This VPRO Tegenlicht video explores the phenomenon of "enshittification," where digital platforms initially benefit users but gradually degrade the user experience to better serve corporate clients and shareholders. The video uses examples like Facebook and Google to illustrate this three-stage process, highlighting the resulting power imbalance and the potential for a global movement against unchecked corporate power.
Enshittification: The video introduces the concept of "enshittification," a process where digital platforms initially prioritize user experience, then exploit user dependence, and finally extract maximum value for profit, ultimately leaving the platform vulnerable to collapse.
Facebook's Three Stages: Facebook's evolution is used as a case study, demonstrating the three stages of enshittification: initially providing a valuable service for users, then exploiting user data for advertising revenue, and finally prioritizing corporate clients over user experience.
Google's Degradation: Google's decline in user experience is linked to the failure of antitrust regulations. Once Google reached market dominance, it prioritized profit over improvements to its search engine, intentionally making it less efficient to increase ad revenue.
Power Imbalance: The video argues that tech companies' immense power allows them to manipulate and exploit users without consequence. This power imbalance is exacerbated by the lack of worker unions in the tech sector and the difficulty of switching platforms due to high switching costs.
Emerging Coalition: The video concludes that a global movement against corporate monopolies is emerging, uniting diverse stakeholders concerned about the negative consequences of enshittification across various industries, not just tech.
