The internet has faced significant challenges in recent years, according to bestselling author and tech blogger Cory Doctorow. In his new book, “Enshittification,” Doctorow argues that technology companies have degraded the user experience, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and even dangers for consumers. He shared these insights during a conversation with host Faisal al Yafai on the podcast The Lede.
Doctorow reminisced about the early days of technology, where the internet was a place of discovery and connection. “For a lot of us, our journey into tech is that we used computers, and it changed our lives for the better,” he stated. He highlighted how this digital landscape once facilitated personal growth, social connections, and even love. However, he believes that the current state of the internet has strayed far from those ideals.
Big Tech’s Power and User Safety
In his book, Doctorow emphasizes that the power wielded by major technology companies often results in negative outcomes for users. He pointed to the removal of the app ICE Block by Apple as a troubling example of this phenomenon. The app was designed to notify users of the presence of immigration and customs officials in their neighborhoods. “You can’t run the app that tells you when ICE is in your neighborhood trying to kidnap you,” he remarked, underscoring the implications of having such power fall into the hands of a few large corporations.
Doctorow further criticized the prioritization of profit over user welfare. He noted that Apple has actively opposed “right to repair” laws, which would facilitate easier repairs of their products at local electronics shops. “Apple led that coalition to make sure that you just didn’t keep your iPhone working,” he said, reflecting on how corporate interests can overshadow consumer needs.
The Flawed Incentives of Tech Companies
Doctorow contends that the current reward structures for executives in major tech firms are fundamentally flawed. He explained, “The reason they can be as wicked as they are and still run the company is because we have an enshittogenic policy environment.” This environment, according to him, enables companies to prioritize profit over ethical considerations without facing significant consequences.
Looking to the future, Doctorow expressed concern about the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. He warned that the transition to AI could lead to adverse outcomes if companies begin replacing human workers with algorithms that fail to perform adequately. “I think we’re going to screw up AI by firing a bunch of people and replacing them with an algorithm that can’t do their job,” he cautioned, emphasizing the potential for costly failures if reliance on technology continues unchecked.
As the conversation unfolded on The Lede, Doctorow’s reflections served as a call to action for consumers, urging them to critically assess the role of technology in their lives. The podcast episode encapsulates a growing sentiment among tech advocates who aim to reclaim the internet and restore it to a space that fosters genuine connection and innovation.
The insights shared by Doctorow highlight pressing issues within the tech industry, calling for greater accountability and a reconsideration of how technology should serve society.
