Enshittification: Word Of The Year

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Post on Nov 27, 2024

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Enshittification: Word of the Year – My Totally Unfiltered Take

Okay, folks, let's talk about "enshittification." I know, I know, it's not exactly a word you'd use at a dinner party (unless your dinner party is really interesting). But hear me out, because this word, this glorious, slightly profane word, perfectly captures a feeling we've all had. It's been everywhere lately, and for good reason. It’s basically the perfect description of what happens when something great goes to crap.

What is Enshittification, Anyway?

So, what is enshittification? It's a term coined (I think by someone on Reddit – can't remember exactly where I first saw it, my bad) to describe the process of a company or service initially offering a high-quality product or experience, only to gradually degrade it over time, often in the name of profit maximization. Think free services slowly adding more and more ads, or subscription services cutting features while raising prices. It's like that slow, agonizing decline of your favorite band after they sell out. You know, the one where they start wearing sparkly jumpsuits. Ugh.

I remember this one time... I subscribed to this amazing online course about 3D modeling. The first few months were fantastic; the lessons were clear, the community was engaged, and I felt like I was actually learning. Then, bam. More ads, fewer instructor interactions. The quality of the lesson plans took a nosedive, but the price? It stayed the same. Total enshittification. I canceled my subscription, so bummed.

Recognizing the Warning Signs: How to Avoid the Shitstorm

So how do you spot enshitification before you're knee-deep in it? Here's some advice from my own painful experiences.

1. Look for Creeping Changes

Little things add up. Is your favorite app adding more intrusive ads? Are features disappearing? Are response times slowing down? These small changes, often unnoticed at first, are often the early warning signs of bigger problems.

2. Pay Attention to User Feedback

Check online reviews and forums – seriously, do it! What are other users saying? Are they experiencing similar issues? Ignoring user feedback is often a major red flag.

3. Value Your Time

This is a big one. If a service is constantly frustrating you, causing you to waste time, or simply isn't worth the money or effort, ditch it. Life's too short for crappy apps and services. I learned that the hard way. I spent hours trying to fix things that should have worked perfectly and the service wasn't fixing it.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Switch

Don't be a brand loyalist if there are better alternatives. I know it's tough to switch, but don't be afraid. Look for new apps and services that are built to satisfy customer demand.

The Bottom Line: Fight Enshittification!

Enshittification is a real problem and avoiding it requires vigilance and a willingness to jump ship when necessary. By staying aware of the warning signs and actively seeking out better alternatives, you can avoid the frustration and disappointment of watching something you love slowly turn to garbage. Seriously, it's worth it. Trust me on this one.

So, next time you see a service starting to go downhill, remember "enshittification." Use that word to voice your concerns, and don't be afraid to move on.

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