A Day in the Life of an Enshittificator

The Norwegian Consumer Council created a humorous video to highlight the issue of enshittification in digital products. Enshittification describes the worsening quality of digital services like software and apps, marked by increased ads and degraded features. This phenomenon unfolds in stages where companies initially offer appealing services to gain users. They then exploit those users to attract business customers, and ultimately prioritize their own profits. This process stems from a dysfunctional market that allows companies to mistreat and exploit consumers. Consumers are trapped within these digital platforms, hindering competition. Policymakers and regulators struggle to effectively address anticompetitive and abusive practices. The dominance of a few powerful tech companies allows them to operate with little fear of consequences. The video serves as part of the council's "Breaking Free" initiative, addressing these concerns. The core issue is the erosion of value and usability within digital environments. This enshittification trend negatively impacts user experience and satisfaction.