New vocabulary proposed to describe frustrating tech user experiences

Defining 'Dickover'

John Gruber, a tech writer, introduced the term "dickover" in May to describe modal panels, popovers, or curtains that deliberately obscure website or app content, frustrating users. Examples include cookie consent boxes, notification prompts, and sign-in requests that must be dismissed to access desired information.

The Rise of 'AI-Horning'

The article introduces "AI-horning" to describe the pervasive and often unhelpful integration of AI features into various platforms. This includes AI overviews in search results, AI image creation in social media, and AI DJs in music streaming services, which are presented as unnecessary additions that detract from the user experience.

The Burden of 'Captchore'

"Captchore" is proposed to capture the collective time and effort users spend proving they are not robots through CAPTCHA challenges. These tasks, such as identifying objects in images or solving puzzles, are highlighted as a significant and often irritating part of online interaction.

Combating 'Quit-Shaming'

The term "quit-shaming" addresses the difficult and often convoluted processes users face when attempting to cancel subscriptions. Companies frequently employ tactics like multiple confirmation pages or requiring phone calls to dissuade cancellations, making a simple action unnecessarily complex.