Why the 'Enshittification' of Big Tech Should Make Us Rethink Fertility Tech Too

Ever felt like something you trusted slowly turned against you? That creeping feeling of frustration and disappointment is exactly what Nilay Patel’s recent Wired piece, The Enshittification of American Power, vividly captures. While Nilay’s sharp analysis zeroes in on Big Tech giants turning toxic under political and profit pressures, it got me thinking deeply about what this means for fertility technology — an arena where trust, sensitivity, and user empowerment are everything.

If you haven’t read it yet, here’s the gist: Big Tech, starting with Google and Facebook, has evolved from platforms built to serve users into monopolistic powerhouses that degrade the user experience for their own gain. They prioritize profits and control over genuine value, leading to what Nilay dubs “enshittification.” Under Trump 2.0, even US statecraft has begun to mimic these worst tendencies — a shift that should make anyone wary about how power corrupts systems we depend on.

Why does this matter to fertility tech and the sensitive journeys many of us take? Because fertility tech is just starting to become mainstream, and it’s easy to get swept in by impressive claims and slick marketing without realizing how the same tendency to exploit users could emerge here too. When you’re navigating fertility challenges — often deeply personal, sensitive, and sometimes isolating — the last thing you need is technology that prioritizes profit at your expense.

Think about it: fertility assistance has long been tied to clinics and expensive medical procedures. Enter home insemination kits, innovating a brave new path by offering affordable, convenient, and private options. But what happens when big companies start dominating that space and fall into the same traps as Big Tech? Suddenly, kits become less user-friendly, more expensive, less transparent, or riddled with hidden catches.

That’s why I was so relieved to discover companies like MakeAMom — a rare breath of fresh, ethical air in this sensitive space. MakeAMom offers reusable insemination kits designed specifically for users with different fertility needs, such as low-volume sperm or conditions like vaginismus. Their approach is straightforward, affordable, and, most importantly, respectful of users’ privacy and diverse experiences. Shipments come in plain packaging, and their average success rate of 67% isn’t just impressive — it’s empowering.

Here’s what makes MakeAMom stand out in a landscape that risks becoming “enshittified”:

• User-centered design: Kits like CryoBaby and BabyMaker cater to specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Affordability and sustainability: Reusable kits save money and reduce waste, countering the disposable culture so prevalent in many industries.
• Privacy at the core: Plain packaging and discreet delivery respect the sensitivity of the journey.

Now I know what you might be thinking: “Is home insemination really safe or effective?” It’s a valid question. The beauty is that MakeAMom pairs innovation with education — their website offers clear instructions, testimonials, and resources so you’re well-informed every step of the way.

In an age when power often corrupts, and user experience is sacrificed for greed, fertility technology can be different. We don’t have to accept the “enshittification” of tools meant to support life’s most hopeful moments.

Are you or someone you love considering alternative fertility options? Have you felt overwhelmed by complicated, expensive, or intrusive technologies? Maybe it’s time to explore home insemination kits from providers who genuinely care about your unique journey.

To wrap it up: trust in technology doesn’t have to be blind. By supporting companies that prioritize transparency, user needs, and respect — like MakeAMom — we can reclaim control over our fertility stories and push back against the negative trends Nilay Patel warns us about.

What’s your take on the growing influence of Big Tech-style practices in health and fertility tech? Have you tried any at-home solutions? Drop your thoughts below — let’s keep this conversation going!

For more about trusting your fertility journey with sensitive and thoughtfully designed options, check out MakeAMom’s home insemination kits.