What in your mind is the worst invention ever

[UniqueUserName]

17. You posted much of my thoughts before I could respond.

You clarified before I could give a lawyer-like response of it depends on your definition of "worst". But from your example I assumed as mundanely annoying.

There are several "worst" types:
useless --- ugh! the variations on the countertop small griddle appliance. Don't get me wrong. A countertop appliance that has applies direct heat from the bottom and the top at the same time is very useful. But the myriads of variations. . .ugh! There's the one to de-crust sandwiches, another to seal pierogi. Maybe that's a class of useless variations on useful things.

annoying --- intentionally irritating ringtones.

evil --- torture devices including iron maiden, the rack, various versions of pillory meant not only to humiliate but to make the person being punished extra uncomfortable.

wasteful --

(In the meantime: I've sat here for 10 minutes trying to clean up this post to make it less pedantically annoying. To post or not to post, that is the question.)