Hacker News Reader

Wouldn't they also be potential causes that lead to worse heath outcomes that were not measured in the study?

I believe it’s an “artificial” reward mechanism for some people. The ability to control one’s own rewards is an easy habit to take up. If the rewards aren’t coming from externalities one needs to get them from somewhere.

If I had to guess, this is also the appeal of many video games.

Absolutely. I have abused games this way, and the only way I can play them responsibly is physically present multiplayer.

Nothing more biological than looking for rewards.

True.

Esp the last wording: "friction with parents" (which is by the way are very noble wording here, I have to state)

I have not met ANY regular drug user (regardless which drugs), who didnt had "frictions with parents" early in their life. (and some for which its still persisting into their 40ies)