Most anyone who's used noise-canceling headphones knows that hearing the right noise at the right time can be vital. Someone might want to erase car horns when working indoors, but not when walking along busy streets. Yet people can't choose what sounds their headphones cancel.
I heard that smartphone apps are even more intrusive than just websites. I’m guessing that’s why every dumbass thing requires one these days.
That’s not the only reason, but generally if a device needs an app and some form of internet to work, it’s intrusive and probably selling your data