If one gets triggered to the point that he's about to cave and fall, and is saved only by the fact that he was smart enough to get a filter on his device, how do we look at that? It's obviously not a fall, but is it a win? It sure feels dissapointing. I imagine there needs to be some serious cheshbon hanefesh after that kind of close call. What would be the correct thought process after such an experience? 

siyatta wrote on 16 Jan 2025 20:23:

disclaimer: this is just my opinion.
Its definitely a win IMO! Because think about it without a filter its like bringing a knife to a gun fight so, the filter definitely did its job. about the cheshbon part if it will help you figure out why you ended up there i.e. bored, triggered etc. then its beneficial but if it gets you down its probably better to take the win and move on.
keep it up man! you got this!

I agree with thegrave. 
You made a smart decision when you were of sound mind to help protect yourself in case of a vulnerable moment. You get the credit for that.
Kol Tov

Chazal say if a person planned to do an aveirah and didn't, he is not held liable. 
I trust them

Also, it sounds like the filter did its job. 
That's exactly why we have them installed on our devices 

I feel like this is the same question as asking if an accountability buddy being the only thing stopping you is a win. Sure, someones pure willpower may not be enough in a situation, but due to external factor (shame/pride/punishment, whatever they may be) they don't fall. Is that a "win"? I would think so. Working on this area is not a question of just improving how we can cope in the moment (while that is important), but rather working on the whole broader picture. Setting up psychological and/or technical boundaries for ourselves is part of that. My thoughts anyways.