I guess there are two directions of addiction, one where you run away from something, the other where you run toward it. We often hear things like "he loved the bottle too much" or "they just couldn't give up the heroin" - but I think it is more that he hated his life so much and they just wanted to let go of their circumstances. The "drug of choice" is not object they are running toward, it is the avenue of escape for what they are running from.
So, where does investing lay on this spectrum?
I was asked if Splinterlands is addictive and the simple answer is,
Yes.
But, this closed response doesn't actually answer the question, because it it doesn't include why it is addictive and at least for me, this is important.
Am I running from, or to?
What do you think?
As I have written about many times before, gaming is often an escape from reality of some kind, where at some point like a drug, there is a law of diminishing returns in play, and even the enjoyment of the games wear thin, but hour after hour gets spent in front of the screen. For most games, the return on "investment" is approaching zero and if looking at the opportunity cost of the time spent, it is very heavily negative. Because of this, I think that for the most part, gaming addiction is an activity to move away from something, not toward.
However, if looking at the reward side of the investment game, is it could be considered running to a better set of conditions, which is of course simultaneously running away from current conditions. But unlike a game that sets engineered milestones, because there is an objective "better" through investment, I regard that this addiction is the healthier of the two. And then there is the willingness difference. A lot of addicts want to stop, but can't. Ever heard of someone trying not to make more money?
"Damn it! Why can't I control myself?! I just made another million! I promise... I will stop!"
But, what I think is probably the point that is the most addictive when it comes to investing is that there is skin in the game. To truly invest, you have to put value in and participate in the hope to be able to increase that value, if you decide to take it out. While a drug addict is trying to lose their past, an investor is trying to gain their future.
Make no mistake - it is still an addiction.
But, are there healthy addictions? Is it the average doctor's advice of "everything in moderation"? A gym addict? What about a person addicted to their job? What if their job is to cure cancer? Do you want them to stop?
I am an addict.
I am both running away and toward. I dislike my financial life as it is and have done for pretty much all of my life, but dwelling on the situation and doing nothing about it is an addiction of another kind. So many these days are addicted to victimhood status - "poor me" syndrome. They want to be saved from their lives, they do not want to find their own way out. They do not want to invest themselves. Because, they fear loss, so keep taking their daily dose of the status quo, wishing they could quit.
But, to quit takes willpower.
Do you recognize the nuance in this? Do you see how those people who aren't willing to "grind" to get to where they want to go, are willing to grind to stay where they are? Some people look up to those who are able to work hard as if it is a hard life to maintain - but, the hardest life to maintain is the one where a person lives in conditions they don't want, but are unable to quit doing what they do that keeps them there.
Yes, a lot of people will complain about that statement, saying that they didn't choose their bad conditions, but none of us chose any of our conditions. I have seen people grind here for years and only now, are they starting to see the fruits of their labor and while it might not be the road to retirement - what they do have is dignity, because they tried to improve and stuck it through until they did.
It is hard work to become an addict.
It is harder work to stay an addict. Most addicts are killed by their addiction, but when it comes to investing, it is possible to keep dosing forever - always looking for the new, looking to expand, diversify, grow, consolidate, explore, investigate and move. Movement is important and perhaps financial mobility is one of the addiction factors, where the more one has, the more options are available to take.
It is a game.
At the end of the day, all of this life may amount to nothing extraordinary at all and we all just fade to black. But if that is the case, why not play the game well and instead choose to just take what is given, complaining, but not doing anything about it? If all of this is meaningless, it is meaningless to take part and it is meaningless not to take part. Money doesn't buy happiness, but is anyone happy they are poor?
This is not to say that you can't be poor and happy, I know I was - but it is compartmentalized happiness isn't it, because even at my happiest in poverty, I wished I had a little more money. When I was happy in a relationship where we had nothing, I still wished I could take my partner out for a nice dinner, or buy some steaks to cook at home. I still wanted her to have a new dress, or for her to not have to worry if the electricity bill is paid. It is possible to be happy - but it is hard to be happy when there is the constant threat of not being able to meet obligations. It is hard to be happy when unable to meet some small desires occasionally.
