Documentary Series Discussion Guide: Getting The Most Out of The Documentary Series

DOCUMENTARY SERIES DISCUSSION GUIDE
Getting the Most Out of the Documentary Series

Since the topic of pornography isn’t always the easiest to discuss, we’ve created this guide to help
pave the way for meaningful and reflective discussions among groups viewing the Brain, Heart, World
documentary series.
These three episodes can be shown in many different kinds of settings and venues—from public and
private school classrooms to community centers and afterschool programs, as well as in family gath-
erings and friend groups. While adults may enjoy and benefit from the film series, keep in mind that
it’s been created and designed specifically with youth in mind. Ideally, we hope youth can watch the
film alongside supportive adults like teachers, parents, guardians, or community leaders.
NOTE
Where necessary, please ensure appropriate consent, approval, or permis-
sions have been acquired before showing and discussing the film. This can
range from formal consent from a parent/guardian to making parents (and
supervisors/administrators) aware the discussion is taking place. More than
simply legally advisable, our experience is that parental involvement can
spark further conversations at home and pave the way to deeper learning
and understanding.
This discussion guide offers different possibilities and ideas regarding how you might choose to struc-
ture a conversation after watching the film. This includes preparation suggestions, tips for facilitators,
and potential questions. Feel free to adjust what you find below to your specific audience and situa-
tion. We want to set you up to have successful conversations, however that may uniquely look!
MAIN OBEJECTIVE
Rather than trying to persuade people of a particular viewpoint or
trying to reach a group consensus, we suggest a prioritized goal of
helping participants process the questions raised by the film in a
thoughtful and appropriate way.
Copyright © Fight the New Drug™ | Brain Heart World Discussion Guide 1
Before Showing the Series
As a way to be prepared for guiding discussion, we recommend checking out any of the general ed-
ucation materials below. Some are specifically Fight the New Drug resources, others are from various
different organizations. While some may be legislatively focused, Fight the New Drug is a non-legisla-
tive organization:
• Fight the New Drug (multimedia)
• Brain, Heart, World Summary Info (videos)
• Interviews with Researchers Studying Sexual Exploitation (videos)
• Research Analyses, Your Brain on Porn (multimedia)
• Research Summaries: Truth About Porn
• National Center on Sexual Exploitation Resource Center
Once you feel confident and ready to lead a discussion, consider anything else your group needs to
make their experience more quality. You might also ask everyone whether they have any questions,
thoughts, or concerns before starting the film.
Often, people watch movies or shows without engaging actively by considering what points are being
made. As a way to “prime” your audience for a more interactive experience with discussion afterward,
consider encouraging them to take note of thoughts and questions during the episodes.
Talking About the Talking

A free-for-all conversation about pornography can be tough or risky, especially for adolescents. Prior
to starting the episodes, we recommend a few simple steps to help create a more productive contain-
er for follow-up conversation.
1. ESTABLISH CONVERSATION GUIDELINES WITH YOUR GROUP

What guidelines or ground rules do you want to set for your discussion? One way to do that is simply
to ask, “What do each of you need to feel comfortable and safe discussing this topic?” Allow each in-
dividual in the group to have a chance to share their answers—while providing your own suggestions
too. Here are some examples:
• Listen with respect.
• Monitor your airtime, making sure that each person gets a chance to talk if they want.
• One person talks at a time. Don’t cut people off.
• It’s okay to disagree with someone else—in fact, it can be helpful—but personal attacks are never
cool or acceptable.
2. CLARIFY INTENTIONS AND BOUNDARIES

Whether before or after the film, be intentional about what you as a group see as the goals and inten-
tions of your conversation. This can include what you are and are not talking about—and any bound-
ary lines for the discussion you want to agree upon.
3. WELCOME HONEST FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS
In the same moment you draw clear lines as a group on what kind of conversation you’ll be having, be
proactive about encouraging the open sharing of thoughts and feelings—especially from those who
may otherwise be on the sidelines instead of actively adding thoughts.
Starting the Conversation

Following the showing, some may be ready to dive in and talk—excited by what they heard. Others
may be hesitant and quiet—needing a chance to process the messages. We encourage you to start
the conversation by acknowledging the very different responses people might be having. Something
like: “Now some of you may have really enjoyed that and feel excited to talk about it. Others, though,
may have questions and need time to think about it. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay, and we want to
make sure there’s space right now to talk about different reactions together, if you’d like...of course, no
one needs to talk if you’d rather just listen.”
At that point, you could refer back to the guidelines established prior to the conversation, as well as
any intentions or boundaries agreed upon. As you transition to actual discussion, there are lots of
great ways to dive in:
• “Okay, how many of you learned something from the episode(s)?”
• “By show of hands, how many thought the episode was better than you thought it would be?”
• “Who has a question about what you saw or heard in the episode(s)?”
During the Conversation

As the group begins to share thoughts and feelings, there are other things you can do to promote
meaningful conversation:
1. MAKE SPACE FOR QUIET VOICES

It’s common for a few voices to dominate a conversation. Half-way through, it can be helpful to pause
and ask, “Let’s hear from people who haven’t had a chance to speak yet.” Make sure everyone has a
chance to share something—even while reminding people that they shouldn’t feel pressure to speak if
they only want to listen.
2. NOTICE INDIVIDUALS WHO APPEAR UNCOMFORTABLE

Pay attention to any indicators of people who may be discouraged, sad, or anxious. Given that a high
percentage of youth (both boys and girls) are exposed to pornography,1 anticipate that in any group
(youth or adults) this will likely be a very personal matter for many. It’s common for those struggling to
feel emotions of shame, discomfort, or negativity. By anticipating this discomfort, you can be attentive
to language that may pile on any difficult feelings and try to steer the conversation in a more positive
direction. [For instance, be careful to avoid implying that everyone who struggles with porn is an
1. In one study, 9 out of 10 boys and 6 out of 10 girls are exposed to pornography online be-
fore the age of 18. The first exposure to pornography among boys is 12 years old, on average.
“addict”—and consider using more general terms like “people who struggle” or “people who consume
porn.” Simple ways to soften language like this can make a big difference, especially given the broader
tendency toward especially intense words used in discussions of porn’s harms]. Additionally, watch for
moments in the conversation to offer comments that could be encouraging to someone struggling in
the group. Something as simple as reminding people how common it is for people to struggle with
porn can be reassuring (“Oh, I’m not weird or abnormal”), as well as reminding people of all of the
resources and support available (“I’m not alone, either”).
3. PROVIDE ENCOURAGEMENT AND HOPE

If appropriate, offer your own thoughts about the hopeful possibilities existing for anyone struggling
to get free from porn. This can include reminders about (a) the brain science of neuroplasticity as
physiological proof that people can fundamentally change, (b) the stories of many people who have
overcome their struggle, and (c) additional information on the many people and resources available
to support those who are struggling. If appropriate, mention the online Fortify community where both
youth and adults can access additional education and support (free platform versions available for
both youth and teens).
4. ENSURE SPACE FOR DISAGREEMENT

Like many other social issues, wide cultural disagreements exist about the issue of porn. Rather than
a problem, we see this as a big reason for the documentary series: making space for real discussion
about common questions, concerns, and disagreements. The intention is to foster an atmosphere of
meaningful exploration—especially for those who feel unsure or uncertain about what they think. If
questions come up that you don’t know the answer to, feel free to let people know you’ll research the
issue and get back to them, and then actually follow up.
EPISODE ONE: “THE BRAIN”
This is the first of three episodes in the Brain, Heart, World documentary series. While this group
discussion guide provides general suggestions for facilitating productive conversation about any of
these films, this document offers tips specific to episode one in the series: “The Brain.”
Additional Preparation
If you’d like more information about this specific topic prior to having a discussion, here are a few
possible places to go:
• Check out how porn impacts the brain (FTND video)
• Refer to this overview of research (Your Brain on Porn)
• Look into the research on how porn affects individuals (Truth About Porn)
• Consider reviewing the 29 known scientific studies on porn use and the brain
In addition, we’ve created a set of questions that correspond to the film. It goes without saying that
you don’t have to cover every question listed below, and there may be other questions you may want
to add. As you read through this list, choose the questions you think will work best for your group and
setting. Since this is not something people are necessarily used to discussing, don’t be surprised if
there is more silence than usual or the conversation takes some time to pick up.
Questions for the Beginning of the Discussion:

