I simply think you're lying to yourself. It's both literally and theoretically simpler to write and digest let's start with the simplest case, {}. Prone to bugs is a matter of debate, depending on a number of factors.

That's a fine opinion to have, but that doesn't mean that people (the authors or devs generally) use JSON out of vanity. As an aside, you're the first person I've heard suggest people put their identity in serialization format, which gave me a good laugh.

From the HN guidelines:

Please don't insinuate that someone hasn't read an article.

My mistake for phrasing my point in a manner that violates HN guidelines. I tried to edit, but I missed the window. At any rate, my point stands.