Modern Tech Rejections: From React Native to Smart Homes and Short Videos
In an era of rapid technological advancement, many individuals are making a deliberate choice to refuse the adoption of various popular modern technologies. This isn't always out of ignorance, but often stems from deep-seated concerns regarding practical utility, privacy, ethical implications, and the overall impact on their lives and work.
The Rejection of Modern Software Paradigms
For developers, certain technologies are viewed with skepticism. React Native, for instance, faces criticism for its perceived low return on investment (ROI) compared to alternatives like Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) or Flutter, which are seen as offering more native-level control or being purpose-built for mobile. The adoption of React Native is sometimes attributed to a desire among web developers to avoid learning new languages, rather than a genuine technical advantage. However, it's acknowledged that for teams already invested in React, React Native can leverage existing expertise and provide a vast community with high-quality solutions, particularly useful for white-label products or strong branding needs.
Broader JavaScript front-end frameworks like React are also under scrutiny. Some argue their primary function is to broaden employment opportunities for less experienced developers, potentially leading to reduced problem-solving capabilities and innovation. While proponents counter that these frameworks enhance developer scalability and productivity on large UI projects, critics emphasize that many useful websites could function perfectly well without such complex, 'bloated' setups. Solo developers, in particular, often prefer simpler stacks, avoiding the complexity of maintaining what feels like two separate applications. Options like Rails with Stimulus, SQLite, Redis, and Capistrano on bare-metal servers are favored for their simplicity and efficiency.
Beyond frameworks, technologies like Electron/JavaScript-based apps, Chromium/WebKit browsers, GTK4/libadwaita, and Node.js are also cited for their perceived bloat and unnecessary overhead, questioning their actual need over traditional native applications or simpler web designs.
The Pitfalls of "Smart" and IoT Devices
Internet of Things (IoT) and 'smart' home devices, from smart TVs and refrigerators to door locks and light bulbs, evoke strong refusal from many. Common complaints include:
- Unreliability and Bugginess: Frequent glitches, issues during power outages, and sensors failing due to environmental factors are common.
- Maintenance Overhead: These devices often require constant vigilance, firmware updates, and troubleshooting, turning home management into an unwelcome hobby.
- Security Risks: The potential for IoT devices to become part of botnets is a significant concern.
- Privacy Nightmares: Many smart devices track user behavior, display ads, or even capture images within the home, turning the customer into the product. The Diderot effect is also noted, where smart devices can shorten the usable lifespan of appliances, tying them to tech lifecycles rather than traditional hardware lifecycles.
Despite these drawbacks, there are recognized benefits when implemented carefully. Smart home setups can offer convenience (e.g., automated lights upon arrival, garage door control via phone), efficient monitoring (power usage, water leaks), comfort (temperature-changing light bulbs, zoned heating), and enhanced security (smoke alarm notifications). For those who do adopt, self-hosting solutions like Home Assistant are recommended to bypass vendor lock-in, avoid ads, and add capabilities like local AI object detection for cameras.
Escaping Digital Addiction and Manipulation
Technologies designed for rapid consumption and social engagement are frequently shunned due to their addictive nature and manipulative design. Short-form video platforms (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) are widely described as a "crack house" for the brain, leading to mindless consumption and a significant waste of time. Similarly, traditional social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram) and proprietary messaging apps like WhatsApp are refused for their potential to foster addiction and hold users 'hostage' to specific ecosystems.
Other consumer-focused tech like self-quantification devices (sleep/fitness trackers, smart scales) are rejected for gamifying the body for profit and an inherent disinterest in such metrics. Even sales, coupons, and algorithmic discounts are seen as manipulative technologies designed to increase purchases rather than genuinely benefit the consumer, encouraging unnecessary buying behavior.
Questioning Foundational Technologies and Daily Life AI
Refusals extend to more foundational software or ubiquitous technologies. Some express a strong dislike for the modern Linux ecosystem, specifically package managers, automatic updates, dependencies, file permissions, and the multi-user paradigm, longing for the simpler days of downloading standalone binaries. For these users, AppImages, which are self-contained executable bundles, or alternative distributions like EasyOS that simplify system management, might offer a more agreeable experience.
Bluetooth is another technology that some actively try to avoid, despite its omnipresence in modern devices. Voice control interfaces also face resistance, often due to an unarticulated but strong personal preference for traditional keyboard and mouse input.
Finally, the proliferation of AI in daily life tasks, such as summarizing content, writing emails, or conversational interfaces, is met with resistance. Many prefer to handle these tasks themselves, seeing AI primarily useful for specific functions like translation, but not as a general replacement for human interaction or cognitive effort.