Key Takeaways
• Cory Doctorow coins “Amazon enshittification” to describe the platform’s decline.
• Profit focus has filled Amazon with junk products and intrusive ads.
• Shoppers face low-quality items, confusing search, and lost trust.
• Sellers struggle with high fees, unfair rules, and unfair competition.
• Doctorow warns this trend can hit other big tech companies too.
• He urges stronger rules and fair competition to fix the problem.
Amazon enshittification Explained
Many people loved Amazon for choice and low prices. However, today’s Amazon feels different. Cory Doctorow calls this drop in quality “Amazon enshittification.” He says the company now pushes ads, low-cost products, and confusing rules. As a result, shoppers and sellers both lose trust in the platform.
What is Amazon enshittification?
Doctorow uses “Amazon enshittification” to show how profit focus can ruin a service. First, Amazon started with honest reviews and fair fees. Later, it introduced more ads and sponsored listings. In addition, it added private-label products that compete with third-party sellers. Finally, it raised fees and hid important information. Thus, it turned a helpful site into a crowded marketplace of poor-value goods.
How Amazon enshittification Hurts Shoppers
Shoppers once trusted Amazon to show well-reviewed items first. However, ads now push less reliable products to the top. For example, you may see a sponsored gadget with few real reviews. Furthermore, Amazon’s search can bury quality items under sponsored links. As a result, shoppers spend more time weeding out bad choices. Consequently, people feel tricked rather than helped.
How Amazon enshittification Harms Sellers
Sellers face new struggles from Amazon enshittification too. First, Amazon raises fees quietly and without warning. Then, it creates private-label versions of popular items. This trick forces small brands to pay more or risk being edged out. Moreover, confusing rules can lead to sudden account suspensions. Therefore, honest sellers lose sales and struggle to plan ahead.
Antitrust Concerns and Labor Issues
Amazon enshittification ties to wider antitrust worries. Regulators question whether Amazon uses its power unfairly. In addition, workers in Amazon warehouses face harsh conditions. Reports of low pay, high pressure, and injury risks have surfaced again and again. As a result, calls grow for stricter labor and competition rules.
Calls for Regulation Against Amazon enshittification
Doctorow urges governments to step in. He suggests rules to limit Amazon’s control over listings and fees. He also favors laws that protect small sellers from sudden delistings. Moreover, he wants clearer labeling for ads and sponsored products. Finally, he calls for stronger labor protections in fulfillment centers. These steps could restore fair play and trust.
Lessons for Other Tech Giants
This drop in quality is not unique to Amazon. Other major platforms may follow the same path. First, they chase profit by boosting ads and paid search results. Next, they sideline smaller partners or users. Then, trust erodes as users see lower value. Therefore, all big tech companies should learn from Amazon enshittification. They must balance profits with user trust and fairness.
Conclusion
Amazon enshittification shows how profit chasing can backfire. Rather than helping shoppers and sellers, it creates a messy, less reliable marketplace. Shoppers wrestle with more ads and junk items. Sellers face unfair competition and rising fees. Meanwhile, labor and antitrust concerns grow. Cory Doctorow’s call for regulation aims to fix these issues. By drawing lessons from Amazon’s decline, other tech leaders can avoid the same mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does Amazon enshittification mean?
It refers to the process where Amazon shifts focus from user experience to making more profit. This leads to low-quality products, intrusive ads, and unfair rules.
Why should shoppers worry about Amazon enshittification?
Shoppers see more sponsored and lower-quality items. They spend extra time sorting through ads. As a result, they lose trust in the platform.
How does Amazon enshittification affect small sellers?
Small sellers face higher fees, hidden rules, and direct competition from Amazon’s own brands. They may lose sales or get suspended without clear reasons.
Can regulation really fix Amazon enshittification?
Proper rules can limit unfair fees and protect seller listings. Clear ad labeling and labor protections can also improve trust. This can help restore a fair marketplace.