Key Takeaways:
– Macquarie Dictionary picked ‘ensh*tification’ as the word of 2024.
– Coined by Cory Doctorow, the term symbolizes diminishing quality of digital services.
– It reflects the increasing presence of ads and lower quality services on popular online platforms.
– The term was chosen over contenders like ‘brainrot’ and ‘overtourism.’
– ‘Ensh*tification’ was not only the choice of experts, but also won the People’s Choice Award.
The Word that Mirrors Digital Evolution
“Ensh*tification,” a term describing the decreasing service quality of digital platforms, has been named ‘Word of the Year’ for 2024 by Australia’s Macquarie Dictionary. This unconventional pick reflects the world’s increased frustration with sizable digital services.
The Definition and Origin of ‘Ensh*tification’
The term implies a gradual degrade of service or product due to pursuit of profitability, particularly in digital platforms. The word ‘ensh*tification’ cleverly emerged from the ingenious mind of writer Cory Doctorow.
Digital Downhill Trend
It represents a regular trend in which digital services start being genuinely useful, and gradually witness a downfall by pursuing profitability. Social media and rideshare platforms are among the prime examples illustrating this downward spiral. Initially, these platforms presented themselves as beneficial, either by providing information or offering deals. However, over time they began to compromise on service quality by exploiting customers and reducing the offered amenities.
The ‘Ensh*tification’ effect: Facebook, Google, and Amazon
‘Ensh*tification’ can serve to explain why users’ Facebook feeds are increasingly cluttered with irrelevant content. It unpacks why Google search is swamped by ads and sponsored content. Similarly, it helps understand why Amazon is continually promoting cheap, subpar products, irrespective of customer searches. This reflects the universal altering complexion of our digital world.
Choosing ‘Ensh*tification’ Among Other Contenders
The word outperformed a list of strong competitors including ‘brainrot,’ symbolizing intellectual degeneration, and ‘overtourism,’ depicting the adverse effects of excessive tourism. A panel of experts at the Macquarie dictionary selected the term as the word of the year.
The People’s Choice Winner
‘Ensh*tification’ emerged victoriously in the people’s choice category. According to the panel, it’s a basic Anglo-Saxon term that has been dressed up with prefixes and suffixes, making it almost formal and appropriate.
Reflecting Current World Scenario
The committee inferred that this word successfully encapsulates what many individuals feel is happening to the world and more so to various aspects of our lives at present.
In conclusion, ‘ensh*tification,’ chosen as the word of the year, paints a clear picture of the declining standard of digital services in pursuit of profits. This selection is a commentary on our evolving digital landscape and signifies a budding demand for better, non-exploitative digital platforms. So, as the world moves forward in 2024, ‘ensh*tification’ calls for a reevaluation of digital ethics and quality control.