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I remember, many years ago (mid-to-late 90s), being afraid that I had grown addicted to computer games. Between Command & Conquer (over peer-to-peer dial-up!),
by portman 16y ago
I remember, many years ago (mid-to-late 90s), being afraid that I had grown addicted to computer games. Between Command & Conquer (over peer-to-peer dial-up!), Quake Team Fortress, Civilization II, and a few others, I was playing 30-40 hours of PC games per week.
I eventually grew out of the habit, and now don't find PC or console games appealing anymore. The fact that I naturally gave it up without any intervention means it wasn't an addiction.
Most other computer enthusiasts that I know or work with have a similar story of "growing out of" their addiction to computer games. I imagine many on HN have similar stories to tell.
I think the examples in PG's essay are "phases", not addictions.
And I predict that most of the people PG knows who self-identify as Internet addicts will eventually out-grow their compulsion.
- alextp 16y agoYou have a point, but I don't think it's that simple. With things like hard liquor, heroin, cocaine, and other generally accepted to be addictive things, a lot more people go through "phases" of the stuff than actually waste their entire lives on it. We've all seen slightly depressed people binging self-destructively on alcohol, and some of my more outgoing friends have done the same with cocaine when they were younger, and today live perfectly normal, healthy lives. Being "just a phase" for a lot of people (myself included) doesn't make it less likely for it to be an addictive thing, makes it more (how many healthy normal non-addictive activities are considered "phases" by some people but end up eating out entire lives?).
- memetichazard 16y agoDieting - becoming vegetarian, vegan, etc. Job aspirations - granted, this is usually children and teenagers. Religious or Political ideologies. For instance, as a highschooler I was convinced that Socialism was the best system - so long as you could do it Right. I have since become more cynical.
- alextp 16y agoIt is arguable that some people develop addictive relationships with their religious and/or political views, seeking reinforcement like an addict seeks a drug. But, yeah, the other examples qualify as phases without being as toxic as drugs.
- alextp 16y agoIt is arguable that some people develop addictive relationships with their religious and/or political views, seeking reinforcement like an addict seeks a drug. But, yeah, the other examples qualify as phases without being as toxic as drugs.