The article criticizes how modern software has shifted from being user-centered to increasingly needy. Older programs empowered users, allowing them to dictate how they functioned. In contrast, newer applications, often referred to as apps, demand user accounts, frequent updates, and constant notifications. The author points out that many users don't actually need accounts for basic functionalities. For instance, services like Syncthing and Mullvad VPN operate effectively without requiring users to create accounts, highlighting that the push for accounts often serves the company’s interests rather than the user's. Updates are another sore point. The author argues that software updates are frequently unnecessary and can even be intrusive. They share personal experiences of running software without updating for long periods without issues, suggesting that users can identify the need for updates themselves when they encounter bugs or functionality gaps. Notifications are portrayed as excessive and often irrelevant, with many programs bombarding users with alerts about things they didn't ask for. The onboarding process is equally problematic, where companies push new features through popups, prioritizing their agenda over user choice. The author laments this shift, contrasting it with simple command-line tools like `ls`, which perform their function without demanding attention. The overall sentiment expresses frustration with applications that seek to monopolize user focus and time, advocating instead for tools that respect users' autonomy and prioritize their needs over corporate interests.