What Happened to Google Search? Cory Doctorow Explains Why All Your Tech Is Getting Worse
Summary
Jesse David Fox interviews author Cory Doctorow about his book *In Shitification*, which argues that tech platforms intentionally degrade user experience to maximize profit. They discuss how monopolies exploit artists and consumers through algorithmic manipulation, low royalties, and the removal of external disciplinary forces. The conversation highlights how this "shitification" harms creative workers, distorts art, and enables corporate abuse across industries like music, search, and gig work.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and introduction to the topic of tech monopolies
Defining 'Shitification' and the class alliance between creators and consumers
The internal battle at Google: Quality vs. Profitability
Spotify's business model, playlist manipulation, and the 'Giant Teddy Bear' gambit
Algorithmic wage discrimination in the gig economy and nursing apps
DMCA Section 1201 and the criminalization of product modification
Replacing human creators with AI chatbots and accountability sinks
The role of antitrust policy and the future of corporate power
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