Can Cory Doctorow’s ‘Enshittification’ Transform the Tech Industry Debate?
Cory Doctorow, a prominent science fiction author and internet activist, has a storied career spanning nearly 40 years. He has produced an impressive body of work, including 15 novels, six nonfiction books, and thousands of blog posts and essays. Recently, he has gained significant attention for coining the term “Enshittification.”
Understanding Enshittification
The term “Enshittification” refers to the gradual decline in user experience on online platforms, as their corporate owners prioritize profit over user satisfaction. This process, which Doctorow outlines in detail, can be likened to a disease that progresses through distinct stages.
Key Stages of Enshittification
- Initial Appeal: Platforms offer excellent services to attract users.
- Exploitation Phase: Once a platform dominates, it begins to exploit users for monetization.
- Decline in Quality: Users and businesses suffer as platforms prioritize profit, leading to a decrease in overall satisfaction.
Doctorow has used this framework to critique various sectors—ranging from social media to democracy itself—highlighting how profit-driven models can harm user experiences.
Upcoming Book Release
On October 3, 2023, Doctorow’s new book, Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It, will be released by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. This book expands on his essays and includes case studies on companies like Uber, Twitter, and Photoshop. Doctorow advocates for breaking up major tech companies and implementing stricter regulations to improve the digital landscape.
Doctorow’s Influence and Activism
Throughout his career, Doctorow has continually emphasized that technology can empower individuals or serve as a means of oppression. By promoting tinkering and individuality, he warns against the dangers of conformity and consolidation. His activism aims to inspire the public to envision a more humane and democratic internet.
Doctorow’s insights resonate widely, especially as many users express dissatisfaction with rising costs and declining service quality on platforms like Netflix and Instagram. He points out that the current climate reflects a larger trend of technology’s exploitative use.
The Roots of Doctorow’s Philosophy
Growing up in a tech-savvy environment in Toronto, Doctorow was exposed to computers from a young age. His father, a Marxist schoolteacher, fostered an atmosphere of exploration and creativity, fueling Doctorow’s interest in technology. He later became an influential voice in digital rights activism.
Historical Context
Doctorow’s critiques are not just intellectual; they stem from his own experiences in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. He was among the digital rights activists challenging corporations’ control over digital information, promoting free access and user rights.
As the public becomes increasingly aware of the shortcomings of major tech companies, Doctorow’s framework of “Enshittification” serves as a call to action. He encourages consumers to advocate for changes that prioritize user experience over profit.
In essence, Doctorow’s work is a reflection of the ongoing struggle between technological advancement and corporate greed. As he continues to address these challenges, his insights are more relevant than ever in shaping the future of the tech industry debate.
