Cynical Software |top| Jun 2026

When software companies monetize via advertising or data brokerages, their primary metric is "Time on Site" or "Daily Active Users" (DAU). Software built under this paradigm must be addictive. It utilizes variable reward schedules—the same psychological mechanism behind slot machines—using notifications, infinite scrolls, and algorithmic feeds to keep your eyes locked to the screen. Cory Doctorow’s "Enshittification"

When a product manager runs an A/B test and discovers that a confusing cancellation flow reduces churn by 15%, the data does not say, “This is unethical.” The data says, “This works.” cynical software

– Resetting a password takes 15 seconds. Deleting your account takes 15 minutes, three support tickets, and a phone call during business hours. The friction is asymmetric: easy to start, hard to leave. When software companies monetize via advertising or data

The business model was simple: you paid money, you got a tool. The tool’s goal was 100% aligned with your goal. If you finished your document faster, that was a victory for everyone. The business model was simple: you paid money,

"The only way to make a program that is perfectly secure is to make one that does absolutely nothing. Everything else is a negotiation between convenience and paranoia. Right now, paranoia is winning."