There is a concept in psychology called "flow" that captures this phenomenon across many fields:

Flow - Wikipedia

BS in Psychology, MA in Counseling, worked 3 years in Career Services for a liberal arts college. Had more fun playing with Apple II's in our office, then used...

From my unit's Wall of Wisdom:

If it's on the Internet, it's real.

Remember that the most widely used programming language (profanity) does not help.

Don't automate broken processes.  Technology doesn't make you...

Fencing!  Fast-paced, exhilarating martial art, the only one where you can go full-speed, full-out, full-contact - great for competitive urges, and as close to real duelling as you want to...