There’s a reason why it feels like the internet has gone bad | CNN Business

CNN - Jan 13th, 2025
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Cory Doctorow's concept of 'enshittification' describes the decline of online platforms as they prioritize profit over user experience, eventually leading to their own obsolescence. This theory is particularly evident in the trajectory of companies like Meta, where initial user-centric services devolve into profit-driven models that alienate both users and advertisers. Doctorow explains how this pattern extends beyond tech, affecting industries impacted by monopolistic practices and private equity, ultimately leading to a degradation of service quality and consumer satisfaction.

The significance of 'enshittification' lies in its broader implications for the economy. With diminished antitrust enforcement and increasing corporate power, many sectors experience a similar fate, as seen in healthcare and eyewear monopolies. Doctorow suggests that public dissatisfaction with monopolistic practices could lead to new coalitions advocating for change, reminiscent of the environmental movement's rise in the 1970s. This growing awareness may drive collective action against entrenched monopolies, potentially reshaping the future of various industries.

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RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article offers an insightful examination of the concept of 'enshittification' as articulated by Cory Doctorow, providing a critical view of the deterioration of online platforms and monopolistic practices in various industries. It is well-researched and draws upon Doctorow's experiences and perspectives, giving a vivid illustration of how large corporations prioritize profit over user experience. However, the article could benefit from more comprehensive source referencing and balanced inclusion of counterarguments or differing perspectives. The narrative is clear but sometimes informal, which might detract from its credibility in a professional setting. Overall, it serves as a thought-provoking piece that effectively raises awareness about the issues of large-scale corporate control but could be more robust in its sourcing and balance.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article predominantly bases its claims on Cory Doctorow's concept of 'enshittification,' which is a theoretical framework rather than a universally accepted fact. The narrative is truthfully aligned with Doctorow's views as laid out in his essay for Wired, and the examples provided (such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and Facebook's business practices) are representative of real-world scenarios. However, the article leans heavily on Doctorow’s interpretations without offering independent verification or additional evidence. For instance, statements about Facebook's decline and the generalization of enshittification across industries could be better supported with data or studies. While the personal anecdotes and interpretations are compelling, additional verification and factual substantiation would enhance the article's accuracy.

6
Balance

The article presents a predominantly one-sided view by focusing extensively on Doctorow's critical perspective of major tech companies and monopolistic practices. While it provides a detailed explanation of the 'enshittification' theory, it lacks representation of opposing viewpoints or defenses from the companies mentioned. For instance, while Meta and other companies are criticized, their side of the story or any public statements they might have made are not included. The lack of response from Meta is noted, but no attempt is made to provide a balanced exploration of the issue by including potential benefits or alternative interpretations of the situations described. Including perspectives from industry experts or stakeholders could have provided a more nuanced and balanced analysis.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and generally easy to follow, with a logical flow from the introduction of 'enshittification' to its application in various industries. The language is accessible and engaging, though at times it leans towards informal, which may undermine the professional tone. For example, phrases like 'AI slop' and 'hacking your dopamine loops' are vivid but may not be immediately clear to all readers without further explanation. The interview format effectively breaks down complex ideas into understandable segments, though some sections could benefit from additional context or explanation to enhance clarity. Overall, the article communicates its ideas effectively, but refining the language and ensuring all terms and concepts are clearly defined would further improve its clarity.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on Cory Doctorow as its primary source, which, while authoritative in discussing his own theory, limits the diversity of perspectives and the overall credibility of the piece. Doctorow’s credentials as an author and journalist lend some weight, but the article does not incorporate a wide range of sources or empirical data to support its claims. Additionally, while the article mentions requests for comments from Meta and EssilorLuxottica, it lacks other expert opinions or references to studies that could corroborate or challenge Doctorow’s views. The inclusion of more varied and robust sources, such as academic research or industry reports, would enhance the article’s reliability and depth.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about its reliance on Cory Doctorow's perspective, clearly indicating that the interview has been edited for length and clarity. It also notes when companies failed to respond to requests for comment, which is commendable for disclosure. However, the article could improve transparency by providing more context about Doctorow’s potential biases or affiliations, given his background as an activist. Additionally, it would benefit from a clearer explanation of the methodologies or evidence supporting the claims made, particularly regarding the broader application of 'enshittification' beyond the tech industry. More thorough disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest or affiliations would strengthen the article’s transparency.