I see lots of people playing smartphone and tablet games, usually at max volume, on public transit, in stores, at dining locations, and in many other public spa

I see lots of people playing smartphone and tablet games, usually at max volume, on public transit, in stores, at dining locations, and in many other public spaces. Mostly anti-social gaming and/or child sedation, though I saw multiple players playing the same online game once. But I think you are on to something, and not just that kids (or adults) don't go outside or interact with friends as much as they did in the past. It's just very enjoyable and comfortable to curl up with a portable game system at home, much as one could with a good book (if we still read books.)