Modern Wisdom – #690 – Michael Easter – Why Can’t Humans Do Anything In Moderation?

Intro

In this episode of the “Modern Wisdom” podcast, host Alia and guest Michael Easter explore the topic of why humans struggle with moderation. They discuss the evolutionary factors that contribute to this behavior and how technology, particularly the scarcity loop, exacerbates our tendency towards overconsumption. They also delve into the impact of addiction, the quest for influence, and the manipulation of the food industry. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on the challenges humans face in finding balance in a world of abundance.

Main Takeaways

Humans and Moderation

• Humans struggle with moderation due to evolutionary factors.
• Our ancestors developed a drive to consume as much as possible when resources were available to prepare for times of scarcity.
• Today, we live in a world of abundance with easy access to food, information, and material possessions.

The Scarcity Loop

• Technology has contributed to overconsumption through the development of the scarcity loop.
• The scarcity loop is a three-part behavior loop that pushes people out of moderation.
• Slot machines and various technologies and institutions, including social media, personal finance apps, and dating apps, use the scarcity loop to drive overconsumption.

Addiction and Influence

• Addiction is a complex issue that is more of a symptom of larger problems.
• Dependency on certainty and the quest for influence can lead to addictive behaviors.
• Social media has turned addiction to influence into a game with followers, likes, and retweets.

The Manipulation of the Food Industry

• The food industry manipulates the design and experience of food to increase profits.
• Ultra-processed foods are designed to increase snacking and make humans crave them.
• Eating minimally processed food and following a diet of one-ingredient foods can lead to better health outcomes.

Summary

Evolutionary Factors and Overconsumption

Humans struggle with moderation due to evolutionary factors. Throughout history, humans have experienced scarcity and developed a drive to consume as much as possible when resources were available. However, in today’s world of abundance, this drive leads to overconsumption and a lack of moderation.

The Scarcity Loop and Technology

Technology, particularly the development of the scarcity loop, exacerbates our tendency towards overconsumption. The scarcity loop is a three-part behavior loop that pushes people out of moderation. It is present in various technologies and institutions that influence our lives today, including social media, personal finance apps, and dating apps. By creating a sense of scarcity, these technologies drive overconsumption and a lack of moderation.

Addiction and the Quest for Influence

Addiction is a complex issue that is more of a symptom of larger problems. Humans can become addicted to various behaviors, including the quest for influence and certainty. Social media has turned addiction to influence into a game, with followers, likes, and retweets becoming the metrics of success. This addictive behavior can lead to a lack of moderation and a constant craving for validation and recognition.

The Manipulation of the Food Industry

The food industry manipulates the design and experience of food to increase profits. Ultra-processed foods are specifically designed to increase snacking and make humans crave them. These foods are often calorie-dense and can be eaten quickly, leading to overconsumption. On the other hand, eating minimally processed food and following a diet of one-ingredient foods can lead to better health outcomes and a more balanced approach to consumption.

Conclusion

Understanding the evolutionary factors, the impact of technology, addiction, and the manipulation of the food industry can help us navigate the challenges of moderation in a world of abundance. By being aware of the scarcity loop and its influence on our behavior, we can strive for a more balanced approach to consumption and find ways to break the cycle of overconsumption. Ultimately, finding moderation requires self-awareness, intentional decision-making, and a focus on long-term well-being.