I have a theory that software drives people insane

A recent discussion on Hacker News explores the provocative theory that modern software development and the resulting digital environment are driving people to insanity. The discourse centers on the increasing complexity of software systems, the constant demand for updates, and the psychological toll of interacting with poorly designed interfaces that prioritize engagement over user well-being. Contributors argue that the abstraction layers in modern programming, combined with the relentless pace of the tech industry, create a disconnect between human cognition and machine logic. This friction often manifests as frustration, burnout, and a sense of helplessness among both developers and end-users. The thread invites readers to reflect on whether the current trajectory of software engineering is sustainable for human mental health, suggesting that the industry's obsession with optimization and feature bloat may be fundamentally incompatible with the way human beings process information and interact with their environment.