• What are your thoughts, feelings, or overall reactions to the episode? Is there anything that stood
out to you?
• Is there anything that surprised you in the episode—or that you learned?
• Do you have any questions about what you learned or anything about which you’d like more
information?
• [For the adults in the group] Do you have questions for the young people in the group that will
help you better understand their experience with this issue?
Questions About Different Sections of the Episode:
ACCESSIBILITY AND EXPOSURE

• Cherice, Ryan, and Dan each shared their stories of first encountering porn. When, where, and
how do you think most people are first exposed?
Copyright © Fight the New Drug™ | Brain Heart World Discussion Guide Episode One: The Brain | 5
• Is it surprising to you that they used to offer harmful substances publicly—even to children? What
do you think about porn being allowed to be so easily accessible to people your age and even
younger?
• How long do you think it will take for the public to “catch up” to scientific findings on porn? Why
do you think this process can be so slow?
SHIFTING PERCEPTIONS AND TASTES

• The film discussed porn as one way to change the brain and rewire how we think. Can you think
of other ways our brain and ways of thinking can be changed by things around us?
• Cherice, Ryan, and Dan all spoke about how their appetite for porn changed toward more shock-
ing or extreme material. Why do you think it might be important to understand how the body’s
appetites can change like that?
• Given what we just learned about how porn can rewire the brain over time, how do you think this
stuff could impact someone’s life 5 or 10 years from now?
PORN’S EFFECTS IN THE BRAIN

• Dr. Bill Struthers described a kind of “hijacking” that can take place in the brain, “shifting” it away
from its ability to “bind people together.” How important is it to you to hold onto your own basic,
biological ability to be connected to and drawn to someone you care about one day?
• Dr. Simone Kuhn talked about the balance between the upper part of your brain and the lower
part of the brain and how that balance can change. Who can remember how they said porn can
affect that balance? [Answer: the connection between the pre-frontal cortex and lower brain can
weaken, with the frontal brain losing its ability to act as “brakes” on passing physiological desires.]
CAPTURING ATTENTION
• Let’s talk about those cardboard butterflies—and how male butterflies couldn’t get enough of this
“supernormal stimulus.” What other examples do you see of normal things being exaggerated
around us? And why does that even matter?
• Dr. Philip Zimbardo spoke about how porn can captivate our attention, to the point of distracting
us from “everything else in the universe—called life.” In Cherice’s story, she also said, “Even when
I was not in front of the computer I was thinking about it.” Do you think it’s a big deal to have your
attention distracted from real life? What might we miss out on?
SOCIAL AND RELATIONAL EFFECTS

• Let’s talk about this question mentioned in the film: If porn rewires the brain in unhealthy ways,
what are the consequence of so many people consuming it? What do you think?
• Two people in the film spoke about not realizing the effect porn was really having on them until
recently. Why is it important to talk openly about the effects of pornography? What kinds of ef-
fects have you seen from porn in relationships or lives around you? (As a reminder, it’s important
to never mention names; this is a general discussion we’re having right now.)
• Ryan spoke about porn leading him to see women as objects—and Cherice spoke about porn
affecting how she felt about romance. How do you think pornography is affecting people’s ability
to enjoy healthy relationships, including romantic ones?
BRAIN CHANGEABILITY
• When you hear about brain changeability and that, as Dr. Kuhn said, “Everything that we do each
day shapes the brain to be what it is”—how does that make you feel about your own capacity to
make even difficult changes in your life?
• The neuroscientists talked about how the brain can recover, and how “shrunken areas can
enlarge again, back to normal volumes.” What are some of the ways you think someone quitting
porn can help rewire their brain to a healthier state? Also, what does it mean to “defend your
brain,” as the episode mentioned?
HOPE AND FREEDOM

