Fight the New Drug: Understanding the Effects of Pornography

Written by George F. Davison, Jr. '68, J.D., business law and journalism instructor

The smartphone makes pornography more available, accessible and anonymous. Nate Neyman, a presenter from the Salt Lake City, Utah, area for Fight the New Drug, a nonprofit dedicated to educating communities about the impacts of pornography, spoke Feb. 10, 2026, to MMA cadets.

Scroll down to see how cadets responded and what they learned from this important presentation. 

Through his presentation, Neyman emphasized that pornography interferes with personal relationships and causes users to consider people as objects to be used. “Porn can negatively affect you, your relationships and your world," he says.

During the address to the MMA Corps of Cadets, Neyman warned that pornography normalizes violence and aggression toward women, racism, abuse and gender inequality. He said the pornography habit gets out of control. Neyman told the cadets, “Pornography addiction is real.”

He observed that most pornography is exaggerated and presents an unrealistic picture of human relationships. Some pornography today is generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

Neyman said pornography creates a supernormal stimulus in the brain. A compulsion to consume pornography develops, and the brain changes with repeated exposure to the stimulus. The pornography habit can escalate out of control.

Information from Fight the New Drug indicates that 84% of males and 57% of females ages 14 to 18 have viewed pornography. A majority of young people are exposed to pornography by age 13.

Neyman said of individuals who consume pornography, “You are not a bad person.” He added that the brain can be “rewired” to a healthy state.

He offered five ideas to help people who are addicted to pornography:

1. Breathe and ask yourself why you want to quit.
2. Identify triggers that cause you to want to watch pornography.
3. Replace the porn habit by saying yes to something better.
4. Connect: seek help from a trusted person.
5. Get help: resources are available from a variety of people and organizations.

In his welcome remarks for the event, MMA President BG Richard Geraci, USA (Ret), told the MMA Corps of Cadets, “We care. You matter. We want you to make the right choices for a great future.”

The presentation by Nate Neyman from Fight the New Drug was made possible by the Griffin Foundation, the Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney, the Audrain County Health Department, Audrain County Crisis Intervention Services and the 12th Circuit Juvenile Office.

Survey Results Show Strong Understanding and Meaningful Perspective Shifts

After the Fight the New Drug presentation, cadets were invited to complete surveys to gauge their perceptions about pornography and its effects. The results show growth in awareness, discernment and personal responsibility.

Nearly all respondents recognized the connection between pornography and poorer mental health (98%), negative impacts on relationships (96%), and the potential for use to escalate into an unhealthy habit (91%). Most (89%) also understood that violence or aggression is commonly portrayed.

More than three-quarters (88.9%) disagreed with the idea that pornography is harmless, and 71% reported increased understanding of its impact. In other words, cadets walked away better equipped to make informed, values-based decisions.

Despite the sensitivity of the topic, engagement remained high. Ninety-three percent described the presentation as helpful and informative, and 93% reported staying positively engaged throughout.

Overall, the results show that cadets didn’t just sit through a presentation. They learned to evaluate influences, consider long-term consequences and strengthen their commitment to personal character and healthy relationships.