I have a theory that software drives people insane
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Software's lack of physical constraints creates urgency, complexity, and disproportionate reactions.
Software combines speed, money, complexity, and unlimited flexibility, masking change costs without visible waste. Most software is a glorified spreadsheet, yet the process turns ordinary adults into b-tier Bond villains. Ideas face little resistance, so "could" becomes "should" and then demands. There is no obvious "done": code can always improve. Money amplifies this, making mundane work emotionally charged. Complexity provides psychological rewards of design and debate. The answer is proportion: recognizing not every problem is existential, and leaving alone systems that work. Patience is an undervalued skill in an industry obsessed with velocity.
What commenters are saying
Commenters strongly agree that developer detachment from customers drives insanity. Working with users keeps teams grounded, prevents freewheeling feature creep, and provides real problem focus. Several criticize over-reliance on analytics: data without user context misleads, citing examples like Chrome removing "Close Tabs to the Right" based on low-click-rate data. Others advocate developers doing first-level helpdesk work. Some debate hand-washing efficacy, referencing Cochrane reviews showing hand hygiene may slow respiratory viruses, though evidence quality is low to moderate.