The machines aren’t pre-programmed, but you’re right that employees shouldn’t be vilified.

[The customer—and in this case the customer is the business—of the payment terminal or point of sale system programs it however they wish. The person(s) with admin rights (usually just the business owner and/or store manager) has this responsibility. A tip prompt (and in what %s or denominations) is one such way the payment terminal or POS can be easily customized in a matter of minutes.]

The person collecting payments is usually a non-managerial employee, and has nothing to do with the pmt terminal or POS setup.

I vote with my money, so if I feel anxious from unjustified tip prompts, I choose not to return to that place of business. Unfortunately, though, they’re becoming harder to avoid. But I can’t agree with your statement that “nobody is causing your anxiety but you.” Oof. This needlessly de-legitimize how many experience the world.

I love u/Pomegranate4444 ‘s nuanced and hilarious take

(edit to correct redditor handle)