Word Of The Year: Exploring Enshittification

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Post on Nov 26, 2024

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Word of the Year: Exploring "Enshittification" – A Deep Dive into the Degradation of Online Services

Have you ever felt like your favorite online service just… sucked lately? Like it's gotten progressively worse, riddled with ads, and generally less enjoyable? You're not alone. That feeling, that creeping sense of decline, is what's fueled the rise of "enshittification" as a word of the year contender. Let's dive into what it means and why it resonates so strongly.

What Does "Enshittification" Actually Mean?

"Enshittification," a portmanteau of "shit" and "-ification," describes the process by which a service, initially free or low-cost and user-friendly, gradually deteriorates in quality while simultaneously becoming more difficult or expensive to use. It's a slow burn, a subtle poisoning of the well, not a sudden, dramatic shift. Think of it as the slow creep of features becoming paywalled, ads becoming unavoidable, and the overall user experience taking a nosedive.

The Stages of Enshittification: From Love to Loathing

This isn't just some random internet gripe; there's a pattern. Many services go through predictable stages:

Stage 1: The Golden Age – Early days are usually golden!

Initially, the service is great! Awesome features, maybe even free, and a genuinely positive user experience. We were all so excited!

Stage 2: Monetization Creep – The subtle shift begins…

Slowly, ads start popping up. Minor features become paywalled. It’s a creeping annoyance, not a full-blown catastrophe. Still, it's a sign of things to come.

Stage 3: The Death Spiral – Things go south, fast.

The free version is gutted. The paid version is overpriced and still riddled with problems. The whole thing feels clunky, frustrating, and generally a waste of time. We're seriously considering alternatives.

Examples of Enshittification in Action

It’s happening everywhere! Think about your favorite social media platform, streaming service, or even online games. Have you noticed a decline in quality? Increased ads? Forced upgrades? That's enshitification in action. It's a common experience, and frankly, it's frustrating.

Why Does Enshittification Happen?

There are several factors at play. Companies often prioritize short-term profits over long-term user satisfaction. Sometimes, changes are made in the name of improving the service but end up having the opposite effect. Sometimes, it’s simply poor management. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: a once-loved service slowly becomes a pile of… well, you know.

Fighting Back Against Enshittification

It's not all doom and gloom. We, the users, have power. We can vote with our wallets (or lack thereof) by choosing alternatives. We can leave negative reviews, express our frustration, and demand better. This is definitely one area where collective action can bring real change!

The Future of Enshittification

Sadly, it's likely to continue. The incentive structure for many online businesses encourages this behavior. However, increased user awareness and a growing demand for ethical and sustainable business models could eventually turn the tide.

In conclusion, "enshittification" is more than just a buzzword; it's a description of a widespread phenomenon that impacts our daily digital lives. It's a reminder of the importance of supporting companies that prioritize user experience over profit maximization. Let's hope for a future with less 'shit' and more awesome online experiences.