Does your phone seem less functional than it once was? It may be due to enshittification
HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images
Enshittification
Cory Doctorow (MCD Books)
âEnshittificationâ is a term coined by Cory Doctorow in 2022, encapsulating the decline in quality experienced by websites and apps over time as owners prioritize profits over user experience. This phenomenon is explored in Doctorow’s latest book, Enshittification: Why everything suddenly got worse and what to do about it, which serves as a wake-up call for readers.
The process of enshittification typically starts with a platform offering a valuable service that attracts a large user base. Once users become dependent on the platform, the company begins to prioritize revenue generation, leading to a deterioration in the user experience through increased ads and algorithmic manipulation. Ultimately, both users and advertisers find themselves trapped in a toxic environment, unable to easily disengage.
Unlike in the past, where market forces would weed out underperforming companies, tech giants today wield immense power and resources to maintain their dominance through anti-competitive practices and regulatory capture. Doctorow exposes the dark underbelly of the tech industry, revealing how companies exploit personal data, suppress wages, and manipulate consumer behavior for profit.
While regulatory efforts have been made to rein in tech companies, Doctorow emphasizes the importance of consumer activism in holding these corporations accountable. By boycotting unethical platforms, supporting local businesses, and demanding transparency and ethical practices, individuals can drive meaningful change in the tech landscape.
As we increasingly recognize the impact of our digital choices on society and the environment, adopting a conscious approach to online consumption becomes crucial. Just as we make informed decisions about sustainable products in other aspects of our lives, we can also vote with our clicks to shape a more ethical and user-centric digital ecosystem.
Topics:
