The Skinner Box Effect: Sexual Addiction and Online Pornography (Paperback)

by T.M. Grundner (Author)
Key Phrases: online pornography, pornography addiction, pornography use, Thomas Grundner, The Skinner Box Effect, Patrick Carnes (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

These are the facts: 1. Among the millions of people on the Internet there exists a signifigant percentage for whom online pornography is not, and never will be, a "recreational pursuit." Rather it is, or soon will become an addiction. 2. Researchers and clinicians have established that pornography addiction contains all the characteristics of any other kind of addiction: mood altercation, compulsion, dependency, the need for higher and more exotic "doses" and withdrawl symptoms when the person tries to stop. 3. Because of the "Skinner Box Effect," pornography on the Internet is different and far more virulent than the customary forms. The reason is because it derives its potency from both the content of what is seen, AND from the way it is presented to the user by the technology itself.

For those suffering from the problem, Dr. Grundner provides a series of behavioral and spiritual techniques to help stop the downward spiral. Over 30 personal accounts are presented—taken directly from the Internet itlesf—of the pain, suffering, loss of jobs, and failed marriages that have resulted from online pornography and sexual addiciton.

This book is a warning, but one which contains a large measure of hope.

About the Author
Dr. Tom Grundner was a pioneer in the development of Internet applications. In 1995 he was named by Newsweek Magazine as one of the "50 Most Influential People in Cyberspace." Considered the father of community networking, his "Free-Net" community computer systems have paved the way for many of the Internet services we now take for granted.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (April 11, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595093248
• ISBN-13: 978-0595093243
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #721,049 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Online Pornography and its effects on your life., September 24, 2000

By A Customer

Dr. Grunder has added a welcome addition to the lay literature on the subject of sexual addiction; now in the way of examining the effects of online pornography. Much like the Skinner experiments he describes, online pornography can take its hold on the viewer by, not only its content, but how it is presented. Both positive and negative reinforcement mechanisms to which we are all susceptible act to serve as the foundation for one's life to get out of control. The book starts out by outlining the characteristics of the sexual addict and then the arguments as to why online pornography is such a powerful addiction are presented. In an easy to read and accessible format the reader is taken through a series of soul baring stories of individuals who have fallen prey to the effects of online pornography. The book also outlines stories of recovery and is full of resources for those who need help as well as their loved ones. This book can be read in one sitting; its easy diction, the notes, and the different appendices with listing of online and offline resources makes it a smart investment for lay people as well as professionals alike.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Great Metaphor--But Book Doesn't Follow Through, July 10, 2003

By A Customer

Books on sexual addiction/Internet porn addiction tend to be alike. The information presented is general and more descriptive rather than prescriptive. Most people interested in these books, including me, already buy into the addiction/dependence theory; what we really want to learn are some effective strategies to break the cycle. In this regard, "The Skinner Box Effect" falls short. There's a great implied metaphor there: men going to the net for porn are like laboratory rodents conditioned to getting pellets for good behavior. A missed opportunity to explore this metaphor and the reductive behavior of those trapped in the rodent's box of Internet porn.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars As useful as the AOL Disk it comes with, October 18, 2001

By A Customer

I 'm still wondering who had the bright idea of inserting an AOL disk for 1,000 free hours behind the front cover of this book! Hello? As for help this book suggests getting rid of your computer and modem. Right. I suggest reading "In the Shadows of the Net"....an excellent book for help and support for this addiction.