Once You See It, You Can't Unsee It: The Enshitification of Tech Platforms

In this conversation, Kimberly Becker and Jessica Parker explore the concept of 'enshitification'—as articulated by Cory Doctorow in his book Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It—as it relates to generative AI and tech platforms. They discuss the stages of platform development, the shift from individual users to business customers, and the implications of algorithmic changes on user experience.

The conversation also explores the work of AI researchers Emily M. Bender and Timnit Gebru, whose paper "On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots" raised critical questions about the limitations and risks of large language models. The hosts explore the role of data privacy, the impact of AI on labor, the need for regulation, and the dangers of market consolidation, using case studies like Amazon's acquisition and eventual shutdown of Diapers.com and Google's Project Maven controversy.

Key Takeaways

• Enshitification refers to the degradation of tech platforms over time
• The shift from individual users to business customers can lead to worse outcomes for end users
• Data privacy is a critical concern as companies monetize user interactions
• AI is predicted to significantly displace workers in coming years
• Regulation is necessary to protect consumers from unchecked corporate power
• Market consolidation can stifle competition and innovation
• Recognizing these patterns is essential for navigating the tech landscape

Further Reading & Resources

• Cory Doctorow's Pluralistic blog
• The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation
• 2024 Tech Layoffs Tracker

Streamlined "Top Links" Version (if you want minimal show notes):

• Cory Doctorow on Enshittification
• Enshittification book
• "On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots" by Bender & Gebru
• Amazon/Diapers.com case study
• Google Project Maven controversy
• AI job displacement tracker