It’s quite a phenomenon that tech seems culturally committed to a disdain for anything it deems “not real”, such as emotions, aesthetics, law, or philosophy.

…especially if you consider that even product that don’t end as ‘vaporware’ are often immaterial.

They’ll joke about the uselessness of philosophy, then argue the differences between == and ===.

It’s really no surprise from there that they’ve happily embraced “fiat isn’t real” conspiracies and seek to improve that terrible state of affairs with a zoo of inscrutable algorithm-money.

I agree with some of this but totally disagree with the point about aesthetics. Form over function is a major strain of modern design, especially within Apple specifically.

Just as one example, I've been using a work issued macbook for over a year and I still regularly send the screen brightness or volume off the rails because I lightly rested a finger on the stupid touchbar. But hey, it looks cool to use the volume slider!

Yes, „form follows function“ is the version of aesthetics best suited for the enjoyment of people who are unwilling to admit that they can enjoy something without the need to legitimize their emotions with a sciéncy backstory.

More broadly, look at any discussion of web fonts here and you’ll find three suggestions to give everyone „three fonts and be done with it, screw those designers and the strange feelings I get when I see them on their skateboards.“