Summary
The article discusses Cory Doctorow's concept of "enshittification," which describes how internet platforms evolve over time. According to Doctorow, companies like Facebook, Google, Uber, and Amazon start by being consumer-friendly to build a large user base and eventually shift focus to satisfying business customers, often at the expense of users.
Key Facts
- Cory Doctorow created the term "enshittification" to describe a negative trend in internet platforms.
- Enshittification involves a pattern where platforms initially benefit users to attract them.
- In Stage 1, companies like Facebook and Amazon offer great deals to users to grow their user base.
- These platforms benefit from "network effects," meaning they become more useful as more people use them.
- High switching costs make it difficult for users to leave these platforms.
- In Stage 2, platforms focus on attracting businesses, sometimes reducing the quality of user experience.
- Companies may then prioritize advertising revenue or business partnerships over user satisfaction.
