Understanding Enshittification of the internet and your favourite services

This article was originally published on Kiledjian.com

In today’s digital age, the term “enshittification” has emerged as a powerful descriptor for the decline of online platforms. Coined by Cory Doctorow, a renowned Canadian-British blogger, journalist, and science fiction author, enshittification encapsulates the gradual degradation of digital services due to profit-driven changes.

What is Enshittification?

Enshittification describes a three-stage process affecting many online platforms:

• User-Centric Phase: Platforms initially prioritize user experience, offering valuable and engaging services to attract a large user base.
• Business-Centric Shift: Once users are locked in, platforms begin favouring business customers, such as advertisers and publishers, often at the expense of user experience.
• Shareholder-Centric Exploitation: In the final stage, platforms extract maximum value for shareholders, often leading to a significant decline in service quality. This stage can eventually result in the platform’s demise.

Doctorow’s enshittification framework provides a clear lens through which we can understand the rapid decline of once-popular digital platforms. From Facebook’s pivot to video that misled publishers to Amazon’s relentless push of sponsored products over organic search results, the pattern is unmistakable and deeply concerning.

Who is Cory Doctorow?

Cory Doctorow is a distinguished figure in the tech and literary worlds, known for his thought-provoking works and advocacy for digital rights. Born in Toronto in 1971, Doctorow’s career spans several domains:

• Authorship: Doctorow has penned notable works like Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom and Little Brother, the latter of which earned multiple awards, including the John W. Campbell Memorial Award and the Prometheus Award.
• Blogging and Journalism: Doctorow has made significant contributions to digital discourse as a former co-editor of Boing Boing and the creator of the solo blog project Pluralistic.
• Activism: A vocal advocate for liberalizing copyright laws and a proponent of the Creative Commons organization, Doctorow’s activism extends to his role with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

Doctorow’s insights on enshittification stem from his deep understanding of the tech industry’s dynamics and his commitment to advocating for a more equitable digital landscape. His analysis identifies the problem and calls for collective action to counteract this trend, emphasizing the need for competition, regulation, self-help, and labour rights.

Why It Matters

The concept of enshittification is more than just a critique; it’s a call to action. As professionals, understanding this phenomenon is crucial for navigating and influencing the digital landscape. By recognizing the signs of enshittification, we can advocate for better business practices, support regulatory measures, and develop platforms that prioritize long-term value over short-term profits.

Cory Doctorow’s work reminds us that while the digital world offers immense potential, it requires vigilant stewardship to ensure it serves the interests of users and creators alike.

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