Doctorow's 'Enshittification': A Seismic Shift in Tech Discourse

Understanding 'Enshittification'

Cory Doctorow, a notable figure in both the realms of fiction and digital rights activism, has long been vocal about the transgressions of tech giants. In his latest book, Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It, Doctorow expands on his provocative term that describes how online platforms deteriorate over time under corporate pressures. Initially coined in his essays, the term highlights a pattern wherein user experience declines in a calculated drive for profit.

The Concept's Roots

The phenomenon of 'enshittification' first emerged in Doctorow's writings as a cheeky yet serious commentary on the practices of tech companies. In his view, this evolution is akin to a disease, unfolding through stages where original user benefits are stripped away as companies prioritize profits. What began as a tool for connection becomes a mechanism of exploitation. This shift has been particularly pronounced in major platforms like Facebook and Google, where user experience has steadily worsened, leading to a pervasive sentiment of frustration and alienation.

“It's frustrating. It's demoralizing. It's even terrifying,” Doctorow observed, encapsulating the collective anxiety many experience while navigating the complexities of modern tech.

The Book: More Than Just a Rant

Released on October 6, 2025, Doctorow's book isn't merely a reiteration of his previous arguments but is detailed with case studies examining companies like Uber, Twitter, and Photoshop. Here, he explores the mechanisms of 'enshittification' and proposes robust regulatory measures aimed at breaking up monopolistic power structures that sustain this negative cycle. Doctorow argues for a renewed public discourse on tech regulation, emphasizing the need for companies to be held accountable to their users.

Doctorow's Personal Narrative

Over a humble lunch of avocado malted and poached eggs at a diner in Lower Manhattan, Doctorow likens his articles to missions in a video game and his book to a 'save game point', a way to crystallize his thoughts and experiences thus far. Reflecting a career spent wrestling with the intersections of technology, ethics, and liberation, his narrative transcends mere tech critique.

Balancing Hope and Fear

With a childhood steeped in a Marxist backdrop and early exposure to computing, Doctorow's perspective is a deeply personal commitment. He articulates a duality: immense excitement about technology's potential for liberation and simultaneous fear about its capacity for control when mismanaged. This balancing act mirrors the technological landscape today—at once a source of innovation and a mechanism of oppression.

Challenging the Status Quo

Doctorow's examination of 'enshittification' invites readers to challenge prevailing narratives about technology's role in society. In an age where price hikes on platforms like Netflix and the regurgitated content served by algorithms have dulled users' experiences, there's a growing urgency to advocate for a tech ecosystem that fosters creativity and freedom rather than servitude.

Moving Forward

Ultimately, Doctorow's book not only names the issues plaguing our digital lives but also equips readers with attitudes and actions necessary to demand better. He calls for a collective effort to redefine our relationship with technology, to reclaim agency against overwhelming corporate influence. In his words, “All our tech businesses are turning awful. And they're not dying. We remain trapped in their carcasses, unable to escape.”

A Cultural Shift

The term 'enshittification' has entered the cultural lexicon, now evoking a broader context of frustration, extending beyond tech companies to encompass declining quality across various sectors, from entertainment to education. It has become clear that a more humane and democratic internet is not just a want; it's a necessity.

Community Implications

Doctorow emphasizes that improving our digital experience requires more than just awareness; it necessitates action. Collective movements are vital. He advocates for breaking down large tech monopolies and regulations that prioritize consumer rights, thereby realigning power back to the users.

As a culture, we must grapple with these questions actively. Are we content with passive consumption, or will we demand a tech landscape that reflects our values and ideals? Doctorow's work serves as a beacon for many, a challenge to all who care about the future of our interconnected lives. His journey reflects both a call to action and a powerful message: it doesn't have to be this way.