But isn&#x27;t computer just the medium to access the <i>real</i> addiction-causing substance, whatever it may be?<p>I mean, if you give person <i>a computer</i> of any kind without internet access, they&#x27;ll likely feel just as anxious as not having the device in the first place. This, to me, would suggest that what <i>actually</i> causes the addiction is something these online services provide for people. Be it for example some form of self-expression in form of Facebook status updates. They&#x27;ll be fine for as long as they get to make the update for example (and perhaps see it go live? As in to check their outside appearance like a person checks the mirror after fixing their clothing, despite knowing the clothing is fine. Just <i>need</i> that feedback for the sake of feedback itself, not for any particular practical reason necessarily).<p>Why do I make the distinction? Because I&#x27;ve had to deal with something related to the subject matter myself. (Acknowledgement of some form&#x2F;sort of addiction, which isn&#x27;t computers <i>themselves</i> (though the addiction-causing behavior is mediated through a computer), or &quot;being online&quot;, but something more general because the addiction takes its shape and form for as long as the online service provides the easy &quot;dopamine rush&quot; (in lack of a better term), perhaps to relieve some underlying anxiety?)