Just because something gives you an artificial sense of happiness, is that a valid reason to stop doing it?

Question

I was watching something on TV. One of the characters had never tried drugs and did not understand why people would take them. It was explained that drugs make people feel good, give them a sense of power, etc.

Anyway, the character said "but those feelings are artificial, it does not make sense to continue those activities"

My question is: just because something is "artificial" is that a valid reason to stop doing the action that feels good?

EXAMPLES:
-Masterbation
-watching ANYTHING on TV or MOVIES is an artificial experience
-reading books
-daydreaming

My definition of "artificial" for this question has to do with experiencing the thing that give you the feelings.

TV/MOVIES are artifical because you are not really doing what is being shown on the TV ... you are not racing the car, you are WATCHING someone race the car. The experience is not real, hence the feelings are artifical.
MASTURBATION .. no girl, artificial feeling
BOOKS, etc ... you get the idea?

Answer 1

interesting question...

it seems like you define "artificial" as anything stimulating, which is a little strict.
drugs i think is slightly different in that it chemically alters the body to induce a state of happiness, psychosis, insight, etc.
we have senses and minds that allow us the capacity for happiness and pleasure, i don't think we should go about denying ourselves left and right... that'd be a sad existence.
i think the crucial question is whether or not we should seek/produce/abuse cheap methods of stimulation. cheaper than tv, movies, and reading... a simple pill, injection, or smoke will do the trip.
i'm one for avoiding artificial chemically synthesized (illegal) drugs -there's plenty of pleasurable things out there.

**if i now undertand your definition of "artificial" as experiencing passively, i still think drugs and other passive activities do not belong in the same category. consequently, i can agree not to do drugs while i do read, daydream, and do the others ocassionally. it's a slippery slope to meaninglessness if you dismiss the value of learning/experiencing through passive watching. i'm not saying your life should be largely this -we're productive beings- but i don't think we shouldn't take pleasure in them at all.

Answer 2

Reason for stopping or continuing an action is not the happiness which is real or artificial- but the real benefit derived. Healthy or unhealthy. Good or bad. Happiness is skin deep and the real enjoyment is in the brain. It can not be achieved by imagination. The external forces stop at the level of eye, ear, mouth,nose,skin and the feeling is carried to he brain and felt there.

Answer 3

Artificial tends to be easier to achieve than real but that's not an answer. I think one needs a more substantial reason to stop, if stopping is necessary. The show was hoping you would not think so hard about it and just not do drugs because they said so. Excellent question.

Answer 4

Yes,unless you dont care being called artificial as well,like most american's are! I watch very limited amount of TV,and i know it's "fantasy time",but i also know when i stop watching it,i'm in reality and reality is totally different from TV land!

Answer 5

It doesn't make sense. He's right. You should always seek true happiness.