software paternalism

A software design problem where user decisions subordinate to defaults selected by the architect. Oftentimes, the user is thought to be too incompetent or stupid to use the software but truthfully, there is a lack of interest in allowing the program to be flexible.

Compare to droolproof paper -which is the case when something is designed so dumbed down that it adversely affects the functionality.

Apple products are terrible in general because they suffer from software paternalism.

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