Almost everything on computers is perceptually slower than it was in 1983 (2017) (twitter.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how computers and their applications have become perceptually slower over the years, despite advancements in technology. It highlights the differences in user experience between older systems and modern ones. The article's main point is that many tasks that were once quick and efficient are now slowed down by various factors. The exact causes and implications of this phenomenon are explored in the discussion.

Main themes

• perceived slowness of modern computers
• web development culture
• user experience
• complexity vs simplicity
• mobile-first design
• tracking and advertising

What commenters say

• Some argue that the perceived slowness is due to poor design choices and an over-reliance on complex frameworks and JavaScript.
• Others counter that modern systems are actually faster and more efficient, but may be hindered by factors such as large datasets and security measures.
• A few commenters suggest that the problem lies in the culture of web development, which prioritizes profit and complexity over simplicity and user experience.
• There is disagreement over whether the article's claims are supported by evidence, with some arguing that personal anecdotes and experiences are sufficient to illustrate the point, while others demand more concrete data.
• Some commenters argue that the shift towards mobile-first design and the increasing use of tracking and advertising have contributed to a decline in user experience.
• Others propose that the solution lies in embracing simplicity and using alternative approaches, such as command-line interfaces or Linux systems.
• A few commenters note that even terminal response times have slowed down over the years, despite increases in throughput.
• There is a sense that the current state of UX is a mess, with many websites being overblown by excessive JavaScript and loading spinners.