• Ryan talked about how this battle is “not one that’s fun to fight alone.” Where can people can go
to find help if they feel alone now?
• Dr. Struthers suggested that watching porn might be trying to meet “some need in life” and Ryan
talked about turning to porn any time he was not feeling good. If it’s true that “finding better ways
to meet those needs” can be important in healing, what does that even mean? And what does it
look like in real life?
• Cherice described a moment when she realized, “I hate this, I hate being a slave to this.” Al-
though she still struggled with getting easily triggered, she seemed to be able to leave it behind
for good. Ryan, though, talked about how the “battle isn’t gone.” If finding lasting freedom can
take longer for some than it does for others, how can people stay patient and not give up? What
advice would you give them?
• Cherice talked about learning to be more careful with the kind of media she was around and how
there are “certain things she doesn’t allow in her life.” How do you think that can help someone
working toward a porn-free life? Cherice said she “lost a lot of [her] self-control” to where she felt
she “couldn’t not watch it.” That would be a scary feeling for anyone. For someone feeling this
way, who or where can they go for help?
• Cherice said, “I realized it wasn’t me that was bad—it was the porn.” What could this kind of a
realization mean for someone struggling with porn, especially given how common it is to feel
shame in relation to this kind of struggle? How can you help to increase motivation and reduce
shame for those struggling?
• As the episode emphasized, the effects of porn don’t have to be permanent, especially as people
experience healing. Why do you think it can be so challenging to feel this kind of hope when
you’re in the middle of a struggle like this? How can you help others who are struggling feel hope
that change is possible?
• Cherice also said “life is easier without porn.” Do you think she’s right about that? What parts of
her life seemed to become better and easier for her?
Questions for the End of the Discussion:

• What has surprised you about this conversation? What new insights are you taking away from our
experience today?
• Have you changed your mind about this subject at all? If so, how?
• What do we still need to talk about and what other areas do we want to be sure to cover in future
discussions?
• For those struggling with pornography, what can you do to help? What resources are you aware
of (online or in your community) for people struggling with pornography?
• Also, how can you raise awareness and help more people understand the potential harms of por-
nography? Is there anyone else who might benefit from or appreciate this film?
Conclusion
Thank group members for their participation and encourage them to continue learning about this
subject at fightthenewdrug.org. Also, you can let them know about our friends at JoinFortify.com, a
recovery resource which offers education, support, and community for both teens and adults inter-
ested in reaching sustainable and long-lasting freedom from porn (free platform versions available for
both youth and teens). If you plan on watching any of the other two episodes with this same group at
a later time or date, you could also share something to help set the stage for upcoming topics (see
How Pornography Affects the Heart/the World).
EPISODE TWO: “THE HEART”
This is the second of three episodes in the Brain, Heart, World documentary series. While this group
discussion guide provides general suggestions for fostering productive conversation about any of
these episodes, this document offers tips specific to episode two in the series: “The Heart.”
If you’d like more information about this specific topic prior to hosting a discussion, here are a few
• Check out how porn impacts the heart (FTND video)
• Refer to this overview of research on how porn affects relationships (Get the Facts)
• Watch Garrett’s story of overcoming pornography to save his marriage
• Check out this TED Talk about how porn can affect relationships
• Watch this video about Matt’s journey of choosing love over porn
In addition, we’ve created a set of questions that correspond to the film. It goes without saying that
you don’t have to cover every question listed below, and there may be other questions you may want

out to you?
information?
HUMAN HAPPINESS
• As was discussed in the episode, Harvard researchers found in a study that took place over a
period of 70 years, relationships were ultimately the key to happiness. In what ways are our
Copyright © Fight the New Drug™ | Brain Heart World Discussion Guide Episode Two: The Heart | 9
relationships (familial, platonic, and romantic) the keys to our happiness?
• What did you learn from the film about how porn harms relationships? How can that ultimately
hurt our happiness?
• At the end of the film, Preston said, “I’m much happier without the porn, for sure, now that I’m
able to focus more on my passions and the things that I always wanted to do.” What are the
things that make you happiest in life? How can porn distract you from those things?
MIRROR NEURONS
• As discussed in the film, when the monkey watched one of the researchers eating a peanut,
the same part of her brain implicated in eating peanuts lit up. That’s because of mirror neurons,
which are neurons that fire in your brain when watching another subject perform an action. That
basically just means that we learn by watching. And we learn even better when something excit-
ing or arousing is paired with that. So if we learn by watching, especially if it is arousing, then why
is it that learning from pornography is so unhealthy?
• How does pornography teach false notions about sex?
• As Dr. Jason Carroll stated, “As we consume those images over and over again, it can’t help but
influence how we see ourselves, but also how we start to see others.” How does porn change the
way we see those around us?
WHAT WE LOVE
• Dr. Carroll talked about how porn affects our “arousal templates,” or in other words, how porn
dictates what we’re attracted to. With that in mind, how does porn affect what we are attracted to
and what we’re aroused by?
• While Preston told his story, he said, “Growing up, I should have been chasing girls, or talking to
girls, but I was too busy watching pornography.” How can pornography change the way we relate
to the people around us?
• It’s normal to be curious about sex. Like Ash said in the episode, “I started looking at porn be-
cause I was really curious about the human body.” But she later stated how much that distorted
her view of sex. How can learning about sex from porn be inaccurate and even harmful? How is it
different from relationships in real life?
HOW MUCH WE LOVE

