Unconscious Nature of Craving I understand craving involves a strong preoccupation component. I noticed that somehow, when I either use a dating site or anything similar, I often check whether I received a message or if anything happened. However, I noticed even when I'm not checking the site, there seems to be less virtuous activity, almost as if the preoccupation was unconscious. 

Can this be explained by the nature of craving? Does craving tend to occupy space in the mind, even if not consciously aware?

I'm also wondering whether, if craving takes up mental space, it is because the mind takes time to create a craving and because the conscious element is just the surface.

Thank you
Can this be explained by the nature of craving? Does craving tend to occupy space in the mind, even if not consciously aware?

From AN6.63 we understand that:


  Greedy intention is a person’s sensual pleasure.


If one goes to dating sites looking to acquire, one is practicing greed as "I want this person. I don't want that person." We treat people as things to shop for. We acquire and discard. We become acquired and discarded. We treat each other like plastic bottles of water. Drink and discard.

If one goes to dating sites looking to find good spiritual companions who are generous, kind and ethical, then one may find more friends and perhaps some additional closeness may develop. 

Search for good spiritual companions. Dating apps might or might not be the best way to do that. Good spiritual companions often are found doing things that help others. Find a way to help others and you will find good spiritual companions. 

The Noble Eight-Fold path starts with Right View. Think about your view as you use that dating app. Is it right?


  The world’s pretty things aren’t sensual pleasures.
  Greedy intention is a person’s sensual pleasure.
  The world’s pretty things stay just as they are,
  but a wise one removes desire for them.
  ...
  
  The practice that leads to the cessation of suffering is simply this noble eightfold path, that is:
  right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right immersion.