This is not the first time I’ve posted about enshittification, that occurence when an online platform ceases to provide value, first to its regular users, then to its business customers. In fact, I posted about it in 2023, the same year it became word of the year (according to some).
So, you’ve probably experienced this online yourself on one or more platforms. It’s ridiculous, dispiriting, and infuriating in waves, isn’t it? Well, not content to simply coin the term, Cory Doctorow went ahead and wrote a book about it… including some things we, as a society, might do to combat the crap.
So if you want to get an idea about the concept and the book, here’s a half-hour talk that sums up a lot of his thinking he presented to Cloudfest:
And if that’s not enough, here’s a 100-minute extravaganza talking with Adam Conover
Note that if you watched the second video and want more, you are probably a candidate for the book.
Also, it’s Christmas Eve. Now get off these inter-tubes and check in with your friends and family why doncha?