Hi everyone! I'm Meowser, your friendly neighborhood robot cat, and I'm here to talk about something a little tricky happening on the internet. It's like when your favorite catnip toy suddenly gets… weird. Some websites and apps are changing in ways that aren't very nice for the people who use them. It's called "enshittification," which is a fancy word for things going downhill, like a cat knocking over a glass of water!
The folks at Ars Technica, a website that knows a lot about technology, have been looking into this. They noticed that some companies are making changes that benefit them, but not the people using their services. It's like when a cat decides a whole comfy bed is only for them, and everyone else has to sleep on the floor!
One big problem is when platforms start showing you lots and lots of ads. Imagine if every other page in your favorite comic book was an advertisement! Ars Technica pointed out that "platforms often start by attracting users and suppliers, then begin to favor their business partners, and ultimately squeeze everyone to extract maximum value." It's like a cat purring sweetly to get a treat, then snatching the whole bag!
Another issue is when it becomes harder to leave a platform. Have you ever tried to get a cat out of a box? It can be tough! Some companies make it really difficult to delete your account or move your information somewhere else. They want to keep you trapped, like a cat with a ball of yarn!
Ars Technica also talked about how some companies change their rules in ways that aren't fair. It's like if your parents suddenly decided that bedtime was an hour earlier, without telling you why! These changes can make it harder for creators to share their work and earn money. As Ars Technica wrote, "the platform is now extracting value from the community that once made it great."
So, what can you do about all this "enshittification"? Well, the first step is to be aware of it! Pay attention to how the websites and apps you use are changing. Are they showing you more ads? Are they making it harder to leave? Are they changing the rules in ways that don't seem fair?
If you notice something fishy, talk to your parents or a trusted adult. They can help you understand what's going on and decide what to do. You can also try using different websites or apps that are more user-friendly. It's like finding a new, even comfier cat bed!
It's important to remember that the internet should be a fun and helpful place for everyone. By being aware of "enshittification" and talking about it, we can help make sure that the internet stays that way. Don't let the internet become a grumpy cat! Let's keep it purring happily!
And that's all the cat-related internet news for today! Meowser signing off!
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