Now, that is a grind.
I'd rather be addicted to work with the feeling that what I am doing tis leading somewhere better than where we are, than be addicted to the feeling of not having enough and not being able to do anything about it. I will always err on the side of having personal agency - but that might just be the addicted investor in me talking.
Your drug of choice?
Investing is to expand the range of available options.
They say "never trust an addict".
No one is trustworthy.
Do a line.
Do a whole chain.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
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The "healthy addiction" stuff just makes me think of all the excuses people with addictions make up to justify why it's perfectly okay and even reasonable for them to continue with the addiction xD I can stop any time I want, it's not that bad, I only have/do so much, I deserve it, and my personal favourite that I use to excuse not doing anything at all about my caffeine addiction, there's worse things I could be addicted to.
And I guess if you have to be "addicted" to a lifestyle, investing and improving is definitely much better than clinging to victimhood :)
Well at the most principle level, you could be basically asking/telling/wanting them to sacrifice their mental health/time with important relationships/etc "for the greater good".
Are they then "selfish and irresponsible" if they choose to prioritise their mental health or time spent with their family over curing cancer even though for literally anything or anyone else we'd be inundating them with advice to take some time for themselves? :D
That explains a bit XD I think we've all encountered the person who is constantly moaning how they want life to be better but when asked what they're doing about it, well that's all just too hard and they quite simply cannot because reasons. I don't think I've consciously thought of that as an addiction before.
I've known people I would consider rich have this wish as well, but what they wanted a little more money for might have been different to what you wanted a little more money for (or perhaps not? XD). Again with money I don't think there is ever a point where there is "enough".
I don't think any addiction is "healthy" really, but I wonder if we are all addicted to something, if there are better and worse forms. ... too much of anything though.
Absolutely! but if someone's loved one was dying of cancer and this person might have the cure - do they want them to go on holiday or spend their time gaming? Makes for an interesting ethical dilemma under certain conditions.
Look how athletes have been treated in this regard recently. And they are playing sport....
I find people are addicted to their thinking too - where they keep thinking in loops, rather than seeing if there is another thought they can have. I suspect it has something to do with how they identify and thinking something else - doing something else - means losing who they know themselves to be. But, if they don't try, what do they really know about themselves?
As I read this, it occurred to me that perhaps the underlying addiction here is the overall "gamification" of social media, which has been around for quite a while... going back to "E-props" on early 00's blogging sites. In this case, the addiction (including Splinterlands) is perhaps to feeding our competitive natures... in similar ways to how runners can become "addicted" to shaving one more second off their time, or adding one more mile to their endurance.
Here the game is still a form of "gambling" (technically speaking)* except the addiction is further fueled by the recognition that the "house" is stacked in the player's favor, rather than the house's.
Play on, says I, but let's not forget we have a life, as well...
=^..^=
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It is definitely a gamble and this is "gamification" at its essence. I think this is less dangerous in some respects as it is expected, whereas on social media, people assume they have control of it - but as you know, that is anything but the truth.
I did not know I would inspire a post from my comment. I am honored. But I wonder how the addiction is different from...say gambling. Both require skin in the game and both are investing or speculation. I assume it is not as risky? I remember when I used to work in the gaming industry (Casino), they marketed it as 'Entertainment.'
It is the same as gambling really, but I think the focus might be different and there is a little more potential for understanding the foundations.
Not sure why this made me lol.
But it did haha.
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I liked that one too! :D
This one had an intense tone to it, I like it lol. I made my biggest single investment in a card the other day! I made the mistake of not doing it on peakmonsters sadly but I got me a second gold foil Quix the devious! Got two gold ones now, I don’t know if I want to combine it to make it a level 3 or just rent both out for a while. Decisions! Lol
By the way I loved the family photos the other day of you, your wife and small steps with the pussy willows! That looks like a wonderful tradition!
