Introspection: How effective are online solutions?

Sep 4 10:40 UTC 2002

In the spirit of self-searching, I ask a question, somewhat rhetorical:
How effective is therapy or searching for recovery through online 
resources?

Of course, this bbs conference isn't the only medium out there.  I 
belong to a number of e-mail lists and a web forum to address some 
particular issues of mine.  More particularly, I put forth the inquiry 
of how well people can interact and progress online.  As you 
understand, there are precious little guarantees of sincerity or true 
identity through written means alone, and Internet communication is 
largely written means by default, short of webcam and voice chat 
technology (I don't really count digital snapshots much).  There is a 
sense of permanency in posting, and rarely are replies truly unfiltered 
and straightforward.

Of course, this also begs the question of asking if it is possible to 
progress through online resources alone?  I would say no.  I think it 
is healthy to have some sort of face to face interaction, whether as 
minimal as a therapist/counselor or as broad as a support group.  Doing 
things online would seem a good start; giving time to sort things out a 
bit before setting the meter to run (so to speak) with a therapist.

I am also curious why this conference is very, very quiet.  I've had 
time to observe, granted; it has been this way for quite some time, and 
perhaps it filled a certain niche at a certain period.  Perhaps it is 
the seriousness of our forum; the existence of the "Happy Happy Joy 
Joy" and "Bummed" items in Agora indicate a general need for Grexers to 
express some feelings, albeit in less specific and heavy tones, as well 
as the lighter-hearted spirit of Inferno, which at the moment appears 
to be a sister conference (thanks for your help, bhelliom).

For my effort, I have shed the usual witty handles; this is my real and 
true name.  Granted, I give up some anonymity, but I hope that it will 
be taken in sincerity. 

response 2 of 10:

Sep 5 11:37 UTC 2002

answer #2: whoops, yeah.  I was actually thinking of that, but probably 
neglected to mention it.

answer #1: yes, item from inferno cross-linked to Agora.  *sigh*  
Perhaps I should have delayed linking it.

response 4 of 10:

Sep 7 10:43 UTC 2002

It was originally linked to Inferno from Agora, then to Recovery.

response 6 of 10:

Sep 24 06:34 UTC 2002

void, I don't think that's a fair assessment to say they are 'fronts.'

It is much more accurate to say that many religious denominations have 
found it a problem they should deal with, and yes, it is in their best 
interest to do so.  Sad to say, society at large does not see 
pornography as a large problem, at least for those who consume it.  I 
cannot count the number of times I have heard the philosophy "As long 
as you're not harming anyone, it's not so bad/it's okay."

I've also heard "Pornography (usually, 'erotica' is used instead, but 
couples *do* rent porno flicks) can be used successfully to improve 
couples' sex lives."  Well, from my experience, it's usually fostered a 
co-dependent aspect, especially as both my wife and I have had an 
addiction to it.  I think there are some slightly more benign ways to 
address that problem.

Also, many are prone to think possibly *everyone* has got to be 
addicted.  No, this is not true.  Apparently, they are not able to 
distinguish between what is a healthy sex drive (and that's hard in 
this sex-crazed but touch-deprived culture) and behavior that abandons 
and breaks all other relationships based in any sense of normalcy.  I 
suppose the porn industry doesn't help that matter; one could perceive 
that if porn represented real life, nymphomania, voyeurism, and sexual 
fetish is the norm.  It's not; not everyone experiences those things or 
are naturally inclined.

Are the SA and SAA websites hopelessly entangled in religious links 
that offend you, void?  All I suppose I could suggest is glean what you 
can.  By the way, SA, by basis of roots in the 12-steps, is *NOT* 
exclusively religious.

response 8 of 10:

Dec 12 06:51 UTC 2002

The Internet is vast.  Perhaps such will come in the future.

Hmmm.. so the common solution was "surrender to your Higher Power, i.e. 
Jesus."

I'm genuinely concerned here.  Religious solutions are okay for those 
who are religious, but I think a purely psychological angle would be 
very helpful.  Perhaps it is a statement on current psychology that 
such is lacking.  I have a hard time believing that only the religious 
believe that porn can be an addictive problem.  There is too much 
evidence that proves that it is.

response 10 of 10:

Nov 27 03:28 UTC 2003

I also took up web logging a few issues.  Granted, I took some 
precautions.  I use LiveJournal and kept posts on private security.  
Why not just use a Word document?  Well, I have the option to unlock 
posts to friends if I so choose.

But I am very, very careful with sharing...