Cynical Software

Cynical software doesn’t trust anyone—not the network, not the database, and certainly not itself. It operates on the core belief that , and it is never surprised when they do.

Cynical software leverages dopamine loops to keep users engaged. Features like "streaks," infinite scrolls, and variable reward notifications are borrowed directly from the psychology of slot machines. The goal isn't to provide value; it’s to trigger a compulsion. 3. Planned Friction cynical software

This isn’t naive software. It’s confident software — secure enough not to trap you, clear enough not to trick you. Planned Friction This isn’t naive software

We have frameworks to manage our frameworks. We have abstraction layers to abstract our abstraction layers. We write 500 lines of boilerplate to save ourselves from writing 50 lines of actual logic. Market Erosion While often viewed negatively

: "Naive cynicism" can turn collaboration into a zero-sum game where one person's win is viewed as another's loss. Market Erosion

While often viewed negatively, a "tempered, measured belief" in the flaws of human nature and technical systems is necessary for realistic engineering. Defensive Practice