PG Essays The Acceleration of Addictiveness
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Sep 5, 2023 This podcast discusses the acceleration of addictiveness through technological progress and the need for personal strategies to combat it. It examines how addictive substances and behaviors are becoming more concentrated, leading to a divergence between statistically normal living and what is best for individuals. The podcast also explores societies developing antibodies to addictive new things and the implications of relying on customs alone for protection.
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Progress Both Heals And Intensifies Desire
- Technological progress concentrates desirable effects into more potent, often more addictive forms.
- The same process that cures diseases also transforms pleasures into things we want too much.
Addictiveness Is Accelerating Across Domains
- The world is becoming more addictive as technologies concentrate rewards across food, drugs, and entertainment.
- This acceleration means more things we like will become things we like too much.
Social Antibodies Lag Behind New Addictions
- As new addictive things appear faster, social customs that curb them may lag and fail to protect people.
- Customs evolved slowly for cigarettes, taking ~100 years to shift significantly.