Why in news?
The slang term “enshittification” was selected as one of the words of the year in 2024 and continues to be widely used to describe the perceived decline of major technology platforms. Its popularity reflects growing public frustration with digital services that have become worse over time.
Background
Author and activist Cory Doctorow coined the term in 2022 to explain a pattern he observed across online platforms. He argued that companies initially lure users with free or high‑quality services, then shift to monetising businesses and advertisers, and finally prioritise profits for owners at the expense of all others. The word combines a vulgar root with the suffix “‑ification” to signify a process of degradation.
How it happens
- User attraction phase: Platforms start by offering convenient features, minimal ads and sometimes subsidies to build a large user base.
- Business exploitation phase: Once users are locked in, the platform favours business customers by inserting ads, promoting paid content and throttling competitors.
- Extractive phase: Finally, the platform maximises profits by charging for previously free services, imposing high fees and manipulating algorithms. Users experience degraded service quality and fewer choices.
Significance
- Consumer awareness: Naming the phenomenon helps users articulate why familiar apps feel worse and encourages them to demand accountability.
- Policy discussions: The term has entered debates on antitrust and digital regulation, highlighting the need for competition and user‑centric design.
Sources: Merriam‑Webster, The New Yorker