Every generation creates new mythology about the dangers of masturbation. Very few have stood the test of time. When I was growing up, no one was concerned that masturbation caused hairy palms, blindness, or epilepsy. But there was a common fear in the religious community of my youth that masturbation was addictive. Masturbation was frequently discussed and demonized; a vile sin that would take over lives and prevent healthy sexuality within marriage. “Of course masturbation is addictive!” we thought as we hung our heads in shame—not realizing that almost every other adolescent boy (and most of the girls) were doing exactly the same thing. My parents held the same beliefs, and schools in my state did not mention that masturbation is a natural process. President Clinton even forced his surgeon general to resign when she suggested that kids ought to know that masturbation is normal [1]. Masturbation addiction continues to carry some misguided cultural cachet, though this messaging doesn’t seem to be as relentless as it was in the past [2].
"Every generation creates new mythology about the dangers of masturbation. "
Probably because all of them were on to something that could go wrong if one overdid it...
Maybe so, although the rhetoric has tended towards abstinence rather than moderation :).