Darkassassin07

Yes, that is my response and I stand by it.

Some applications take advantage of the full widescreen, some don't need it. It's entirely up to you to use the additional space for something else when a single application doesn't need the extra space given to it or you just accept that it's not needed right now.

It's not the user's fault.

Yes, it is the users fault. Because the user is whining that not every single application and piece of media is the exact same form factor like that's at all a reasonable expectation.

You're seriously upset that sometimes you've got more space available than absolutely necessary?

I don't think widescreens exist "primarily for additional tasks in an office setting"

Perhaps I worded this poorly.

In an office settting; the primary use of a wide display is to have multiple tasks/windows open. An email your composing beside a document you're referencing for example.

My main point here is the additional space is there for you when you want it, instead of being missing when it's needed.

Saying "You're using it wrong" is blaming the user for using the computer the way it was presented out of the box.

You've gotta cater to the lowest common denominator there unfortunately. Things like this are presented in a simple easy to understand format, so that as many people as possible can get started with minimal help. Some people excel and explore the limits of their systems and what they can do with it; others don't get past 'computer basics 101' while using their computers for little more than a web browser.

"you're using it wrong" is a bit harsh. What you're doing isn't wrong, more like "there's more you could do to utilize the technology you have available".

So stop using monitors the way I've been using them since 1982?

Yes. Technology has grown and expanded rapidly over those 43 years. You should also be changing with time to take advantage of such technological growth.

Stop using them the way that literally every other screen I interact with functions?

Your other screens can be used to multi task as well. Phones/tablets have picture-in-picture and app split-screen (both of which I use frequently).

TVs are admittedly geared towards single wide screen tasks like the obvious: media consumption. Though some smart TVs will also let you web browse while watching TV. And I'm pretty sure game consoles that facilitate streaming allow you to display chat over or beside the game.

That's what 2nd and 3rd monitors are for.

That's what additional monitors can be used for; but the point is with a single wide monitor you don't have to run a second monitor. You already have that additional space available when/if you want it.

Sure, I'm usually viewing a single window; but there's plenty of times when I want to open multiple applications side by side. I also play games and watch media; both of which are widescreen experiences. You might not need it 100% of the time, but it's there when you do.

That's not so easy when you're using multiple curved monitors with a stand or mount.

You've got tons of screen real estate to work with then; what's your concern? You could mount one vertically, you could use different sized displays, you could stack them.

Nobody's forced you to stick with the setup you have. If you wamt something different, set things up differently; it's your setup. Don't trap yourself in a box thinking you can only set things up or use them the way you've seen others do it. Be your own person.

they just don't take advantage of the extra space on their own. A wide monitor allows you to put multiple windows side-by-side without the expense of an additional monitor though.

A square monitor is much more limited.

Stop making a single browser window full screen and use the additional space on the side for something useful. A chat application, a notepad, a calculator, file browsing, a second browser window, documents, etc.

Or rotate the display to be tall instead of wide if you really want the extra vertical space.

Just because you haven't bothered to take advantage of the space doesn't mean it's useless. You've just trapped yourself in a close-minded box. Making the monitor wider doesn't 'reduce the amount of viewable area top to bottom', it adds additional area to the sides, primarily for additional tasks in an office setting. It's up to you to actually use it.

Rotate your wide monitor to be tall.

A square monitor the same width as a widescreen is 77% larger overall = more expensive. (both in terms of materials and horsepower to run it)

There's not enough benefit to justify the cost of stretching both dimensions; we use the width more than the height.

the most commonly used workplace productivity apps are less useful in landscape mode.

They aren't less useful, they just don't take advantage of the extra space on their own. A wide monitor allows you to put multiple windows side-by-side without the expense of an additional monitor though.

With that in mind; a wide monitor is useful for document editing, web browsing, media viewing/production, gaming, and can even be rotated (stand/mount permitting) for a tall view if desired.

A square monitor is much more limited.

+1 for Bitwarden

If you're into self-hosting, you can host the server yourself using Vaultwarden and get all the premium features for free. (make sure you implement a backup solution, ensuring that you don't lose your DB if your server dies is up to you)

Seems pretty accurate tbh.

What part of this is satire?

Provide them with a clean safe space where they're comfortable; or they'll do it anyway in secret.

You're not going to stop them, if that's your goal; you'll only alienate your son in the process.

I fucking hate America.

A billionaire can hold a multi-million dollar lottery, where the only way to enter is to vote for who he wants; but you can and will be arrested for handing someone a bottle of water while they wait in line to vote.