That's something I took away from the article: video games (and games in general) actually make people feel happier and worthy (although it's a "fake" accomplis

That's something I took away from the article: video games (and games in general) actually make people feel happier and worthy (although it's a "fake" accomplishment). I personally experienced that, during a "down" period, I took a lot of solace in games (particularly M:TG), getting some accomplishments there (national vice champion) made me feel less worthless. But it also made me pursue goals that weren't in my own best interests in the long term and neglect more important things. Overall, I'm glad I quit, since an unhealthy amount of time spent on games eats up on time that can be spent on skills that are valued by society, and I get obsessed very easily. Your point about getting paid as a status signal also rings with stuff like NBA stars arguing about getting paid less than X player, even though they're both extremely well paid, since it signals a preference. And lots of studies about fairness and wages.