The Trouble with Tech Companies (and Their Strategies)

In this HBR IdeaCast episode, host Adi Ignatius interviews Cory Doctorow, a tech writer and author, about his concept of "Enshittification," which describes the deterioration of tech platforms over time. Doctorow explains how platforms initially attract users, then exploit them along with business customers to maximize profits for shareholders, leading to a decline in quality and user experience. The discussion covers the lock-in mechanisms that keep users and businesses trapped, the role of policy and regulation in addressing these issues, and the potential impact of AI. Doctorow argues that policy changes and collective action are necessary to combat the negative trends in the tech industry and restore fairness.