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Explain the newly-coined term "enshittification" to me.Question
Explain the newly-coined term "enshittification" to me.
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"Enshittification" is a term that has emerged in discussions about digital platforms and the way they evolve over time. The term was popularized by tech writer Cory Doctorow and describes the process by which a service or platform deteriorates in quality, often as a consequence of prioritizing profit over user experience.
The concept typically unfolds in three stages:
1. **Value Creation**: Initially, platforms provide significant value to users, attracting a dedicated user base. During this phase, they focus on user needs and engagement to grow and establish themselves.
2. **Monetization and Exploitation**: As the platform grows and becomes a dominant player in its market, the focus shifts toward maximizing profits. This often results in intrusive advertising, reduced quality in user experience, and a prioritization of shareholder interests over community engagement. Users may start to notice a decline in the overall quality of the service.
3. **User Abandonment**: Eventually, if the platform continues to prioritize monetization at the expense of user satisfaction, users may become dissatisfied and leave the platform for alternatives. This can lead to a self-reinforcing cycle of deterioration where the platform loses both users and its relevance.
"Enshittification" serves as a critique of many contemporary digital services that start with user-friendly experiences but gradually devolve into less satisfactory versions of themselves, often prioritizing profit over the quality of service. It highlights the importance of sustainable business practices that do not compromise user experience for monetary gain.
The concept typically unfolds in three stages:
1. **Value Creation**: Initially, platforms provide significant value to users, attracting a dedicated user base. During this phase, they focus on user needs and engagement to grow and establish themselves.
2. **Monetization and Exploitation**: As the platform grows and becomes a dominant player in its market, the focus shifts toward maximizing profits. This often results in intrusive advertising, reduced quality in user experience, and a prioritization of shareholder interests over community engagement. Users may start to notice a decline in the overall quality of the service.
3. **User Abandonment**: Eventually, if the platform continues to prioritize monetization at the expense of user satisfaction, users may become dissatisfied and leave the platform for alternatives. This can lead to a self-reinforcing cycle of deterioration where the platform loses both users and its relevance.
"Enshittification" serves as a critique of many contemporary digital services that start with user-friendly experiences but gradually devolve into less satisfactory versions of themselves, often prioritizing profit over the quality of service. It highlights the importance of sustainable business practices that do not compromise user experience for monetary gain.