The Real Cost of Porn: A Candid Conversation with Bridget Phetasy and Jeren Montgomery
It's a little bit like that show about the woman who came out of the bunker and the world had just been fine. I have a friend who's in Texas and he's always been about self-reliance, self-sustainability, super hippie, and he was texting me and he's like you want to go in on a ranch. You're not, but you can't do that kind of life alone. I just am not that much of a people person.
How often do we stop to think about the impact of pornography on our lives and society? In this episode of 'Factory Settings', hosts Bridget Phetasy and Jeren Montgomery take on the complex and often controversial topic of porn. Drawing from their personal experiences and broader societal trends, they explore how access to pornography has evolved over time and its far-reaching effects on relationships, mental health, and cultural norms.
Bridget opens up about her own brief struggle with porn addiction, while Jeren brings his expertise as an associate marriage and family therapist to the table. Together, they dissect the unrealistic expectations porn can create, the rise of OnlyFans, and the unsettling world of AI-generated content and deep fakes. They also tackle the tricky issue of regulating porn, weighing perspectives from various sides of the debate.
By asking thought-provoking questions like 'What is your experience with porn?' and 'How do you navigate its pervasive presence online?', Bridget and Jeren encourage listeners to reflect on their own interactions with pornography. This episode isn't just about pointing fingers or finding easy answers; it's about fostering open dialogue and understanding the nuanced ways porn influences our lives.
Whether you're concerned about the impact on kids, struggling with addiction, or simply curious about the broader cultural implications, this conversation offers valuable insights and a compassionate approach to a challenging topic.