Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It By Cory Doctorow - Non Fiction - Paperback
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Title:
Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It
Format: Paperback
Overview:
Cory Doctorow’s sharp, timely meditation on the fragile promises of the internet and the marketplaces that run our daily digital lives. Enshittification offers a clear map of how once-user-friendly platforms gradually shift their priorities, moving from serving the public good to serving their own bottom line. Doctorow introduces a provocative term—“enshittification”—to describe a three-phase process through which services degrade as they lock users in, extract more value, and tighten control over what we can do and how we share. This is more than tech critique; it’s a practical guide to recognizing the patterns, understanding the incentives, and reclaiming choice. Written for curious readers, concerned parents, policy watchers, and everyday users who crave transparency, the book blends rigorous analysis with a nimble, accessible voice. You’ll come away with a clearer sense of why certain apps feel less friendly than they once did, plus concrete ideas for resisting, reforming, and rebuilding the kinds of digital spaces that respect users, creators, and the public at large. A compelling read for anyone who wants to understand the real cost of digital monopolies and what we can do about it.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
What sets Enshittification apart is Doctorow’s ability to translate complex platform economics into approachable, memorable arguments without sacrificing nuance. He links real-world experiences—from social networks to app ecosystems—to a cohesive theory about how platforms evolve from benevolent gatekeepers to extractive engines. The book’s strength lies in pairing insightful historical context with a practical toolkit: how to spot warning signs, how to evaluate policy options, and how readers can push for changes that foster interoperability, meaningful competition, and user empowerment. It’s not just a critique; it’s a roadmap for action that speaks to readers who want to understand the incentives behind changes they’ve felt on their own devices, as well as to those who want to advocate for fairer, more open digital ecosystems. The tone is sharp, often humorous, and relentlessly practical, making a dense topic feel urgent and relevant.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
This book speaks to a wide audience: readers curious about technology and society, parents navigating digital life with kids, students studying media or economics, and professionals who want a clearer picture of how platforms operate. It’s especially valuable for anyone who has wondered why a once-useful service now seems to push paid features or data harvesting, and for readers seeking ways to advocate for smarter regulation, better competition, or healthier online culture. Suitable for book clubs, classrooms, and policy discussions, it also serves as a reliable primer for BookTok and social media enthusiasts who want to understand the bigger picture behind online trends—and how to influence them positively.
Key Highlights:
- Clear, accessible explanation of a complex, real-world problem affecting everyday internet use
- Three-phase framework that helps readers diagnose how platforms change over time
- Practical actions and policy ideas to restore user control and fair competition
- Balanced mix of cultural insight, economics, and technology policy
- Engaging, witty voice from a respected tech critic and author
- Useful for educators, students, policy advocates, and curious readers alike
- A timely, bookmark-worthy resource for understanding the modern digital economy
About the Author:
Cory Doctorow is a celebrated author, journalist, and digital rights advocate known for making complex tech issues accessible to a broad audience. A co-founder of the online platform community Boing Boing and the author of acclaimed novels and non-fiction, his work spans young adult and adult audiences, exploring themes at the intersection of technology, culture, and policy. He writes with energy and clarity, drawing on a track record of thoughtful criticism and practical insight into how information technology shapes society. In Enshittification, he brings his signature blend of sharp analysis, humor, and hopeful persuasion to a topic that many readers feel personally affected by, offering both explanation and a plan for change.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
If you’ve ever felt that the internet used to feel freer, faster, and fairer, this book will resonate. It delivers a tangible framework for understanding why platforms behave the way they do and how that behavior impacts creators, workers, and everyday users. Beyond diagnosis, it offers accessible, concrete steps—whether you’re a concerned consumer, an aspiring advocate, or a policy student—on how to push back, demand accountability, and support healthier digital ecosystems. It’s a timely, responsible, and empowering read that turns frustration into informed action and makes a persuasive case for a more open, user-first internet.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
