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The main difference is that a TV studio isn't trying to get you to spend an unbounded amount of money. As a result it limits the total harm that can be inflicted, hence why TV addiction isn't considered as bad a problem as other forms.

The other reply to this from zeroonetwothree hits the nail on the head. The major difference is in the capacity for serious harm. That's not to say that there shouldn't be more oversight of manipulation in other industries.

> At the end of the day, there needs to be some level of personal responsibility.

Why is it that the concept of personal responsibility is never applied to those employing the psychological manipulation tactics? My belief is that it's their personal responsibility to refrain from such behaviour.

The devil does not need an advocate.