The tech world has lost its sparkle, and Cory Doctorow attributes this decline to the great “Enshittification.” At 52, the Canadian-British author has observed a disturbing trend where Big Tech platforms are deteriorating beyond recognition. These platforms, once vibrant and innovative, are now mired in what Doctorow describes as a state of decay, lacking the joy and vitality they once possessed.
The significance of platforms in our modern digital economy cannot be overstated. Serving as intermediaries between different market participants, platforms facilitate transactions and interactions in various industries. Doctorow questions the disproportionate importance these platforms have assumed in relation to their users. He asks, “How is it that Uber is more important than the drivers and the riders? How is it that Facebook and Twitter are more important than publishers and readers?”
The process of “Enshittification” that Doctorow outlines follows a predictable trajectory. Initially, platforms attract users with enticing offers such as free sign-ups or discounted subscriptions. However, over time, these platforms exert increasing control over their users, dictating terms and conditions that may not always be favorable or fair.
Regulatory bodies like the European Commission have started to address the imbalance of power wielded by tech giants. For instance, a recent ruling against Apple highlighted the company’s monopolistic practices in the app distribution market. By forcing Apple to revise its policies regarding app sales and commissions, the Commission aims to level the playing field for developers and consumers alike.
Looking ahead, Doctorow predicts a potential showdown between regulators and tech firms as the battle for control over digital platforms intensifies. The concept of “Narrative capitalism,” where platforms rely on carefully curated public images to shape their reputations, adds another layer of complexity to this ongoing struggle.
As the tech industry grapples with issues of transparency, accountability, and user empowerment, the future of digital platforms hangs in the balance. Can these platforms reinvent themselves and rediscover the joy and innovation that once defined them, or are we destined to witness the continued erosion of their essential qualities? Only time will tell how this narrative unfolds in the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of technology and business.
By
