Does Anybody Actually Like React?

Multiple industry voices are criticizing React as an over-engineered solution that has become the default choice for frontend development despite performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and unnecessary complexity. Critics argue that React's dominance stems from network effects rather than technical merit, leading to slower applications, higher maintenance costs, and difficulty attracting experienced developers who are increasingly frustrated with the ecosystem. Alternative approaches like HTMX and Web Components are being reconsidered as teams recognize that React often solves problems they don't actually have.