Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, has raised concerns about the declining quality of web design and the growing threat of online scams. He argues that many websites are being pushed by venture capital expectations to prioritize monetization over usability, weakening the overall online experience. Newmark described this process as “enshittification”, a deterioration in digital products caused by financial pressure and profit-first decision-making.
According to Newmark, the problem is not only technical but structural. As platforms mature, user-centered design is often replaced by choices aimed at maximizing advertising, engagement metrics, or conversions. In his view, this shift reduces trust, harms usability, and undermines the quality of online interactions.
Collaboration as a Long-Term Response
Newmark said stronger coordination is needed to address these broader digital challenges. He called for building “networks of networks” that can work together more effectively through collaboration and resource sharing. He sees this model as a way to improve long-term impact and strengthen collective responses to problems that no single organization can solve alone.
Cybersecurity Education Remains Essential
He also stressed the need for public service campaigns focused on cybersecurity and scam awareness. Newmark noted that scammers frequently exploit urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly, while phishing attacks often rely on deceptive domain names to imitate legitimate websites. For him, broad public education is essential to help people recognize manipulation and avoid digital traps.
Newmark’s central message is that awareness must go beyond technical defenses. Understanding how scams work, identifying warning signs, and developing critical thinking are all necessary for safer online behavior. As digital risks continue to evolve, he argues that improving public knowledge is a key part of strengthening digital safety.