Why Do People Play Social Network Games?  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