Maybe I'm just being too fussy with semantics, but I think people misuse the word "addicted" quite often. It's not just a synonym for habit-forming. I have a habit of eating breakfast every morning. That doesn't mean I'm addicted to breakfast.
A pattern of behavior has a very specific set of conditions that needs to be met before it truly qualifies as addiction. A habitual behavior which has adverse consequences, usually involving a preoccupation with and impaired control over the habit might be considered an addiction.
There is also a tendency to regard any behavior or object of addiction as evil, but this is simply not true. An addiction does not necessitate that the object of addiction is bad. It is possible to be addicted to food. That doesn't mean food is particularly bad. Similarly, not being addicted to a behavior doesn't necessarily mean the behavior is okay. It's possible to consume harmful substances to which you are not addicted. That doesn't make the substances less harmful.
I just want people to be careful how they use their words.
words, ah yes, they do matter indeed. I love the title.
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