Can AI Avoid the Enshittification Trap?

The article discusses Cory Doctorow's theory of "enshittification," which describes how tech platforms can deteriorate over time. The theory suggests that as platforms become more profitable, they often prioritize revenue generation over user experience, leading to a decline in quality and user trust. The article argues that as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more profitable and powerful, it faces a similar risk of enshittification. As AI systems become more influential, there are concerns that they could be exploited for financial gain, leading to a degradation of their effectiveness and trustworthiness. The article highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between profitability and user experience in the development of AI systems. It suggests that AI developers and companies must be vigilant in ensuring that their AI products and services continue to serve the needs of their users, rather than prioritizing short-term financial gains. Overall, the article warns that the enshittification trap is a significant challenge that AI must navigate to avoid a similar fate as other tech platforms.