• Speaking on how porn can affect relationship commitment, Dr. Carroll explained how dozens of
studies show that “those who view pornography have about two times the likelihood of getting
divorced, [and] premarital couples have found that when they’re dating, they’re much more likely
to break up. When you actually start to see relationships not staying together, that’s kind of the
quintessential measure of [whether] this is having a negative impact.” Why do you think it is that
porn can lead to breakups/divorce?
• Dr. Freda Bush stated that, in pornography, “the ladies on the screen, or the men on the screen
never say no. That’s not reality! And so my concern would be that you then go seeking elsewhere
than the person that you have a relationship with.” How does pornography teach unhealthy and
unrealistic ideas about consent?
• What is objectification, and how does porn objectify people?
HOW WE THINK ABOUT THOSE WE LOVE
• Travis said at one point in the episode, “I think it’s so easy when you’re constantly watching porn
to just see women as these objects that are only there for my gratification.” In what ways is this
type of thinking unhealthy?
• Ash said that when she was consuming pornography, “I thought I was satisfying some desire, but
afterwards I would just feel empty. I felt nothing.” How can consuming pornography leave you
more lonely than before?
• Preston told us in the episode that, “When Chantale found out about the pornography use,
she was really hurt, she was confused, she thought she wasn’t enough anymore. It really put
us into quite the depression.” How might it feel to find out that your partner has been
watching pornography?
• Travis said that after “about 6-8 months without watching porn, I began to notice, here I have this
absolutely incredibly beautiful wife. I could see the true beauty of her inside.” Remember from
the last episode that just as porn can change our brains, our brains can return to normal if we
stop watching porn. How can quitting porn allow the way we see others to return to normal?
HOW WE EXPRESS LOVE

• Dr. Gail Dines stated that when young people search for porn, “they get catapulted into a world
of sexual violence, degradation, dehumanization. I think it really has terrible impact on the way
they think about sexuality, intimacy, and connection.” How can porn distort healthy sexuality?
• In what ways does pornography depict unhealthy ideas about sex?
• Name a few aspects of healthy relationships that can’t be found in porn.
• Dillon: “It makes it a lot easier when you have someone that you can go to and say, ‘Hey, I’m
struggling with this today.’ I’ve learned now that I shouldn’t have been afraid of sharing my story.”
In the end, Dillon found that the shame he felt actually held him back. How can shame actually
keep us from overcoming a porn habit?
• Why is it important to not shame those who consume pornography?
• Imagine that your friend tells you they’re struggling with pornography. How can you respond in a
way that will help them feel loved and supported while they work on overcoming their habit?
Questions for the End of the Discussion:

• What has surprised you about this conversation? What new insights are you taking away?
• What do we still need to talk about and what other areas do we want to be sure to cover in
future discussions?
• Also, how can you raise awareness and help more people understand the potential harms of
pornography? Is there anyone else who might benefit from or appreciate this film?
Conclusion
recovery resource which offers education, support and community for both teens and adults interest-
ed in reaching sustainable and long-lasting freedom from porn (free platform versions available for
both youth and teens). If you plan on watching any of the other two episodes with this same group at
a later time or date, you could also share something to help set the stage for upcoming topics (see
How Pornography Affects the Brain/the World).
EPISODE THREE: “THE WORLD”
This is the last of the three episodes in the Brain, Heart, World documentary series. While this group
discussion guide provides general suggestions for facilitating productive conversation about any of
these films, this document offers tips specific to episode three in the series: “The World.”
If you’d like more information about this specific topic prior to having a discussion, here are a few
• Check out how porn fuels the demand for sex trafficking (Video)
• Refer to this overview of research on how porn affects the world (Get the Facts)
• Look into the research on how porn increases rates of sexual assault
• Watch this video in which a sex trafficked woman discusses the dark side of the porn industry
• Consider watching Jessica’s story about leaving the porn industry
In addition, we’ve created a set of questions that correspond to the episode. It goes without saying
that you don’t have to cover every question listed below, and there may be other questions you want

out to you?
information?
PORN INSPIRES SEXUAL VIOLENCE

• Dr. Jill Manning stated, “In the last 10 years especially, we’ve seen an increase in the research
Copyright © Fight the New Drug™ | Brain Heart World Discussion Guide Episode Three: The World | 13
coming out, showing a correlation and association between pornography use and domestic vio-
lence. And we know from a number of studies that if someone is a regular consumer of pornog-
raphy, their risk of becoming abusive and aggressive increases by at least a third.” Why do you
think it’s important to be aware of these potential effects?
• Speaking of her experience working in the porn industry, Deanna said, “One of the things that
they prey upon is being able to show how much abuse one can take—how violent something can
get. So you have to be able to look like you’re enjoying that and/or not make any facial expres-
sions.” For so many young people, pornography is their first exposure to sex. How might seeing
unrealistic and unhealthy portrayals of sex in pornography negatively affect behaviors in future
sexual encounters?
• Modern pornography regularly depicts violent behavior that most of us would consider criminal.
How might that impact our culture more generally, particularly regarding sex?
• In the film, Dr. John Foubert stated, “Pornography is a recipe for rape…. What it essentially teach-
es people is that you’re supposed to be violent when you’re intimate with somebody.” How is
what porn teaches harmful to consumers and their partners?
FUELING THE DEMAND FOR SEX TRAFFICKING

• Porn and sex trafficking have been described as having a “symbiotic relationship.” In other words,
each issue feeds the other. What did you learn from the episode about how porn and trafficking
are connected?
• As Dr. Melissa Farley stated, “There isn’t pornography over here… and trafficking over there.
They’re interlinked.” In your opinion, what was the most compelling example from the episode
about how the porn and sex trafficking are connected?
• “It’s so easy to think that when you’re looking at porn, that you’re in no way a part of the prob-
lem. That you’re simply using the entertainment that is there for everybody,” Cordelia Anderson
explained. “Each and every viewer feeds the demand. Each and every viewer. It’s further victim-
ization of that person whose degradation, abuse, and violence is being filmed. Each click, click,
click is another level of violation.” Has recognizing porn’s role in sex trafficking changed your
opinion on pornography consumption? Why or why not?
• Dr. Manning also explained, “You cannot guarantee that when you’re looking at an image on the
internet that someone is not being exploited in that. You cannot guarantee that! You cannot guar-
antee the age of someone, what that image will be used for down the road.” Why should you and
your peers be aware of this information?
PORN HARMS THE PERFORMER AND THE CONSUMER

• Both Greg and Deanna willingly became porn performers. Even so, both spoke of the coercion in-
volved in pornography production. How can pornography production be harmful to the perform-
ers, even when the actors have freely chosen to participate?
• Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her home in 2004 and was held captive for 9 months. Her
captor used pornography to “groom” her. In her own words, Elizabeth stated, “I can’t say that he
would not have gone out and kidnapped me had he not looked at pornography. All I know is that
pornography made my living hell… worse…. It almost felt like this pornography was my sentenc-
ing.” What did you learn from the film about how pornography is often used in sexual abuse?
• Jessa, who was sold for sex until the age of 21, stated that “even though I’m physically free, my
imaging is still being sold, and… when I let my mind go there, I feel like I’m being raped and ex-
ploited still, because they’re still making money off of my pain, my trauma, my humiliation.” How
did hearing Jessa’s story affect you?
• The first episode talks about how consumers can be affected by porn, and this episode talks
mostly about how porn affects people behind the screen. As Dr. Manning put it, “at a very core
level, it changes people. It changes their beliefs, it changes their ideas, it changes their behavior.”
How is this true for consumers and performers?
HOW PORN WARPS IDEAS ABOUT SEX

