Well, according to one expert, these games are designed to be addictive.
Dr. Hilarie Cash of internet and computer addiction program reSTART says just that: "These games are designed to be extremely addictive." That's not all! "If you're a stay-at-home mom, once it takes hold, it starts interfering with the time it takes to spend with a kid."
Lock up your housewives! Social network games are going to get them.
Dr. Cash tells The Daily Beast that game companies like Zynga have figured out a way to keep players involved by a reward structure that includes a steady stream of rewards, points, etc.
"That's absolutely consciously built into the games," she says, "I've talked to video-games developers who acknowledge this."
Whether it be alcohol, smoking, eating, net surfing, shopping or gaming, people can be addicted a bajillion different things. Some people are addicted to work, and some are addicted to drugs. Others are addicted to Mafia Wars. Go figure.
Mafia Wars and Moms Who Play It [The Daily Beast]