The Enshittification of Everything: How Platforms Are Losing Our Trust – and What One can Do About It
As technology platforms grow increasingly woven into the fabric of daily life, a troubling pattern is emerging. Originally designed to connect and empower, many are devolving into what author Cory Doctorow terms “radical monopolies” – inescapable infrastructures that dominate social organization. This decline, dubbed “enshittification,” isn’t just a tech industry problem. it’s impacting everything from social media to spiritual practices.
From User-Friendly to User-Exploitation: The Three Stages of Decline
Doctorow’s framework for enshittification outlines a predictable trajectory. Platforms initially focus on attracting users with valuable services. Then, they initiate to exploit those users to benefit business customers. Finally, they exploit both users and businesses to maximize profits for themselves, ultimately leading to a decline in value for everyone. This process is driven by the inherent dynamics of “two-sided markets,” where platforms hold both buyers and sellers hostage, extracting increasing value from every interaction.
The Liturgy of Mechanization and the Search for Value
This shift isn’t merely economic; it’s also cultural. Brandon Rickabaugh describes it as “the liturgy of mechanization, of depersonalization,” where the demands of scalability and monetization overshadow virtues like patience and generosity. People are increasingly conditioned to believe their worth is tied to their ability to generate profit for corporate algorithms. This creates a system where authentic connection is sacrificed at the altar of engagement metrics.
Beyond Social Media: The Rise of “Pay-to-Pray”
The enshittification phenomenon extends far beyond the familiar territory of Facebook and X. Even spaces traditionally considered sacred are vulnerable. Prayer and meditation apps, like Hallow, Glorify, Creed, and Gloo+, are facing criticism for aggressive influencer marketing and costly subscription models. These platforms have attracted significant venture capital funding from investors like Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen, raising questions about their true motivations.
Whether these investments are driven by profit or an ideological agenda, the outcome is the same: a commodification of spirituality. The focus shifts from genuine connection and inner peace to maximizing revenue, potentially leading users further from, rather than closer to, meaningful spiritual experiences.
Resisting the Monopoly: Reimagining Digital Spaces
The challenge isn’t simply to escape these platforms – that’s often impractical. Instead, the focus must be on reimagining how we use them and experimenting with alternative digital practices. Christian communities, for example, are being called to “live outside monopoly together,” creating spaces centered around positive outcomes for users, rather than the platform’s financial gain.
The Apostolic Choice: Building Authentic Communities
Building authentic communities requires a deliberate effort to prioritize user well-being over platform monopolization. This means fostering environments that encourage genuine connection, resist the pressures of constant monetization, and prioritize ethical data practices. It demands a “spiritual and material discipline” to share ourselves fully and structure our systems justly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is enshittification? Enshittification is a process where digital platforms deteriorate over time, initially benefiting users, then businesses, and ultimately prioritizing profits for themselves at the expense of both.
How does this affect me? It impacts your experience online, leading to increased advertising, decreased privacy, and a decline in the quality of services you use.
Can anything be done about it? Yes. Supporting alternative platforms, advocating for stronger regulations, and being mindful of how you use existing platforms can all make a difference.
Are religious apps immune to this trend? No. Apps offering prayer or meditation are increasingly susceptible to the same pressures of monetization and data exploitation as other platforms.
Pro Tip: Before subscribing to any digital service, carefully review its privacy policy and consider whether the value it provides outweighs the potential risks to your data and well-being.
Did you recognize? The term “enshittification” was popularized by Cory Doctorow in his book of the same name, published in 2025, detailing the predictable decline of digital platforms.
What are your thoughts on the future of digital platforms? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below!
