In an era where online services and social media platforms have become integral parts of our daily lives, the Macquarie Dictionary has shone a spotlight on a troubling trend with its 2024 Word of the Year: “enshittification”. This term, coined by author Cory Doctorow, encapsulates the gradual deterioration of digital services brought about by profit-driven decisions that prioritize business interests over user experience.
The Rise of Enshittification
As Doctorow explains, enshittification is a three-stage process that begins with platforms providing a valuable service to users, then abusing those users to benefit business customers, and finally exploiting both users and customers to maximize their own profits. This phenomenon has become increasingly apparent across various online platforms, from social media giants to streaming services and beyond.
Social Media’s Downward Spiral
Perhaps the most prominent examples of enshittification can be found in the realm of social media. Platforms like Twitter (now rebranded as X), Facebook, and Instagram have undergone significant changes in recent years, often to the detriment of user experience. Once vibrant hubs for genuine connection and engaging content, these sites have become inundated with trolls, extremists, and algorithmic feeds that prioritize sensationalism over substance.
We’re all living through the enshittocene, a great enshittening, in which the services that matter to us, that we rely on, are turning into giant piles of shit.
– Cory Doctorow
The Broader Implications
While the term “enshittification” may seem humorous at first glance, it points to a more significant issue: the erosion of trust between users and the digital services they rely upon. As platforms prioritize profits over user satisfaction, they risk alienating the very people who have made their success possible.
- Frustrating user experiences
- Demoralizing content
- Terrifying implications for the future of online interaction
A Path Forward
Despite the bleak picture painted by the concept of enshittification, Doctorow remains optimistic about the potential for change. He suggests that a combination of competition regulation, user empowerment, and worker protection could help to reverse this trend and usher in an era of “disenshittification”.
Everyone has a stake in disenshittification.
– Cory Doctorow
As we move forward into an increasingly digital future, it is crucial that we remain vigilant against the forces of enshittification. By advocating for user rights, supporting ethical business practices, and demanding better from the platforms we engage with, we can work towards a more positive and enriching online experience for all.
The Macquarie Dictionary’s decision to highlight “enshittification” as its 2024 Word of the Year serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges we face in the digital age. It is now up to us, as users and citizens, to ensure that the future of online services is one of innovation, integrity, and genuine value for all.
