Bluesky and Enshittification

Cory Doctorow discusses the concept of "enshittification" in relation to social media platforms, particularly Bluesky. He expresses admiration for Bluesky's technical advancements in moderation and ranking but remains hesitant to join due to concerns about platform dependency. Doctorow reflects on past experiences with platforms that initially promised user-centric values but ultimately compromised their integrity under pressure from investors. He emphasizes that enshittification occurs when platforms can exploit user loyalty without fear of losing their audience, leading to a decline in service quality. To counter this, he advocates for systems that allow users to easily switch platforms, thereby imposing costs on service owners who might consider compromising user experience. Doctorow highlights the importance of federation, as seen in platforms like Mastodon, which enables users to migrate without significant barriers. He notes that while Bluesky has potential, it currently lacks the necessary federated features to ensure user freedom and trust. Until such features are implemented, Doctorow remains committed to his principle of avoiding platforms that could trap him, viewing this as a protective measure against future compromises.

- Doctorow critiques the risk of "enshittification" in social media platforms.

- He values user freedom and the ability to switch platforms without penalties.

- Federation is essential for maintaining user trust and service integrity.

- Bluesky's current lack of federated features raises concerns for potential users.

- Doctorow's personal rule is to avoid platforms that could lead to dependency.