Feature Opt-Out Debate

Comments focus on advocating for user-configurable options to enable or disable software features, criticizing defaults imposed without easy opt-out and emphasizing respect for user choice.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Open Source
4,194
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#2862
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
4
2008
18
2009
46
2010
85
2011
95
2012
158
2013
212
2014
140
2015
165
2016
197
2017
204
2018
253
2019
332
2020
351
2021
392
2022
397
2023
365
2024
368
2025
383
2026
33

Keywords

e.g NoScript IT AI UX OP MV3 OK PC PDF users default user option opt feature let users config chatgpt turn

Sample Comments

causi Jul 27, 2022 View on HN

If it's reasonable, then there shouldn't be a problem letting users turn it off.

nerdponx Feb 6, 2024 View on HN

I like it as an optional feature. Some people enjoy it, some people don't. Turn it off by default, but let users choose.

eudora Sep 25, 2018 View on HN

Oh man, this always Madden's me when a company takes away some option in the name of simplifying for the majority of users.Put it on a screen called advanced options or something, even about:config, and let us decide!That is, if you're really not just manipulating your users.

stingrae Mar 14, 2022 View on HN

Why not let users chose to enable/disable?

n0n0n4t0r Jan 10, 2023 View on HN

Enabling by default this setting is quite annoying from the point of view of the user... But, from the point of view of the software developer, the choice is not so easy: You decide to either be totally blind on the usage of your software or you jump into the exact situation they are in in this comment thread: piss of people.At least they choose to let us opt out easily, no?

erelong Apr 20, 2025 View on HN

sounds good as opt-in configurable feature, but like it could have unforeseen consequences if forced on all users?

ipsum2 Mar 19, 2020 View on HN

Consider that different users have different needs, and almost all features listed are opt-in.

chillfox Dec 17, 2025 View on HN

If the users don't want the feature, then pushing it on them is not user first. It's that simple.

coherentpony May 5, 2014 View on HN

Nothing wrong with implementing it and giving users an option to turn it on or off.Immediate disregard seems a little harsh.

daemoon Jun 11, 2021 View on HN

You know you can opt in and out of these features right? The whole point is to let the users pick themselves...