Why are we addicted to junk food?

I spend a lot of time considering the algorithms that filter content that I see, and what the goal of those algorithms are. I don't think a lot about the optimizations that have been made to engineered food and what those goals are.

Food manufacturers understand this, and as such when they design foods to hook in customers, they are clever about it. They keep in mind a factor known as "the bliss point," which refers to the exact combinations of saltiness, sweetness and other tastes that any given food item needs to be (a) delicious and (b) not quite delicious enough that you will feel satisfied after a small serving.

Perhaps it is helpful to consider the intent of the design and marketing process around junk food, and determine if we want to be part of that game.