Browser APIs have changed quite a bit in the last 10 years. Yes, the same approaches are still supported, but there have been many additions and modifications to core APIs. Ten years ago you would have never dreamed of trying to build complex front end behavior without something like JQuery, but now it’s totally unnecessary as all browsers mostly adhere to the standards. I guess my point is I don’t think React has changed any more or less than browser APIs - both have just steadily updated best practices just like any other piece of software since ever.