Comment by Toc on Superstimuli and the Collapse of Western Civilization · 2021-02-20T22:52:44.202Z · LW · GW

Something you don't mention here is the ability for people to avoid temptation through careful mental programming.

Resisting any temptation takes conscious expenditure of an exhaustible supply of mental energy

Absolutely. However what if someone convinces themselves not to be tempted? For example, McDonalds hamburger commercials are not a source of temptation because of the association with slaughterhouses. Chocolate bars are not a temptation because of the association with sugar, cancer and lethargy following consumption.