"... one psychologist says eBay addiction is real — and is no laughing matter.

"There's a growing number of eBay addicts," said Dr. Kimberly Young, director of the Center for Online Addiction. "Usually at the point they come to me, there are marital problems. They've lied to their husband or wife about how much they've taken out of the 401(k). It's a real problem."

Young said it's common for true eBay addicts — for whom the auction Web site has become a compulsion — to dip into retirement and children's college funds or take out a second mortgage to support their habit.

They're typically lying to loved ones about how they're spending all that time and money. One woman who sought help from Young was fired from her job over her eBay use at work.

"I've had people lose $400,000 or $500,000," said Young. "The element with eBay that I find with clients is the issue of winning, like gambling: 'I beat out this other person."

I don't mean in any way to belittle people with serious problems. But, I have my addictions, too. Who doesn't? Some of them are very healthy and positive addictions that enrich my life. But others ... well, let's just say I'd be better off without them.

But I don't call everything in my life an addiction. What about that old-fashioned word HABIT?

The point is that I take responsibility for my actions. My habits are MY problem and its my responsibility to deal with them. The folks mentioned in the story above undoubtedly have serious problems, but I'm unconvinced that labelling them as addictions or a disease does anything towards bringing a solution.

eBay addiction story