Cory Doctorow, a Canadian-British author, has developed a theory to explain the apparent decline of joy in tech platforms, which he refers to as the great “enshittification.”
The Phenomenon
Doctorow coined the term to describe the perception that platforms operated by Big Tech firms are deteriorating, losing their original essence, and becoming unrecognizable.
Role of Platforms
Tech platforms serve a crucial function in today’s digital economy, facilitating interactions between buyers and sellers, enabling global communication, and providing access to information.
The Issue
According to Doctorow, the problem lies in platforms becoming “more important than the two sides of the market they mediate between.” He questions how platforms like Uber, Amazon, Facebook, and Twitter have gained precedence over their users.
The Process
- Initial Attraction: Platforms attract users with enticing offers, such as free sign-ups or low-cost subscriptions, to build their user base.
- User Lock-In: Once established, platforms aim to retain users by acquiring competitors and consolidating their market position. This consolidation enables them to extract more value from users.
- Turning Against Others: As platforms solidify their dominance, they may begin to prioritize their interests over those of users and other stakeholders.
Examples
Doctorow points to Apple’s recent conflict with developers over changes to its App Store, mandated by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, as evidence of “enshittification.” Despite intended benefits for developers, concerns have been raised about Apple’s continued control over app distribution and its imposition of new fees.
Future Outlook
While platforms may attempt to maintain their dominance through rebranding and strategic shifts, Doctorow believes there are limits to their ability to do so. He suggests that continued abuse of power by tech firms could lead to pushback from regulators and users alike, ultimately shaping the trajectory of digital platforms in the years to come.
Leave a Reply