At some point we're just back to building web browsers with spyware built in.

I see you are rebelling against Web 2.0, where you only need 3-4 apps or sites to do everything! Don't be afraid. The old days of dozens of sites is gone and now the oligarchy of megacorps will take care of you with your 2-3 apps. You'll have fewer apps that could go wrong and you'll ever need to keep up with your 1-2 apps! Eventually the FTC will see the error of their ways and your One App will truly simplify your life!

Make each program do one thing well. To do a new job, build afresh rather than complicate old programs by adding new "features".

Unix philosophy. 50 years old idea. Imo devs would love to work that way but they are never the ones making decisions. And every CEO wants to have the new everything app ala wechat.

I already have a "do everything" app.

It is called the Operating System.

If I want to shop for something online, I'll go to a website like Amazon.

If I want to transfer money online, I'll go to a website like PayPal.

I don't like the monopolizing those companies are doing, but they're at least more transparent than doing it through a chat app. Can you even do returns for chat app purchases? I did a return with Amazon the other day and they just credited my account. They didn't even ask for the book (I accidentally bought 2 copies) back.