how silicon valley enshittified the internet In a recent discussion, Cory Doctorow, a prominent author and internet activist, sheds light on the troubling trend of “enshittification” in the tech industry, a phenomenon that has left many users feeling disillusioned with the platforms they once loved.
how silicon valley enshittified the internet
Understanding Enshittification
The term “enshittification,” coined by Doctorow himself, refers to the gradual decline in quality of digital platforms and services over time. This concept, which he describes as “platform decay,” encapsulates the frustrations many users experience as their favorite websites and applications become less functional, less user-friendly, and increasingly dominated by commercial interests. Doctorow argues that this decline is not merely a byproduct of technological evolution but a systematic issue rooted in the business models and regulatory frameworks that govern these platforms.
The Rise of Platform Decay
Doctorow’s observations about enshittification are particularly relevant in today’s digital landscape, where users are witnessing a noticeable decline in the quality of services they rely on daily. From social media platforms to streaming services, many users have noted that their experiences have become increasingly frustrating. This decline can often be traced back to a few key factors:
- Monetization Strategies: Many platforms prioritize profit over user experience, leading to intrusive advertisements and a focus on engagement metrics that do not necessarily align with user satisfaction.
- Market Dominance: As tech companies grow larger, they often engage in practices that stifle competition, leading to a lack of innovation and a decrease in quality.
- Regulatory Gaps: The absence of effective regulations allows these companies to operate with little accountability, further exacerbating the problem.
Doctorow emphasizes that enshittification is not just a passing trend; it represents a fundamental shift in how technology companies operate and interact with their users. As platforms become more entrenched in their monopolistic practices, the quality of their services continues to decline, leaving users with fewer choices and diminished experiences.
The Intersection of AI and Enshittification
As generative AI technologies gain traction, Doctorow draws a compelling connection between the rise of “AI slop” and the enshittification of digital platforms. AI slop refers to the low-quality, often misleading content generated by AI systems that prioritize quantity over quality. This phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent in various online spaces, including social media and content-sharing platforms.
The Impact of AI on User Experience
The proliferation of AI-generated content raises significant concerns about the overall quality of information available to users. Doctorow argues that as platforms integrate AI into their operations, they risk further diluting the quality of the content users encounter. This dilution can lead to:
- Information Overload: Users are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of low-quality content, making it difficult to discern valuable information from noise.
- Decreased Trust: As users encounter more AI-generated content, their trust in the platforms diminishes, leading to skepticism about the authenticity of the information presented.
- Loss of Human Touch: The reliance on AI for content generation can strip away the nuanced perspectives and creativity that human creators bring to the table.
Doctorow warns that the intersection of enshittification and AI slop poses a significant threat to the integrity of online discourse. As platforms prioritize engagement and revenue over quality, users may find themselves navigating a digital landscape that is increasingly devoid of meaningful content.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
Central to Doctorow’s critique of enshittification is the role of legal and regulatory frameworks in shaping the tech landscape. He argues that the unchecked power of major tech companies has allowed them to engage in practices that undermine competition and degrade user experience. This raises important questions about the effectiveness of existing regulations and the need for new approaches to curb monopolistic behavior.
Challenges in Regulation
The current regulatory environment presents several challenges that contribute to the enshittification of digital platforms:
- Fragmented Regulations: The lack of cohesive regulations across jurisdictions allows tech companies to exploit loopholes and evade accountability.
- Slow Legislative Processes: The rapid pace of technological advancement often outstrips the ability of lawmakers to respond effectively, leaving gaps in regulation that companies can exploit.
- Influence of Lobbying: Major tech companies wield significant influence over policymakers, often shaping regulations to their advantage rather than prioritizing consumer welfare.
Doctorow advocates for a reevaluation of regulatory approaches to address the challenges posed by enshittification. He emphasizes the need for proactive measures that prioritize user experience and competition, rather than allowing companies to prioritize profit at the expense of quality.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The concept of enshittification has resonated with a diverse array of stakeholders, from tech enthusiasts to industry critics. Many creatives, tech theorists, and users have rallied around the term as a way to articulate their frustrations with the current state of the internet. Doctorow’s insights have sparked discussions about the responsibilities of tech companies and the role of users in demanding better experiences.
Voices of Concern
Numerous voices within the tech community have echoed Doctorow’s concerns, highlighting the need for a collective response to the challenges posed by enshittification:
- Creators and Artists: Many creatives have expressed frustration over the declining quality of platforms that once provided them with opportunities to share their work. They argue that the focus on monetization has led to a homogenization of content that stifles innovation.
- Consumers: Everyday users have voiced their dissatisfaction with platforms that prioritize profit over user experience. Many feel that their needs are being overlooked in favor of corporate interests.
- Regulators and Policymakers: Some lawmakers are beginning to recognize the need for stronger regulations to address the issues raised by enshittification. However, the path to meaningful change remains fraught with challenges.
As the conversation around enshittification continues to evolve, it is clear that a collective effort is needed to address the underlying issues that contribute to the decline in quality across digital platforms.
Looking Ahead: Solutions and Alternatives
In light of the challenges posed by enshittification, Doctorow emphasizes the importance of exploring solutions that prioritize user experience and competition. He advocates for a multi-faceted approach that includes:
- Strengthening Regulations: Policymakers must take a proactive stance in crafting regulations that hold tech companies accountable for their practices and promote fair competition.
- Empowering Users: Users should be encouraged to demand better experiences from the platforms they use, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
- Supporting Alternative Platforms: Encouraging the development and use of alternative platforms that prioritize quality and user experience can help counteract the effects of enshittification.
By taking these steps, stakeholders can work together to create a digital landscape that prioritizes quality, innovation, and user satisfaction, ultimately reversing the trend of enshittification.
Source: Original report
Was this helpful?
Last Modified: October 30, 2025 at 7:40 pm
2 views
