Episode 1667 • • 2:13:26 - 2:15:37
1667: Heavy Tail
Addiction Definitions, The Computer Mouse and Habituation
A host recounts an interview with an addiction expert from 25 years ago regarding the theory that the computer mouse acts as an "addictive implement" similar to a slot machine lever. The expert argued that most behaviors labeled as "addiction" are actually "habituation," maintaining a strict definition reserved for substances like heroin. Despite the expert's disagreement, the host published the column, reflecting on the media's tendency to over-pathologize common habits.