The general population does have a quest for happiness that ends up in various obsessions, be it over cars, toys, clothes, games or god. They're easy missions to follow, and the many levels of success they offer make people happy, which in turn makes questioning their happiness a very touchy subject. Doubting your happiness can lead to depression and even if you know well of the futility of your obsession, you will pursue it just to not be miserable. Obsession makes your world small and the ends of it are rigth there and visible. Being otaku lets you escape the whole "what on earth am i supposed to do with my life" question.
At the opposite extreme, not getting into anything, thinking critically of everything ends you up without answer, so it's easy to see why anyone would pick the easier path.
Welcome to N.H.K. shows the ultimate failure that can become of the instant gratification path.
All the easy entertainment in the world has made social rejects a big problem already.