is that related to porn or masturbation

The negative effects on dopamine levels are indeed related to both porn and masturbation. Andrew Huberman explains that intense experiences from visual or auditory stimuli, such as pornography, can cause significant dopamine peaks. This can lead to a depletion of dopamine afterward, creating a depressive state and reduced libido, similar to the withdrawal effects seen from stimulants like amphetamines 1.

Moreover, the ready availability of pornography, which provides dopamine spikes without much effort, can exacerbate this effect. Over time, this can lead to addiction, where more substantial investments in this behavior are needed to achieve the same dopamine response. This habit disrupts the natural reinforcement and learning processes for dopamine related to courtship and genuine interpersonal connections 2.