I'm an advocate for safe dependency usage.

I can't in good conscience, say "Don't use dependencies," which solves a lot of problems, but I can say "Let's be careful, out there," to quote Michael Conrad.

I strongly suspect that a lot of dependencies get picked because they have a sexy Website, lots of GH stars and buzz, and cool swag.

I tend to research the few dependencies that I use. I don't depend lightly.

I'm also fortunate to be in the position where I don't need too many. I am quite aware that, for many stacks, there's no choice.