Some Code Isn’t Worth Writing

There’s a comfortable little lie software people like to tell themselves. Some Code Isn’t Worth Writing There’s a comfortable little lie software people like to tell themselves. Michael Long in Level Up Coding   ∙   May 8, 2026   ∙   6 min read   ∙   View on Medium And that lie is twofold: “It’s just code.” And, “We’re just building tools.” No. Sometimes we’re just writing code and building tools. But sometimes we’re building digital slot machines with better typography. Sometimes we’re dressing up predatory payday loans with a new design language and rounded corners. Sometimes we’re enabling surveillance capitalism, conveniently connected to a mission statement about “connection”. And sometimes we’re just capitalizing on human suffering and misery. Let’s stop pretending the software industry is morally neutral. The Players DraftKings and their ilk don’t exist because humanity desperately needed a more elegant way to enjoy sports. They exist because turning… Continue reading This is a member-only story and can only be read on Medium. Sent to sikubaycom.s3cr3tz@blogger.com by Michael Long on Medium Unsubscribe from this writer's email notifications Manage your email settings 3500 South DuPont Highway, Suite IQ-101, Dover, DE 19901 Careers·Help Center·Privacy Policy·Terms of service