Is 'Uberization' Killing The Economy?

in anarchism •  8 years ago 

Uberization continues to grow in popularity, it is a business model that uses people's existing assets to carry-out business functions. This model has enabled individuals to use things like their vehicles and homes to make money with services like Uber, Airbnb, and other similar companies.

Some have suggested that uberization could be killing the economy but is it?

See (for what I am ref to):
http://www.inc.com/will-yakowicz/serious-business-sharing-economy-good-or-bad.html

Sure, the uberization model could be seen as a threat to the long-standing taxi cartels, big hotel chains, and other crony capitalist businesses. But it is no threat whatsoever to the consumer. The consumer now has more competition, better choices, better service, and more chances to seek employment.

Uber and Airbnb, like other similar businesses, doesn't have to go out and buy new equipment, which gives them a competitive advantage over other business models such as traditional taxi companies and hotels. It's clear that an increasing number favor the on-demand / uberized economy but surely the uber model can't be applied in ever area of the market. But there should be enough freedom for entrepreneurs to try if they want, to see how they can use this model to meet the needs of consumers in various industries.

It seems, if anything, that uberization is making the market more efficient, rather than harming it. The other industries are being propped-up by the licensing racket and they wouldn't have as much success if they didn't have the protection of the state through its regulations. Uber is showing how inefficient they really are and how they need to re-adapt to the new ways that the consumer interacts in the marketplace.

Authors get paid when people like you upvote their post.
If you enjoyed what you read here, create your account today and start earning FREE STEEM!
Sort Order:  

Employment like Uber can be liberating and rewarding for some people. Regardless of where you come down on the issue of healthcare, if a person has the ability to purchase it on their own and afford it, then it’s one less issue an individual needs a traditional employer for.

The same thing can be said for retirement funds (steemit :). If the money can be made by working independently, the more power to the people that want to drive for Uber.

Yes, its not killing the economy but changing it. For me it is progression

Exactly. But as we're seeing in the 2016 U.S. Presidential race, people who bear the brunt of the progression will sometimes cry "murder". The tragedy is, a lot of those folks really are hurting - and don't see a feasible way to protect themselves except by yelling for restrictive laws.

You mean the economy that requires special licensing and permits just to drive people around? Please by all mean continue with the slaughter!

In Kevin Kelly's book the Inevitable he puts "uberization" into the context of turning products into services, and creating platforms that allow people to do what only companies could before.

Of course it's good for the economy, anytime we can make use of someone else's possession instead of buying our own, there's more money. AirBnB can even charge less than a booking engine and still make a killing, provide people with more of what they want for less, and empower individuals to make use of their private investments.

But Kevin Kelly's point is that we really can't stop this, we're at a point where this trend is only picking up steem, and all of the low hanging fruit hasn't even been picked yet.

Some of those Uber, Lyft, Arcade City Drivers making $50,000 - $80,000 a year working 60 hrs a week. Not bad!

yes i have heard similar success stories, and then heard the opposite side from an uber driver in vegas who complained about not making/earning enough.. but maybe he was fishing for a higher tip? ;)

Probably.

Same thing has happened all throughout history - movements against the industrial revolution, now countries like Venezuela trying to ban Uber to save the taxi driving community (due to corrupt power systems)... and what comes of it? Even more efficiency! Bitcoin payments for Uber rides in place of Venezuelan cards, etc. The free market never ceases to amaze me - let it live!

Obviously, uberization is killing the economy. Also, buy treasuries, and remember, the government is here to help you!