There’s a fascinating concept that’s been getting attention lately called “enshittification.” No, really, that’s what they’re calling it. The term describes how digital platforms often start out great, then gradually get worse as they prioritize profits over the people who actually use them.

Here’s how it typically unfolds. A platform launches with a fantastic user experience to build a loyal following. Once they’ve locked in enough users, they start catering more to other, outside interests at the expense of those original users. Finally, they squeeze both groups to maximize shareholder returns, leaving everyone with a product that’s considerably worse than what they signed up for.

Sound familiar? If you’ve ever wondered why your search results are now buried under ads, or why your social media feed feels more like a shopping channel, you’re seeing this pattern in action.

The title insurance industry isn’t immune to this dynamic. Long-established tech providers sometimes lean heavily on their tenure in the market as proof of their value. But longevity doesn’t always translate to better service or more responsive technology. Sometimes it means the opposite. A company that’s been around for decades might have grown comfortable. They might prioritize their existing infrastructure over innovation. They might be more focused on maintaining market position than listening to what title professionals actually need.

We’re not suggesting every established provider falls into this trap. Many don’t. But the pattern is worth recognizing when you’re evaluating your tech stack or considering a new solution.

Here’s what matters more than how long a company has been around: Do they actually listen to their customers? Are they building technology that adapts to your changing needs, or are they forcing you into processes designed for their convenience? When you ask for an integration with another tool you rely on, do they facilitate it or try to sell you their alternative?

At Settlor, we think about this a lot. Our team has been in the title industry for decades, but we’re a relatively new name. That combination gives us perspective without complacency. We built our platform on 30 years of user feedback, but we’re not beholden to outdated systems or legacy thinking.

More importantly, we believe in partnership. We’re not trying to own every piece of your tech stack. We know you have relationships with providers who serve you well, and we welcome those integrations. If anything, Settlor is more of an ecosystem or network for title and escrow businesses that only grows stronger and more valuable as we add customers, vendors and integrations.  Our cloud-based platform is designed to work with almost any other technology you need because we understand that interoperability isn’t optional in this business. Your operation should flow, not fracture across disconnected systems.

That’s part of building a community of trust. It means being transparent about what we do well and where we fit in your world. It means responding when you tell us something needs to change. It means recognizing that customization isn’t a burden but an opportunity to serve you better.

Being established can be valuable. Experience counts for something. But what counts more is whether a company uses that experience to serve you better or to extract more value from you while delivering less. As you think about your technology partnerships, ask yourself which category your current providers fall into. And if the answer isn’t immediately clear, maybe it’s time to ask them some harder questions.