Australia’s Macquarie Dictionary has chosen “enshittification” as its word of the year, reflecting growing public frustration over the declining quality of digital services.
Definition
- Enshittification (Noun): The gradual decline in the quality of a product or service, particularly online platforms, as companies prioritize profit over user experience.
Origins and Examples
Coined by writer Cory Doctorow, the term describes a common lifecycle of digital platforms:
- Early Stages: High-quality services attract users.
- Profit-Seeking: Monetization strategies degrade the user experience.
- Exploitation: Platforms prioritize revenue over functionality.
Prominent examples include:
- Social Media: Platforms like Facebook (now X) clutter feeds with ads and irrelevant content.
- Search Engines: Google increasingly displays sponsored results over organic, useful links.
- E-commerce: Amazon promoting subpar products in search results.
- Ride-Sharing: Uber initially offered affordable rides but has raised prices and reduced service.
Why It Resonates
The word resonated with both the dictionary’s committee and the public, winning “People’s Choice” as well. The committee praised its “blend of Anglo-Saxon bluntness with a pseudo-respectable formality,” reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with corporate practices affecting daily life.
Runner-Up Words
Other shortlisted terms included:
- Brainrot: Mental decline attributed to overstimulation, often from digital media.
- Overtourism: The environmental and social strain caused by excessive tourism.
- Rawdogging: Slang for unprotected engagement, often in a risky context.
Cultural Impact
“Enshittification” captures the zeitgeist of 2024, articulating a sentiment shared by many who feel digital platforms are prioritizing profit at the expense of quality. Its selection underscores the growing awareness and critique of tech monopolies and consumer exploitation.
What are your thoughts on “enshittification” as the word of the year? Does it resonate with your experiences?