I would argue that being addicted to an MMORPG is different than TV, Books, and other entertainment. The difference is that an MMORPG has a huge community behind it, and often people are addicted to that community. I'm sure the game itself has a lot to do with it, but you also need to look at factors in that persons personal life. Is he unhappy with his job or his social relationships? What is WoW giving him that life isn't? Of course this isn't the only avenue for addiction; many of the other things mentioned here are valid as well.
If you want to read more about the idea of a community addiction to an MMORPG:
Slashdot Mirror
I would argue that being addicted to an MMORPG is different than TV, Books, and other entertainment. The difference is that an MMORPG has a huge community behind it, and often people are addicted to that community. I'm sure the game itself has a lot to do with it, but you also need to look at factors in that persons personal life. Is he unhappy with his job or his social relationships? What is WoW giving him that life isn't? Of course this isn't the only avenue for addiction; many of the other things mentioned here are valid as well.
If you want to read more about the idea of a community addiction to an MMORPG:
Chee, F., & Smith, R. (2004) Is electronic community an addictive substance? Levelup conference proceedings 2003.