Environment has a lot to do with it... (Score 1)

I've come to the conclusion, through my own experiences and observation of others, that a person's environment and location has a lot more to do with their susceptibility to compulsive gaming addiction and such than it is credited for.

Certainly, it's only one factor. But it remains very important. For example, although this may sound strange to many of you, I have a relatively urban background - I grew up in a big city, where there were many different things that one could interest himself in, not to mention a much more elaborate cultural life (cinema, ballet, concerts, etc) and international diversity of population.

Following my move to a disappointing small town, my lifestyle for a long time sank into compulsive gaming addictions of all kinds. It still persists to some degree. Certainly, this was possible when I lived in a more interesting place, as well, but it was usually short-term and relatively benign. But this place lacks the sophistication that I have come to subconsciously expect from my environment - it's all relatively monotonous, the people are all relatively similar, and I am not a very mobile person so I cannot necessarily get up and go somewhere and do something. As a result, I am of course more inclined to stare at my monitor, playing games for hours on end and neglecting some facets of real life.