The Enshittification Trap: How Great Products/Services Lose Their Way

In today’s fast-paced, profit-driven world, we’ve all experienced it: a product or service we once loved slowly transforms into a shadow of its former self. Apps become bloated with ads, customer service feels like a maze, or a platform you relied on suddenly prioritizes revenue over user experience. Tech writer Cory Doctorow coined a colorful term for this trend: enshittification. It’s a phenomenon where a once-great product or experience degrades, often in the blind pursuit of profit. At DontWaitLeadNow.com, we believe leadership is about breaking this cycle and prioritizing value over short-term gains. Let’s explore enshittification, why it happens, and how leaders can steer clear of this trap.

What Is Enshittification?

Enshittification, as Doctorow describes, follows a predictable pattern. First, a company offers a fantastic product or service to attract users. Think of the early days of social media platforms—clean interfaces, meaningful connections, and minimal ads. Once the user base grows, the focus shifts to monetization. Ads creep in, features get paywalled, and algorithms prioritize engagement over quality. Finally, the company squeezes every last drop of profit, alienating users and degrading the experience. Sound familiar?

This isn’t just a tech problem. From subscription services hiking prices while cutting features to retailers prioritizing cheap, low-quality goods, enshittification is everywhere. It’s what happens when short-term profit overshadows long-term value.

Why Does Enshittification Happen?

The root of enshittification often lies in misaligned priorities. Here are a few reasons why great products lose their way:

1. Profit Over Purpose: Companies chasing quarterly earnings may sacrifice user trust for quick revenue. This can mean intrusive ads, data harvesting, or nickel-and-diming customers.

2. Lack of Vision: Without a clear, user-focused mission, businesses drift toward decisions that prioritize shareholders over customers.

3. Market Pressure: In competitive industries, companies feel forced to cut corners or over-monetize to keep up with rivals.

4. Neglecting Feedback: Ignoring user complaints or failing to adapt to changing needs can erode trust and loyalty.

The result? A product that feels like a betrayal of its original promise.

How Leaders Can Avoid the Enshittification Trap

Here’s how leaders can prevent enshittification and keep their products, services, and teams thriving:

1. Stay True to Your Core Values

Great leaders anchor their decisions in a clear mission. Whether it’s delivering exceptional customer service or building innovative tools, let your values guide every choice. Revisit your mission regularly to ensure it’s not being diluted by profit-driven shortcuts.

2. Prioritize User Experience

Your customers are your lifeline. Listen to their feedback, address pain points, and invest in features that genuinely improve their experience. A product that solves real problems will always outshine one chasing trends or revenue.

3. Balance Profit and Purpose

Profit isn’t the enemy—sustainability is key. But chasing short-term gains at the expense of quality is a recipe for disaster. Focus on long-term growth by building trust and loyalty with your audience.

4. Foster a Culture of Accountability

Enshittification often starts when teams lose sight of the bigger picture. Encourage open communication, empower employees to speak up about declining quality, and reward innovation that aligns with your mission.

5. Adapt Without Compromising

Markets evolve, and so must your product. But evolution doesn’t mean abandoning what made you great. Innovate thoughtfully, ensuring every change enhances value rather than detracts from it.

Leading the Way Forward

Enshittification isn’t inevitable—it’s a choice. As leaders, we have the power to break the cycle by putting people before profits and staying true to our vision. We’re committed to helping you lead with purpose, create value that lasts, and avoid the pitfalls of enshittification. Let’s build products, services, and teams that inspire loyalty and stand the test of time. Ready to lead now? Visit www.dontwaitleadnow.com for more insights on building strong teams and driving results.  You can also find us at Medium and Substack