Enshittification: The Digital Degradation and the Resistance of Contemporary Art

The term "enshittification", coined by writer Cory Doctorow, describes a process of systematic degradation of digital services, where platforms begin by offering a high-quality service and then progressively degrade it in favor of profits. This phenomenon extends beyond the digital realm, permeating contemporary culture and art, influencing the quality and authenticity of artistic works.

ART & MARKET INSIGHT

Charlotte Madeleine CASTELLI

10/16/20251 min read

In 2024, the term "enshittification" was declared Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society, a recognition that attests to its widespread use and relevance. Coined by writer and activist Cory Doctorow, the term describes a three-phase process leading to the systematic degradation of digital platforms: initially, these platforms offer high-quality services to attract users; subsequently, they modify their policies to favor advertisers; finally, they maximize profits at the expense of both users and advertisers, reducing the quality of service. Wikipedia

This phenomenon is not limited to the digital world but also permeates contemporary culture and art. The increasing commercialization of art, the standardization of works, and the pressure to produce content easily digestible for the general public are tangible manifestations of enshittification in the cultural sector. Art institutions, often bound by market logics, tend to favor works that guarantee immediate economic returns, sacrificing quality and cultural depth.

In this context, some artists and curators seek to oppose this trend by proposing artistic practices that challenge conventions and promote critical reflection on contemporary society. These initiatives aim to recover the complexity and richness of the aesthetic experience, opposing the simplification and trivialization imposed by market logics.

Resistance to enshittification in contemporary art also manifests through the use of new languages and technologies, allowing for the exploration of alternative expressive modalities and reaching diverse audiences. In this sense, art becomes a tool for social critique and reflection, capable of stimulating critical awareness regarding the power and consumption dynamics that characterize our era.

In conclusion, enshittification represents a challenge not only for the digital world but also for culture and contemporary art. However, through conscious and critical artistic practices, it is possible to counteract this process and promote a culture that values quality, diversity, and depth of the aesthetic experience.