Would you play it at L3 often enough? If not - rent for awhile ...at least wait until EOS :)
It is a nice tradition - a lot of them in Finland are pretty basic and simple. Which is nice.
I don't know if I would play it, I guess it couldn't hurt. I have a level 3 Mimosa which I love and use as often as I can, so maybe I wouldn't use it as much? Don't know. I'm going to rent it for the jacked up prices at EOS then combine it later to give it a try lol. If anything it was a good investment for the future when it goes out of print.
Preach on preacher!
I swer, this words really got to me. Like that's true. People complain about how things don't go their way but the they're addicted to their current conditions. Nothing is as pitiable as being poor and being content with such a position.
I was also almost addicted to doing nothing, I always hated people who were rich because I thought most of them have all the opportunities in the world and i don't. They have a chance to build connections and grow their wealth while I was just there struggling to even get anywhere. What I didn't know that a lot of them did things, they worked their ass off, got addicted to making money and making more money.
I also almost hated some authors on hive because it felt like they were just being favoured... but then I paid close attention..I was wrong, they already had put in a lot of work and were still doing more..look at authors like You, Josediccus, Taskmaster and a lot more others, y'all are all addicted, all coming here every day, making posts, curating, engaging, learning, debating, discussing, making more investment moves, and expanding. There's so much there and I want to be like that..
Today I didn't really get any votes on my posts but I couldn't let it get to me, I just went on with my engagements with a smile on my face because I'm not seeing the present, my eyes is on the future and I'm willing to grind as hard as I can and have fun doing it.
By the way, I still can't get the hang of Splinterlands...hehe, maybe when I do I'll have been a little more addicted to investment..it never gets old..
Great post as always @tarazkp
Something many people miss.
For years on end - through the ups, the downs, the fights, the drama - it isn't always inspiring - but it is always interesting.
Just keep engaging and having fun - write about what you are interested in, not just what you know. Learn all you can :)
Lol, yeahhh...that's more like
Thanks for the advice @tarazkp ...I'll work towards that
Very interesting. And something to consider is this:
All addictions are driven by the same desire; to increase the dopamine levels in our brain. If it's truly an addiction that's what's driving it.
Consistent behaviour to improve the quality of our life is one thing, a noble goal, as you said. But addictive behaviour is all the same whether it's a gym addict, or a Splinterlands addict, or a heroin addict - the driver is the same. And while they're all after more dopamine - which becomes less and less available the more they do it (as you've pointed to) - the actual thing they're doing habitually, addictively, may well cause a positive outcome in their life.
The ideal would be to consistently pursue the thing that's important to us, but do so in a (mentally, or rather neurologically) sustainable way. Like you, @tarazkp, I've struggled with money for much of my life. It's something that's important to me to change. But consistent action towards a brighter financial future that doesn't have me endlessly seeking so-called dopamine hits is going to be far more successful long-term than trying to get a feel good spike every time I make process. Because the science shows us that addictive behaviours (of any kind, even if it's your job to save lives or save the planet) are not sustainable.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, it provoked me to consider where I might be allowing my addictions to drive an area of my life that I really do want to continuously improve in a sustainable way.
And the root to all suffering is desire....
Absolutely! This is why reflection is so important and for me, that comes through my writing - it helps me balance and take a step back from myself and my addictions :)
sustainability of anything is difficult these days - so many things to focus on, so many dynamics, so many things outside of our control globally, that affect us locally. It is amazing anyone is sane!
THanks for taking the time to think and comment so well :)
Yes! I love this about writing.
It is indeed!!
You're very welcome. Thanks for being so gracious in the way you received my thoughts !LUV
@consciouscat(1/4) gave you LUV.
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After blockchain and cryptocurrencies, I don't find spending time for the games sensible, except blockchain based ones. You said you are addicted to Splinterlands because you like it or you earn cryptos or both?
I don't play any blockchain based game yet, but my answer would be both.
Most things that people think they should do - are a waste of time and energy. I suspect it is designed this way.
I'd say splinterlands like any game can be addictive, however it's more of a healthy addiction than other games as you're playing time is an investment, unless you're me of course that sold a 250k deck power team for less than $2000 a few years back... about $150,000 at the peak... so yeah if I carried on my addiction it could have bought me a small house lol.
Lol, that is crazy! Though I am guessing not that uncommon. I have a fair bit, but I paid a fair bit for it too. If only I had listened to so many of my friends :D
Yeah I think anyone cashing out when I did will have regretted it sorely, I do believe there is another chance to do the same with the new chaos legion... I think setting aside a small budget and a regular schedule to play is a great idea, and if you don't want to play you can rent out the cards you bought on the market safely through delegation... I'm definitely in the mood for stacking up as the prices come down on splinterlands, just be very careful on timing as I think the end of the sps airdrop may drop prices a fair bit further down before 2024 to 2025 (expected next bull run)
It has been less than a year in for me and I am "only" 150% up - but there is time :)
but I think it is more that he hated his life so much and they just wanted to let go of their circumstances
Like you got the thought from my head. Its amusimg how people will stive with the thing that hurts them, neglecting the solution which demands less or the same effort it takes with hurting ones self . This reminds me of thieves. The genius and courage it takes to pull of a crime. May not even be half as much as it will take one to there break through
I have heard of some very clever scammers doing it for not much at all - isn't it easier just to be Legit?
And thats the amusing part. You said it best ; "I think it is more that he hated his life so much and they just wanted to let go of their circumstances. "
Wow.
I have always understood that investment of all forms of capital into fulfilling our desires is never a loss(even if that investment does not yield any fruit). What really matters is the intention because I believe that a burning intent is how successful people eliminate the fear of loss.
However, this post has opened my eyes to another very obvious but disregarded fact. It is easy to sit back and mope, the real winner is in the person that gets off their ass and put in work regardless of the perceived outcome. And also, if one is not addicted to chasing success, one might never catch up to it.
Thanks for this nice post
There is the chase to be somewhere else and the struggle to stay put. Is it any different? At least one is actively looking for better.
I like splinterlands but I'm terrible. However, the wasted time is an investment as opposed to other games. I never really thought about it that way until I read your post but it's always been there. I spent a lot of my childhood playing space invaders and it was an addiction. Got me nothing lol
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:D I am hearing the sounds in my head!
It isn't bad to play and have some fun with stuff, but these days, I feel many people are spending all their resources trying to stay entertained, while not investing enough to keep replenishing the resources for the entertainment. It is why so many are in such terrible debt.
So true. I play splinter in bronze and am lucky to get any DEC but I'm building a nice little collection and decent collection power. Now I notice when people are playing games on their phones for nothing and laugh. But I'm also thinking that i must have spent thousands of dollars in quarters playing games at the arcade when I was a kid. That doesn't even exist any more.
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That is funny way to look at it too. Not even the arcade exists...
Success is a long road that requires patience, determination, continuous effort and acceptance of pitfalls, sometimes results of failure are better
The dangerous thing in societies is the inability of the individual to walk according to specific lifestyle that suits him that he wants.
The strange thing about Splinterlands is that it is full of investments compared to other games
I believe splinterland can be addictive or is addictive because there's a positive reward to achieve when playing and by doing this one wouldn't want to miss the juicy rewards attached to it and the fun involved
I guess the best form of addiction should be that which generates income flow
very good post
I like when you end a post with a funny.
I sense more excitement in your posting lately. It must be all this making money talk. :)
So many good points in this post. I generally enjoy most if not all of what you write (and that I have time to read) but this one felt like it was on another level somehow. Addiction is something I have experience with so maybe that's why. Anyway:
Top-notch observations. Maybe you should write a self-help book ;)
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