Take Back Your Social Media

The Digital Decline: How Social Networks Have Succumbed to Enshittification

Once upon a time, social media was a breath of fresh air—a space where creativity thrived, connections were genuine, and conversations were free-flowing. It was a revolution in communication, a new era of democratized information, where everyone had a voice, and every voice mattered.

But somewhere along the way, the promise of social media was broken. The platforms that once empowered us are now in a tailspin, spiraling into what can only be described as “enshittification.” This term, coined by users frustrated with the state of online spaces, perfectly captures the decline of social networks from empowering communities to exploiting them.

SpeakBits is a platform that wants to return to that promise.Join SpeakBits Today!

What Is Enshittification?

Enshittification, or platform decay, is the gradual shift of social media platforms from fostering genuine connection and community to prioritizing profit at the expense of the user experience. Initially designed to bring people together, these platforms slowly evolve as they prioritize shareholder and advertiser interests over user needs. What begins as subtle changes—like tweaks to algorithms and the introduction of ads—eventually leads to a full transformation where the platform becomes more about extracting value from users through engagement, data collection, and targeted ads, rather than serving their original mission. This process ultimately turns social media from a tool for enhancing our lives into one that exploits our attention, data, and wallets. The term was coined by Cory Doctorow.

There is an established sequence of steps that platforms follow as they succumb to enshittification. Learn about the steps of enshittification.

The Enshittification of Major Platforms

The platforms that once promised freedom of expression and connection have succumbed to enshittification in different ways, each one losing sight of its original mission. Let’s take a closer look at how some of the most popular social networks have fallen into this trap:

The Fallout: A Disconnected, Disillusioned Public

The impact of enshittification is profound. It’s more than just annoyance at an algorithmic feed or frustration with constant ads—it’s a growing sense of disillusionment with the entire social media landscape. Users are tired of being treated like products, tired of the endless monetization, and tired of platforms that no longer feel like a space for genuine connection.

As trust in these platforms erodes, so too does the sense of community that once made social media special. People are retreating into echo chambers, real dialogue is being lost, and what was once a vibrant digital public square is becoming a barren, commercialized wasteland.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Enter SpeakBits: A New Dawn in Social Media

At SpeakBits, we believe in reclaiming the original promise of social media. Originally designed as an alternative to Reddit, we’ve built a platform designed to serve its users, not exploit them—a place where you can connect, share, and engage in ways that are meaningful and fulfilling.

The SpeakBits Promise: Social Media as It Should Be

SpeakBits isn’t just another social network—it’s a movement. A movement to take back control of our digital lives, to reject the enshittification of the platforms we once trusted, and to create something better. We’re building a space where people come first, where community thrives, and where your voice truly matters.

Are you ready to take back your social media?

If you have been longing to return to a sense of normalcy and a space that isn't looking to monetize every aspect of your virtual self, go no further! Be part of the revolution! Join SpeakBits Today!

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