Obsession:
Passion, Fixation, Addiction

By Marissa Hirsch

Have you ever been so passionate about something that other people labeled you as being obsessed? Obsession is a word that encompasses many different meanings depending on the context that the word is being used in. Oftentimes obsessions get labeled as being bad things, such as an obsession with alcohol, working, or food. However, that is not always the case. The object of someone’s obsession can also be an enjoyable thing that genuinely improves their life. Obsession is simply an avid interest in something that can either be just for entertainment or could create an all-consuming need.

I happen to have several friends who are considered ‘obsessed’ with their hobbies. All of these obsessions are purely for fun and do not fall into the category of interests that have crossed the line into addiction. For instance, whenever people who know Megan Mendenhall think about her, one thing probably comes to their minds: Harry Potter. According to Megan, she knew she was obsessed with Harry Potter when she started relating everything to it. To fulfill her obsession with Harry Potter, Megan checks Harry Potter websites twice a day. She also constantly reads the books and watches the movies. Since Megan feels happy andbelieves she is doing something worthwhile whenever she reads a Harry Potter book, this obsession is a healthy one that is purely for enjoyment. I have other friends who are obsessed with drawing. Katie Walker draws every day and is in art class. She is obsessed with drawing because it’s something that she does all of the time and she can’t stop her need to do so.

Sometimes obsessions are both good and bad, depending on what effect they have on the person. For instance, I am obsessed with the Internet. This ‘dangerous’ obsession has almost become an addiction. You see, my obsession with being on the Internet has caused me to procrastinate writing this essay! On the other hand, the Internet has frequently been a great way for me to amuse myself and relieve stress (not to mention how helpful it is when doing projects for school). Of course, that is only true when I am actually able to concentrate on doing the project and not get distracted by this consuming obsession. Another example of obsession that could be either good or bad is someone who is a workaholic. People who are hard workers tend to be very successful in life. On the other hand, people who become workaholics cross the line from obsession into addiction.

The final category of obsession would be addiction. This includes all of the negative kinds of obsessions that we generally tend to think of. Many people suffer from an addiction with drugs or alcohol. This usually stems from the need to fill a void in their lives. This type of obsession is very dangerous and can result in illegal activity or death. My advice is to use one of the positive obsessions to fill that empty hole instead of resorting to these bad addictions. Another negative type of obsession would be the obsession for money or a person that you can never have. This obsession is either called greed or desire without possibility. Obviously this need will turn into an addiction, which is neither healthy nor positive.

Clearly, the word obsession can be broken down into three categories. The first being obsession with something positive or a hobby that is fun and enjoyable. Another type of obsession would be obsessions that are either good or bad, depending on how they affect you. And finally, obsession can be a bad thing that creates an all-consuming need which eventually evolves into an addiction. Obsessions can be both pleasurable and positive things that help you enjoy life, as long as your obsession does not interfere with your life and health. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must go on the Internet to see if there are any new comments on my Myspace!