Yes, everything online sucks now—but it doesn’t have to

The article discusses the concept of "enshittification," a term coined by author Cory Doctorow to describe the gradual decline in the quality of online platforms and services. Doctorow argues that as companies prioritize profits over user experience, they often implement strategies that undermine the very features and functionality that made the platforms successful in the first place. The article explores how various online platforms, such as social media, e-commerce, and video streaming, have fallen victim to this phenomenon, with features being gradually degraded or hidden behind paywalls. Doctorow emphasizes that this trend is not inevitable and that there are ways to prevent it, such as by creating more user-centric business models, fostering competition, and encouraging regulation to protect the integrity of these platforms. The article highlights Doctorow's belief that the current state of the online landscape is a result of deliberate choices made by platform owners, and that there is a need for a more conscious and ethical approach to the development and management of these technologies.