbating to these pics or apps, you're meeting the terms of your reboot. If you're going porn and masturbation-free, your hands need to be out of your pants no matter what the reason, unless you're with an actual, real-life guy. If you're going hard mode (p, m, and o-free), the "bad" news is these hookups are breaking the terms of your reboot. Be clear on your goals and the reasons for those goals. Otherwise, you are going to have a tough time. Rebooting can be done and you CAN do it and reap the benefits. No matter what anyone tells you, though, there are NO shortcuts or "gaming the system." Those paths will only lead to problems and disappointment.

For the record, I'm not some kind of prude dude, either. I'm very sex-positive, actually. I don't judge. If your ultimate goal is to have a life free of addiction where you can have hookups, fwbs, dates, relationships, that's awesome. I don't mean to give the impression that I'm anti any of these things. I'm just trying to offer you some advice based on your question.

There are a lot of good resources here. There is the List of Resources found here: https://www.nofap.com/forum/index.php?threads/new-users-list-of-rebooting-resources.50878/

There are also groups you can join with likeminded men. There is a group for gay men rebooting. I'm part of it and it's helpful.

Three things I found extremely valuable are:
-getting an accountability partner; that forum is here: https://www.nofap.com/forum/index.php?forums/accountability-partners.7/

-starting a journal and writing in it daily. You'll find that section under Reboot Logs. I would also suggest reading others' journals and other posts.

-interact with the guys here. You will find an amazing community of supportive, motivating guys all on the same journey as you are.

You don't have to do this alone. We're all in this together, and together we are stronger.

Congrats on 4 days! If you even need/want to chat, please feel free to drop me a message. Like I said, we're all in this together.

Welcome to NoFap, my friend! I'm proud of you for joining and glad you're here.

 

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help! I saw you already in the gay support group! Excellent! Being active on here daily is the best plan, but I get it if you can't. I would definitely start your own journal. And, of course, I'd love to stay in touch!

Your plan is a good one! In fact, many guys mistake NoFap for being an anti-masturbation site, even though it explicitly says it's not! Masturbation can be a very healthy form of sexual release if not done compulsively or to porn. As long as it's not a substitute for human contact (meaning you are seeking out healthy human contact in addition to masturbating), there's nothing wrong with it. Be prepared though, that some guys will not agree with this. Your recovery is YOUR choice and your choice is very valid and, I think, healthy. I wish you all the best, my friend!

 

Absolutely, @drac16! Thank you for this comment!

Edited to add: CONGRATULATIONS on 58 days, man! That's AWESOME!

 

Sorry, I accidentally deleted my post. Thank you for your support.

 

You're welcome! It's still viewable for the OP as part of the message where I thanked you for responding.

Keep up the amazing work, my friend!