Slots

Slot machines are everywhere. I live about 8 miles from an Indian casino and go there once in a great while when I have company. I don't care to gamble so I spend the time watching other people. One interesting group are those playing the slots. They are mesmerized by the rhythmic beat of the music, the flashing lights and winning just enough to keep them going. It is very much like Pavlov's dogs. They are sucked into the vortex as bits of dopamine hits their brain at just the right time in the right amount. If you look around the world today you can witness the same behavior but instead of slots you have the I phone. There was a Star Trek show years ago where the crew landed on a planet for R&R and while there discovered a game. They would put on these eye and ear phones and once started they couldn't stop. Those on the planet brought back games for the others and in short order everyone was playing and no one was running the ship. It was a plot by some aliens to take over and it would have worked but for the robot Data who was not affected by the game and he saved the day. What the world needs today is another Data. On a serious note these phones are harmful to young people as any teacher can tell you.