Enshittification
Cory Doctorow coined the term in a 2022 essay and expanded it in his 2023 book 'The Internet Con.' · The Internet Con (2023)
Enshittification is the process by which online platforms progressively degrade user experience while increasing rent extraction, moving through three phases: user satisfaction, exploitation of users for business customers, and exploitation of all parties.
Core Concepts
The Problem
Online platforms start valuable but inevitably become hostile to their users and business partners, eroding trust and utility.
The Claim
Without strong interoperability mandates or competition, platforms will enshittify because their monopoly power lets them extract value without fear of user departure.
Key Evidence
- •Amazon search results increasingly dominated by sponsored products at the expense of relevance.
- •Facebook's algorithmic feed prioritizes engagement bait over user-chosen content, worsening the experience.
- •TikTok's shift from a chronological, interest-based feed to an algorithmically optimized platform mirrors the pattern.
Practical Implication
Policy interventions like data portability, interoperability, and right-to-repair can break the enshittification cycle by reducing switching costs and restoring competitive pressure.
Nuance & Limits
The framework applies broadly beyond digital platforms—it mirrors historical patterns of enclosure and rent-seeking in utilities, transportation, and media. However, the speed and scale of digital lock-in make it particularly dangerous.
Source Material
Citation Density
Widely cited in tech journalism, policy circles, and academic discussions of platform governance.
Gaps
- ⚠ Empirical, longitudinal studies tracking multiple platforms through the stages are lacking.
- ⚠ The role of antitrust enforcement versus interoperability mandates needs more formal comparison.
Discuss Further
Open this concept in an AI assistant for deeper discussion, critique, or exploration.