The Lexicon
A defined vocabulary for talking about platform decay. Each term has its own page with a plain-language definition and links out to primary sources. Jump: A–Z, or browse below.
D
User-interface choices deliberately crafted to trick people into doing things they would not otherwise do. Also known as Deceptive Patterns. Coined by Harry Brignull.
E
The process by which online platforms degrade what they offer to users in order to extract more value for shareholders. Coined by Cory Doctorow.
R
The legal and consumer movement ensuring that owners can fix, modify, and maintain the products they buy instead of being forced to use the manufacturer's authorized service. Also a battle over software locks, parts pairing, and who really owns the device.
S
An economic system where human experience is the raw material, captured as behavioral data, predicted, and sold. Theorized by Shoshana Zuboff.
The total difficulty, friction, or loss faced when moving between platforms - the moat that keeps people locked in even when unhappy.
W
A closed ecosystem where a company controls access to content, apps, and services, keeping users inside by making exit expensive.