Very Interesting question... Simply, yet Deeply Thoughtful.
I read every comment so far, and see myself, and others all encompassed in the answers...at various levels.
online poker is an exact match of Sportsmanship and TV.
It's a World Stage, on which you can compete, and experience high Victories!
Steps above TV Sports, and with the addiction of Video Gaming...
I am currently using Online Poker to Change the World, via this Forum, and help people in Life...
Your Question is doing much the same, and I'm sure its made some folks reflect on Poker in their Lives...
and Addiction... which no one says they are... but we all are...
ADDICTS!