I like your nuanced take. We all have some addictive tendency and should fo our best to mitigate it. That said, in times of stress, isolation, or alienation EVERY negative tendency gets worse and worse.

A recovering alcoholic with a strong family, meaningful job, happy life etc is going to resist the temptation to drink much better than that same person who is depressed and listless.

Unlike alcohol, AI and social media are going to be nearly impossible to opt out of though. I despise Instagram for example, but I lose a lot of money with my business (hospitality) when I don't vigorously use Instagram to advertise and engage.

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Right I understand what you mean. These days staying away from manipulation is a full time job in itself. We all have to find a balance somewhere.

Some people are more succeptible to these problems than others. I seldom feel compelled to blame anyone for their sins so to speak. It's a hard world.