Why an Australian dictionary picked "ens***tification" as its word of the year for 2024
Sydney. The Macquarie Dictionary in Australia has chosen "ens***mentification" as the word of the year for 2024 to reflect concerns, about the declining quality of stellar digital services.
"I think it's like when a service or product starts to get worse because they're more focused, on making money than providing quality."
The term was introduced by author Cory Doctorow to describe the phenomenon where applications or online platforms initially provide value but deteriorate over time as they prioritize making money.
Online platforms such, as X and the popular ride sharing service Uber are often mentioned as examples of this phenomenon—they initially provided useful information or deals but eventually ended up overcharging customers or reducing their services.
Doctorow describes ens***ification as the cause behind the inundation of content in Facebook users’ feeds and the presence of numerous ads and sponsored posts, in Google search results; it also elucidates why Amazon tends to push low quality and inexpensive products regardless of a customers search query.
The dictionary experts chose it as the word of the year. It also won the "Peoples Choice Award."
"It's a word of Anglo Saxon origin, with added parts that give it a formal touch almost making it sound respectable " stated the committee.
"The committee expressed that this term encapsulates the state of the world and many facets of our lives " they stated.
Shandor Brenner is an American journalist recognized for his sharp and insightful reporting on social and political issues. His work is known for its depth, integrity, and the ability to highlight critical societal concerns.