Dana Taylor

How so?

And is it more, it sounds like it is, but is it more problematic for young boys than young girls?

Rachel, let me understand, how does this problem continue to affect these boys as they mature?

You spoke with several young men for this story who seemed to share a similar thought pattern as other addicts, and that's, I can stop when I want to.

At what point did they realize they needed help?

There are, of course, many online forums and communities that promote pornography, but the opposite is true as well, as you've said.

Tell me about those.

Why would someone choose to use these forums over seeking professional help?

Rachel, you spoke with several mental health professionals for this story.

What did they tell you?

In the process of reporting on this story, what did you find to be the most surprising?

Finally, Rachel, is there anything you'd like to share with parents who might be concerned about their own children, girls or boys?

Rachel Hale is a USA Today youth mental health reporter.

Rachel, thank you so much for sharing your reporting here on The Excerpt.

Thank you for having me.

Thanks to our senior producer, Kaylee Monahan, for her production assistance.

Our executive producer is Laura Beatty.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts at usatoday.com.

Thanks for listening.

I'm Dana Taylor.