In what context? If you design a desktop application, like say Word then modals are more appropriate than the alternatives in many situations. For a site like

In what context? If you design a desktop application, like say Word then modals are more appropriate than the alternatives in many situations. For a site like Medium, a modal is an annoyance. If I asked for something (click Settings) then I am happier with my modal than if I didn't ask (we're going to stuff cookies on your page anyway, here is our arse coverer). The underlying message I take is we "use too many things that make it easier for the coder and harder for the user". Sometimes that's a modal, but sometimes that's NOT using a modal!