The “Enshittification” of the Internet: A Deep Dive into Tech’s Downward Spiral
Cory Doctorow, a leading voice in digital rights and author of the newly released Mierdificación (translated as “Enshittification”), argues that the internet is undergoing a deliberate degradation of service at the hands of major tech companies. This isn’t accidental; it’s a pattern of exploitation, first attracting users, then businesses, and ultimately squeezing both for profit.
From Promise to Predation: How We Got Here
Doctorow traces the roots of this trend back to the neoliberal economic theories of the Reagan and Thatcher eras, specifically the “consumer welfare” standard. This theory posited that monopolies were efficient, assuming that market dominance indicated superior quality. Critics warned that monopolies would inevitably raise prices, but proponents argued that new competitors would emerge to challenge them. This led to a permissive environment for tech giants to consolidate power.
The core issue isn’t simply that platforms are becoming worse; it’s that the incentives are structured to reward degradation. Companies initially focus on attracting users with convenience, then leverage that user base to attract businesses, and finally, extract value from both sides. Amazon, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok are cited as examples of this pattern.
The Financialization of Everything, Including Our Data
Doctorow highlights a crucial shift: the financialization of digital platforms. These companies aren’t just providing services; they’re operating as financial instruments. They’ve expanded beyond simply offering a platform to actively manipulating the flow of money and data. What we have is exemplified by how platforms capture advertising revenue – taking a significantly larger cut than traditional intermediaries.
He points out that the ability to modify platforms was once a safeguard against degradation. But, laws like Article 6 of the 2001 EU Copyright Directive, which criminalized reverse engineering and modification without permission, have effectively locked users into closed systems, giving companies greater control.
The Power Shift: From Users to Platforms
A key factor in this “enshittification” is the changing power dynamic between platforms and their users. Initially, tech workers held significant leverage due to a scarcity of skilled labor. They could demand better conditions and prioritize user experience. However, as the supply of tech workers increased, that power diminished, leading to mass layoffs and a willingness to compromise on quality.
Doctorow emphasizes that users remain on platforms not necessarily because they *wish* to, but because of network effects – the desire to stay connected with friends and colleagues. Platforms exploit this by inflicting just enough “pain” to make switching unattractive, but not enough to drive users away entirely.
Regulation and the Future of the Internet
Doctorow believes that regulation is essential, but it must be approached strategically. He cautions against approaches that focus on redistributing revenue from platforms to media outlets, arguing that it’s more effective to address the root causes of the problem: breaking up monopolies, opening up payment systems, and limiting platform power.
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act, aimed at curbing the power of gatekeeper platforms, is a step in the right direction. However, Doctorow stresses the importance of restoring interoperability – allowing different platforms to work together – without relying on companies like Apple to write code that facilitates it.
The Role of Governments and Geopolitics
The relationship between governments and tech companies is increasingly complex. Doctorow warns that platforms are becoming instruments of geopolitical power, capable of being used to exert influence and control. He cites examples of Trump using tech companies to target political opponents and the potential for China to leverage its tech infrastructure for surveillance and censorship.
He argues that the key is to recognize that these companies are not neutral actors. They are driven by profit and susceptible to political pressure. Effective regulation requires acknowledging this reality and designing systems that are less vulnerable to manipulation.
FAQ: Understanding “Enshittification”
- What exactly does “enshittification” mean? It refers to the deliberate degradation of online services as platforms prioritize profit over user experience.
- Is this inevitable? No. Doctorow argues that it’s a result of specific policy choices and incentives that can be changed.
- What can individuals do? Support policies that promote competition, interoperability, and data privacy.
- Are all tech companies “enshittifying”? The pattern is most pronounced among dominant platforms with significant market power.
Pro Tip: Regularly review your privacy settings and consider using privacy-focused alternatives to mainstream platforms.
Did you know? The term “enshittification” was chosen as Macquarie Dictionary’s Word of the Year in 2024, highlighting its growing recognition as a defining characteristic of the digital age.
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