With the internet more accessible than ever, people are beginning
to commit their whole lives to these online fantasy worlds. Of course, gambling, video games, and
pornography existed off-line before the Internet, but experts agree that the
Internet versions are much more addictive.
Video gamers who play MMORPG’s or massive multiplayer online role
playing games, play longer than those who play non-web games and were more
likely to find the game affecting sleep, school and their social lives.

The first popular MMORPG, EverQuest, earned nicknames such
as “NeverRest” and “EverCrack.” In
MMORPGs, players take on the role of a fantasy player and unite online with a
team of other players and fight their way through seemingly endless
levels.

Lawyers who deal with matrimonial and family law say that
they’ve seen a number of families broken apart by people spending too much time
gambling and spending time on the Internet viewing pornographic websites. An attorney recently represented a woman in a
divorce whose husband blew through their bank accounts and his 401(k) to feed a
gambling habit. The husband would spend
three or found hours a day wagering online and she said it was like a heroin
addict, where he was going anywhere to get money.