Why the Internet Seems to Be Getting Worse: Corey Doctorow’s Theory of Enshittification

Tech critic Corey Doctorow discusses the concept of ‘enshittification,’ a term he coined to explain why digital platforms like Amazon, Google, and Instagram appear to be deteriorating in user experience. According to Doctorow, platforms undergo a three-step decline: initially prioritizing users, then exploiting users to benefit business clients, and finally abusing those businesses to maximize platform control and profits. This process results in degraded services, excessive advertising, data exploitation, and reduced trust. Examples include Amazon undercutting its sellers, Instagram prioritizing ads and influencer content over genuine social interactions, and Google cluttering search results with low-quality content. Doctorow advocates for strong regulations, antitrust measures, and corporate accountability to reverse this trend and restore a better internet for users and businesses alike.