yes everything online sucks now-but it doesn In an era where digital experiences are increasingly frustrating, a new term has emerged to encapsulate the decline in online quality: “enshittification.”
yes everything online sucks now-but it doesn
The Rise of Enshittification
As technology continues to evolve, users have noticed a significant deterioration in the quality of online platforms. Once vibrant digital spaces have become cluttered, toxic, and user-unfriendly, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. This phenomenon has been aptly named “enshittification,” a term that was recognized as the 2023 Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society. Coined by tech journalist and science fiction author Cory Doctorow, the term captures the essence of a growing frustration among internet users.
Understanding Enshittification
Doctorow, a long-time advocate for digital rights, has articulated the concept of enshittification in his new book, “Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It.” The book delves into the reasons behind the decline of online platforms and offers insights into potential solutions. Doctorow’s analysis is not just a critique; it serves as a call to action for both users and developers to rethink the way digital spaces are designed and managed.
A Personal Experience
Doctorow’s journey into the concept of enshittification began during a vacation in Puerto Rico. While staying in a remote cabin nestled in a cloud forest, he encountered a frustratingly poor internet connection. The microwave Internet service struggled to penetrate the clouds, resulting in a nearly unusable online experience. One evening, while attempting to use TripAdvisor to find local dining options, he was met with a loading screen that seemed to go on indefinitely. “All you would get is the little TripAdvisor logo as an SVG filling your whole tab and nothing else,” he recounted in an interview with Ars Technica.
Frustrated by this experience, Doctorow took to Twitter to express his discontent. He tweeted, “Has anyone at TripAdvisor ever been on a trip? This is the most enshittified website I’ve ever used.” Initially, the tweet garnered a few light-hearted responses, but it wasn’t until he combined his personal experience with a broader technical critique that the term began to resonate with a larger audience. “It was when I married that to this technical critique, at a moment when things were quite visibly bad to a much larger group of people, that made it take off,” he explained.
The Implications of Enshittification
The implications of enshittification extend beyond mere inconvenience. As platforms become increasingly cluttered and less user-friendly, users may begin to disengage, leading to a decline in overall digital literacy and engagement. This disengagement can have far-reaching consequences, not only for users but also for businesses that rely on these platforms for customer interaction and engagement.
Impact on User Experience
One of the most significant impacts of enshittification is the deterioration of user experience. Websites and applications that were once intuitive and easy to navigate have become bogged down by unnecessary features, intrusive advertisements, and complex user interfaces. This shift has made it increasingly difficult for users to accomplish simple tasks, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.
Moreover, the rise of enshittification has also contributed to a culture of toxicity online. As platforms prioritize engagement over user well-being, negative interactions and harmful content have become more prevalent. This toxic environment can deter users from participating in online communities, further exacerbating feelings of isolation and frustration.
Business Consequences
For businesses, the consequences of enshittification can be dire. Companies that rely on digital platforms for customer engagement may find themselves losing customers to competitors that offer a better user experience. As users become increasingly frustrated with poorly designed platforms, they may seek alternatives that prioritize usability and user satisfaction.
Additionally, the decline in user engagement can lead to decreased revenue for businesses that rely on advertising or subscription models. As users disengage from platforms, advertisers may be less willing to invest in spaces that no longer deliver results. This creates a vicious cycle where businesses are forced to prioritize short-term gains over long-term user satisfaction, further contributing to the cycle of enshittification.
Potential Solutions
While the concept of enshittification paints a bleak picture of the current digital landscape, Doctorow’s book also offers potential solutions to combat this trend. He emphasizes the importance of user agency and the need for platforms to prioritize user experience over profit margins.
Redesigning Digital Spaces
One of the key solutions proposed by Doctorow is the redesign of digital spaces to prioritize user experience. This involves creating platforms that are intuitive, user-friendly, and free from unnecessary clutter. By focusing on the needs of users, developers can create environments that foster engagement and satisfaction.
Moreover, Doctorow advocates for a shift in the business models that underpin many online platforms. Instead of relying solely on advertising revenue, which often incentivizes the creation of clickbait content and intrusive ads, businesses should explore alternative revenue models that prioritize user satisfaction. This could include subscription-based models or pay-per-use systems that align the interests of users and businesses.
Empowering Users
Another crucial aspect of combating enshittification is empowering users to take control of their online experiences. This includes providing users with tools to customize their digital environments, as well as educating them about their rights and options online. By fostering a culture of digital literacy, users can become more discerning consumers of online content and services.
Additionally, Doctorow emphasizes the importance of community engagement in addressing enshittification. By encouraging users to participate in the development and governance of online platforms, businesses can create a sense of ownership and accountability. This collaborative approach can lead to more sustainable and user-centric digital spaces.
Conclusion
The rise of enshittification highlights the urgent need for a reevaluation of how digital spaces are designed and managed. As users continue to grapple with increasingly frustrating online experiences, it is essential for businesses and developers to prioritize user satisfaction and engagement. Through thoughtful redesign, alternative business models, and user empowerment, it is possible to combat the trend of enshittification and create a more positive digital landscape.
As we navigate the complexities of the digital world, it is crucial to remember that the responsibility for change lies not only with developers and businesses but also with users. By advocating for better online experiences and holding platforms accountable, we can work together to reclaim our digital spaces and ensure that they serve our needs rather than detract from them.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: October 17, 2025 at 5:37 pm
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