The internet has changed dramatically over the past decade, and not always for the better. Social media platforms, streaming services, and online marketplaces that once offered innovative features and affordable prices have gradually prioritized profits over user experience. This trend, known as “enshittification,” is threatening the internet’s core value as an essential tool for modern life.
Enshittification describes how digital products initially attract users with high-quality offerings but then degrade their services to maximize shareholder returns. Users are left with a decline in the quality of search results, social media feeds cluttered with ads, and e-commerce recommendations prioritizing certain products. Several factors contribute to enshittification.
Platforms rely heavily on advertising revenue, which incentivizes them to maximize ad impressions and engagement, even at the expense of user satisfaction. Publicly traded companies face pressure from shareholders to prioritize profits, often leading to short-term decisions that negatively impact the long-term health of the platform. The lack of competition in markets dominated by a few large players also gives platforms more leverage to implement changes that benefit themselves rather than users.
Algorithms that personalize content and ads can create filter bubbles and echo chambers and promote misinformation, resulting in a distorted and less valuable online experience.
The impact of enshittification
The consequences of enshittification are significant.
Users become frustrated with the degraded experience, leading to decreased engagement and platform abandonment. Platforms focus on monetization rather than developing new features or improving existing ones, reducing innovation. The centralization of power among a few large platforms limits user choice and control, while algorithmic manipulation can amplify misinformation and hinder informed discourse.
Mitigating enshittification is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, steps can be taken to address its effects. Users can explore and support alternative platforms, prioritizing user experience and ethical monetization models.
Advocating for policies that protect user privacy, promote competition, and limit the harmful effects of algorithmic manipulation is also crucial. As individuals, being mindful of our online behavior and making conscious choices about the content we consume and share can help shape a better future for the internet. By understanding the dynamics of enshittification and taking proactive steps, we can work towards an online experience that once again prioritizes genuine connection, innovation, and the free exchange of ideas.
