[ELI5] why is dry firing a bow so bad for it? Does the arrow really make that much of a difference in that regard?

Question

[ELI5] why is dry firing a bow so bad for it? Does the arrow really make that much of a difference in that regard?

In: 2366

Answer 1

I did this once. The string released itself from the upper part of the bow and hit me in my left arm. The bruise on my left arm lasted more than a week.

I was told not to do it again EVER, and that I was lucky to only have a bruise, because someone once did the same and the sting took a part of the cornea of his right eye.