> Yes, but then you know it's a game, so there's no self-deception that you're actually doing something meaningful.

I have reasons to believe that many very successful athletes do have this self-deception.

Can be argued that there is intuitive satisfaction/pleasure/utility that spectators gain from watching sports competitions. The payoff is a lot more obvious/instant. Whereas with a lot of tech these days, what needle are we really moving? Are people truly happier scrolling for two hours, compared with watching an edge-of-seat soccer game?