Why do people eat out at McDonalds?

[Erik_Twice]

There's something funny about quality. It's often claimed that people play or listen to bad art because they don't know better. But yet, everyone knows McDonalds is bad. Everyone. But it's incredibly popular.

This is something I have pondered for a while and decided to comment it here after watching Roger Ebert discuss the issue on some random video. His quality as a critic aside, he was surprised that when you he told people about one of the best movies ever made or about a power film or similar stuff, people were like "Eeeh, it's cool but I want something less".

And I think it's interesting to think why this happens. I have my own theories but I don't want to lead the coversation.

What do you think? Why do people who know something is better choose mediocre or even bad works over it?

[Jmustang1968]

Convenience and price

[Erik_Twice]

Convenience and price

This is not about just McDonalds. Why do people go to watch Transformers when they know about 20 better films?

[noiseredux]

Why do people go to watch Transformers when they know about 20 better films?

"Better" is subjective, though. I think Transformers looks terrible. But I know people who genuinely enjoy those movies. And who's to say my taste is better than theirs? I thought Jennifer's Body was super entertaining. I've watched it numerous times. There's no accounting for taste.

To answer your initial question, people eat at McDonald's because it's fucking delicious.

[Jmustang1968]

Convenience and price

This is not about just McDonalds. Why do people go to watch Transformers when they know about 20 better films?

'Better' is subjective. There are a bunch of critically acclaimed films I don't find compelling. Transformers does cover a license that is very popular. Then you have the special effects and action... people seek varying things in their entertainment.

How do you define better and who is the judge? There are some 'bad' movies I can enjoy and find more entertaining than 'good' movies some times. Same with games I suppose.

[Jmustang1968]

Why do people go to watch Transformers when they know about 20 better films?

"Better" is subjective, though. I think Transformers looks terrible. But I know people who genuinely enjoy those movies. And who's to say my taste is better than theirs? I thought Jennifer's Body was super entertaining. I've watched it numerous times. There's no accounting for taste.

To answer your initial question, people eat at McDonald's because it's fucking delicious.

Damn, beat me to it while I was typing my response hahaha

[AppleQueso]

Sometimes people don't want heavy handed themes or whatever. Sometimes they don't want to see a deconstruction of modern society or something. Sometimes they just want quick cookie cutter fun.

And that's fine.

[dunpeal2064]

Noise hit the nail on the head. There are plenty of "great" things I find mediocre, and "mediocre" things I find great. As for movies... sometimes just going is fun, and there usually aren't 20 better films at the same time in the theatre.

But yeah, McDonalds is hardly bottom of the barrel. It actually has some healthy variety now.

Its tough to answer this question completely. My reasons for eating average food would be different than playing an average or poor video game.

Perhaps variety is better than consistence.

[isiolia]

Depending on where you are, McDonalds can be very convenient, fast, and cheap - it might not be the only option, but chances are most other options falling in the same category are no better.
There are plenty of studies, theories, and so on to explain the reasons we tend to crave junk food as well - that the fat/sugar/etc used to be hard to get, that it can make our brains happy via dopamine/seratonin/whatever, and so on.

For the general topic, it's about personal enjoyment. Not everyone is looking for significance or art every time they turn on the TV. Sometimes you just want to sit down, watch some nice special effects, and feel the subwoofer thump. Granted, some summer blockbusters are better done than others too, but if you're entertained then mission accomplished. It doesn't mean you can't watch something more significant next time.

[ZenErik]

I don't even find McDonald's cheap. At most it might be a dollar cheaper than a regular restaurant or deli. How is that cheap? That said, I still get fast food on occasion. Sometimes it is easier when I need something quick. Like when I'm at a convention.