one of those hidden value extraction mechanisms, or externalization of hidden costs onto society. a big mac has the immediate costs of materials and labor, but also the externalized costs, either manifesting in healthcare or shortened lifespan and decreased quality of life. not to mention the environmental damage of the meat industry and transportation and everything else

in other words these corporations are cashing out value from our future in the form of present profits. if time were flattened or all costs were somehow required to be paid upfront things like fast food would be a lot more expensive for corporations to mass produce.