[artificial]

Beyond the social aspects the lens I view it through is escapism. If your life is where you want it to be and you're doing what you need to, why would you feel the need to escape? How do you feel about caffeine and other nootropics?

[divan]

Yes, that's how I explained it myself as well - a lot of people have life and jobs they hate, they're overstressed and here is a cheap and socially approved (pressured even) way to deal with it.

I had a programming as a hobby since age of 6 and non-controlling parents, so I was good.

Caffeine I don't care much. I love culture of coffee, and enjoy good coffee. The latest metastudy I read on coffee concluded that there is no detrimental effects, unless excessive consumption or special conditions. Seems safe to me. I also tried 3 months off the coffee completely and it was incredibly easy switch - no issues at all.

[kortilla]

That’s only one reason. Seeking altered mental states doesn’t mean your regular life is bad. Some people enjoy variety to gain perspective.