Software 20 years ago was less capable. But software 20 years ago also didn't expect to keep making money after it was sold to you. So the motivation of the vendors has changed. Formerly: Deliver, once, a product that's good enough so you'll be pleased - and recommend it to others. Now: Suck you into becoming an ongoing revenue source, even (or particularly if) that means a less good user experience (e.g. ad overload, dark patterns, turning "for life" features into "paid subscription" features on upgrade, etc. etc.)