• Dr. Foubert explained, “There was a study that came out of the University of Arkansas and NYU.
They looked at 50 porn films. But what I found most interesting about that research is that when
somebody hits another person in porn, 95% of the time they respond with pleasure, or they have
no response at all. So when we have kids looking at porn, the message the boys are getting is,
‘Oh, I guess she likes to be hit.’ And the message the girls are getting is, ‘Oh, if he hits me I should
like it.’” How might this portrayal of sex warp the consumer’s ideas about sex?
• While Jessa told her story, she stated, “I was being raped, but I had a smile on my face. I had to
act like I enjoyed it. I often felt like I was a china doll. You know how china dolls have smiles paint-
ed on their face? That was how I saw myself—done up, dolled up, being made to do things that I
did not want to do.” How does this show how porn can be harmful to both the consumer and the
performer?
PORN CHANGES THE WAY WE SEE OTHERS

• Dr. Karen Countryman-Roswurm said, “[Porn] causes you to disengage from yourself and disen-
gage from other people, and any time you start disengaging from yourself and from other peo-
ple, it increases risk of causing harm, whether that’s physical or sexual harm to somebody else.”
How can porn change the way we relate to those around us?
WHAT YOU CAN DO

• By this point, you may have seen all three episodes of Brain, Heart, World. How has this series
affected the way you think about porn? How will you change your behaviors after today?
• There are ways to get involved in helping educate others on the harms of pornography. How will
you participate in spreading the word?

• What has surprised you about this conversation? What new insights are you taking away?
• What do we still need to talk about and what other areas do we want to be sure to cover in future
discussions?
• Also, how can you raise awareness and help more people understand the potential harms of
pornography? Is there anyone else who might benefit from or appreciate this film?
Conclusion
recovery resource which offers education, support and community for both teens and adults interest-
ed in reaching sustainable and long-lasting freedom from porn (free platform versions available for
both youth and adults). If you plan on watching any of the other two episodes with this same group
at a later time or date, you could also share something to help set the stage for upcoming topics (see
How Pornography Affects the Brain/the Heart).

Documentary Series Discussion Guide: Getting The Most Out of The Documentary Series

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Documentary Series Discussion Guide: Getting The Most Out of The Documentary Series

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DOCUMENTARY SERIES DISCUSSION GUIDE

Getting the Most Out of the Documentary Series

Talking About the Talking

1. ESTABLISH CONVERSATION GUIDELINES WITH YOUR GROUP

2. CLARIFY INTENTIONS AND BOUNDARIES

Starting the Conversation

During the Conversation

1. MAKE SPACE FOR QUIET VOICES

2. NOTICE INDIVIDUALS WHO APPEAR UNCOMFORTABLE

3. PROVIDE ENCOURAGEMENT AND HOPE

4. ENSURE SPACE FOR DISAGREEMENT

Questions for the Beginning of the Discussion:

Questions About Different Sections of the Episode:

ACCESSIBILITY AND EXPOSURE

SHIFTING PERCEPTIONS AND TASTES

PORN’S EFFECTS IN THE BRAIN

SOCIAL AND RELATIONAL EFFECTS

HOPE AND FREEDOM

Questions for the End of the Discussion:

Questions for the Beginning of the Discussion:

Questions About Different Sections of the Episode:

HOW MUCH WE LOVE

HOW WE EXPRESS LOVE

Questions for the End of the Discussion:

Questions for the Beginning of the Discussion:

Questions About Different Sections of the Episode:

PORN INSPIRES SEXUAL VIOLENCE

FUELING THE DEMAND FOR SEX TRAFFICKING

PORN HARMS THE PERFORMER AND THE CONSUMER

HOW PORN WARPS IDEAS ABOUT SEX

PORN CHANGES THE WAY WE SEE OTHERS

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Questions for the Beginning of the Discussion:

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