Fordyce nods. “Current science is only beginning to reveal the neurological repercussions of porn consumption in children, but we’ve known for years that the impact on the mental health and sex lives of young boys—and girls—who watch porn is catastrophic. Briefly, I’ll explain a concept called neuroplasticity.” He smiles at Anderson. “Stop me if I’m nattering on.”

“No, no, Doctor.” Anderson makes a rolling motion with his hands. “Continue, please.”

“Neuroplasticity is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. Basically, it explains how the brain can adapt, master new skills, and store memories. The process peaks during childhood and adolescence then decreases as we get older, which means two things. One, a child’s brain is, literally, shaped by his experiences. And two, these experiences determine a large part of his character for the rest of his life.” He looks at Anderson, who, again, gestures at him to keep going.

“The properties of video pornography make it a powerful trigger for plasticity. The brain is wired to respond to sexual stimulation. Put simply, when the body requires sex, the brain remembers which sources to tap to reexperience pleasure. But over time, the brain gets bored, and needs more exciting stimuli. With porn, there’s a leap from conventional sex to group sex, for example. Or forbidden imagery like pedophilia. Many times, it’s violence. While my work isn’t focused on selection, we do know that children who view porn at a young age develop a hypersexualized view of the world, which is itself another danger. Porn leads these kids down hallways they might never have traveled if the door wasn’t opened that first time.”

I’m listening intently, too intently. When Fordyce says “a hypersexualized view of the world,” it triggers a memory. Suddenly, my body is plunged into water. I have the strange sensation of drowning, as if gravity doesn’t exist anymore. My throat closes up. I can’t swallow. Lawrence and I are watching a movie. I’m young, thirteen, I think. Was I thirteen? I can’t say for sure. I remember saying yes, of course, I want to watch; I’m not a baby.