Phrase 'I can't help myself'

[Nessie]

Hi, please have a look at this conversation:

Tom: Peter, you've been watching cartoons for 2 hours, why don't you stop it and do something else more interesting?
Peter: I can't help myself. These cartoons are so interesting!

=> I made up this conversation myself and don't know whether the use of 'I can't help myself' here is correct or not :lol: When you first read the phrase, does it seem to you that it means 'I can't help watching these cartoons' or 'I am unable to help (succour) myself' or does it make no sense at all?
By the way, if the phrase is correct (which means it can make readers understand what the speaker means - 'I can't help watching it'), then is it a commonly used phrase?

Many thanks
Nessie.
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:(... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know.. :(

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Yankee]

Hi Nessie

You could use "I can't help myself" that way, however I think I'd be more likely to say "I can't help it" -- to suggest that the activity is basically involuntary. However, watching cartoons isn't the most typical example of something that a person might not be able to prevent himself from doing. It sounds a bit too voluntary to me. I'd say it might sound more typical if you added some additional context presenting lengthy bouts of TV-watching as a habitual activity.
.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln