In his article “Acquiring Tastes and Loves: What Neuroplasticity Teaches Us About Sexual Attraction and Love,” Norman Doidge, MD uses a variety of resources – case studies, scientific research, philosophy, as well as reflections on culture through film and novels – to explore our sexual plasticity as humans. He argues that as a result of our experiences and repeated behaviors, new brain connections are formed regularly which effect and often change what is sexually appealing to us. As we reinforce behaviors through repetition and extreme emotions, brain maps and new neuron connections are created. As we age and learn new things our brain’s ability to adapt enables us to create deep connections with others, overcome the pain of lost love and maintain our libido. Doidge also explains that abuse and addiction, especially the use of pornography, create new brain maps which then change our sexual tastes and desires. These physical changes replace previous brain connections, altering what we find attractive and what is needed to feel satisfied sexually. As such people seek to fulfill their sexual urges, they reinforce those brain connections, making it difficult to undo them. Doige does explain, however, that although more difficult, one can remove a brain connection with careful attention, repetition and avoiding undesired behaviors.