Weird stuff occurs around the Hollywood Machine. Only Mrs O'Hare is immune. Then there's the Glamour.
People suddenly fall in love, or there are sudden break-ups - unrequited love is not uncommon. These are not completely out-of-character, more the sort of thing hurried script writing might produce. "Ms Jones, I didn't realise you were beautiful until you took off your glasses" level. This is a low-grade handwavium effect emitted by The Machine, and those with strong wills or used to working with handwavium best resist it (Arthur and Ms Jones didn't fall for each other, for example).
Things occur which are to the benefit of The Machine, so that it continues to be fed and used. And, grow bigger. More suitable handwavium and raw materials will end up close enough to be incorporated. Smart operators will do this voluntarily to avoid 'feeding binges' on the part of The Machine. It will grow 5-15% per year. If not terminally damaged then self-repair can occur in this way. Weak-willed operators can become fascinated with The Machine...
The reason for the psychological addiction is actually more subtle. After using The Machine some people gain enough self-confidence to generate their own glamour, but some don't, and need re-charges. The Machine can't process people who have natural glamour, or who just can't be glamorous. Even if the addicts don't get recharges their permanent effects (perfect teeth, etc.) remain.
This glamour means people almost always perceive them well, not as awkward, unless they're being awkward for humour. Glamour makes them look good in person, via camera, and on recordings. It is possible to loose or destroy the glamour, but this is really quite hard work.
Note that glamour isn't drama, though some people will be dramatic as part of their (personal) style, and being glamorous may make them think they can get away with it more often. Glamour is related to charisma, though the two aren't identical. Machine-provided glamour almost always boosts self-confidence, and (existential) angst can be quite difficult.
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"It is the business of the future to be dangerous" - Hawkwind
People suddenly fall in love, or there are sudden break-ups - unrequited love is not uncommon. These are not completely out-of-character, more the sort of thing hurried script writing might produce. "Ms Jones, I didn't realise you were beautiful until you took off your glasses" level. This is a low-grade handwavium effect emitted by The Machine, and those with strong wills or used to working with handwavium best resist it (Arthur and Ms Jones didn't fall for each other, for example).
Things occur which are to the benefit of The Machine, so that it continues to be fed and used. And, grow bigger. More suitable handwavium and raw materials will end up close enough to be incorporated. Smart operators will do this voluntarily to avoid 'feeding binges' on the part of The Machine. It will grow 5-15% per year. If not terminally damaged then self-repair can occur in this way. Weak-willed operators can become fascinated with The Machine...
The reason for the psychological addiction is actually more subtle. After using The Machine some people gain enough self-confidence to generate their own glamour, but some don't, and need re-charges. The Machine can't process people who have natural glamour, or who just can't be glamorous. Even if the addicts don't get recharges their permanent effects (perfect teeth, etc.) remain.
This glamour means people almost always perceive them well, not as awkward, unless they're being awkward for humour. Glamour makes them look good in person, via camera, and on recordings. It is possible to loose or destroy the glamour, but this is really quite hard work.
Note that glamour isn't drama, though some people will be dramatic as part of their (personal) style, and being glamorous may make them think they can get away with it more often. Glamour is related to charisma, though the two aren't identical. Machine-provided glamour almost always boosts self-confidence, and (existential) angst can be quite difficult.
--
"It is the business of the future to be dangerous" - Hawkwind