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For example: video games, television, Internet, smartphones are all debatable for calling something an addiction. Is it because people don't know what the word addiction even means? Or how much time we spend on it? There are tons of people who read to much as well.
I don't think it has to do with new inventions. Before there was the internet and there was only television, telephones, and reading - people were accused of being addicted to all three of those.
I think it has to do with the Recovery Movement, and their attempt to "adicitify" everything.
It's not a generational thing, nor is it only directed towards young people.
That's what happens when the only reward in society is money. oops....
I'm sorry, not being sarcastic, but I don't understand what money has to do with my post? There is no money involved with Dungeons and Dragons as far as I'm aware, and the elderly lady shopping on QVC wasn't (IMO) about "things" it was about being lonely and trying to fill a void in her life, which IMO is probably the basis of most addiction of this type.
I think for the new communications techonlogy it's called "screen addiction".
And yes, I personally find it all quite adidctive! I think it has to do with my shy/loner personality, finding this sort of less stressfull to interact and getting addicted to the feedback....
this:
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it was about being lonely and trying to fill a void in her life, which IMO is probably the basis of most addiction of this type
Is it triggering the same sequence of reactions in my brain as a true addiction to drugs or alcohol? Is it keeping me away from completing the ordinary, daily events that used to be done daily on time? Is it usurping or replacing the role I've otherwise played (as a partner, employee, functioning community member)? Is it something I have a hard time putting down or minimizing with volition? Do you need more of it or the same level of it to maintain a satisfaction about existence? Are other things being minimized while this activity is maximized and taking over your schedule or day, for an extended time period?
I you cannot go days without it, then you are addicted. ( food, water and those things are not included) but if you have a electric device and can go without it, they you are fine. same for beer, cigs, porn, and even religion.
First of all, you can be physically or psychologically addicted to something.
Then an element of addiction is what happens when the drug or activity is no longer available to the person. Typically distress or physical withdrawal symptoms.
With that said, I have witnessed two separate young people have their cell phones (texting devices) break. Both people went into a state of "mental agitation", almost like a chicken with its head cut off running around in circles flapping its wings!
Yes --- I think that is how you can tell addiction.
How much distress the lack of the item or drug creates.
If you can take or leave alcohol, then you're not an addict, same with cell phones. If you cannot bear to be away from your cell phone or video games for a week, you've got an addiction.
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