Rethink: Is the internet getting worse?

Internet platforms are undergoing a process of "enshittification," where initial user-friendly services decay as companies prioritize business interests and shareholder profits over consumer experience. This cycle, driven by monopolistic power and a lack of effective regulatory oversight, traps users and businesses within dominant ecosystems. While big tech firms often use their scale to evade accountability, potential solutions include revitalized antitrust enforcement, the development of independent digital infrastructure, and a shift toward public service alternatives. Individuals can also reclaim agency by setting personal boundaries, such as reducing reliance on smartphones or choosing platforms that prioritize community over algorithmic engagement. Ultimately, the current state of the internet is not an inevitable technological outcome but a result of market dynamics that require deliberate, collective action to reshape into a more equitable digital environment.