Who Really Wins In The Share Economy?

The share economy makes life more convenient for a lot of people. But companies like Uber and Airbnb have their share of critics. So what exactly is the share economy? And who are some of its winners and losers?

[bubbleman]

I don't think Uber and Lyft qualify as "sharing economy". When people's livelihoods are dependent on driving, then it's not considered as sharing anymore. Ultimately, these car-hailing services will gradually replace the drivers with autonomous vehicles. If these companies really consider themselves as "sharing", then they should offer their drivers the option to invest in the company's stock. There are a number of companies out there that are employee-owned.

[UnknownDude]

"Some people say the hotel and taxi industry should just catch up".

Yes. Exactly . Either catch up or die, because the people, the free market will determine your fate. And right now, people and the free market are choosing Air BNB and Uber because most hotels and most taxis suck ass. For example, you know which hotels won't be affected by Air BNB? The ones where the super rich go to because it's exclusive to them, something super rich people love, and if you want to start a hotel now, try and replicate that, seeing as the average person will now go to Air BNB but rich people won't.

[aalkukhun]

Just capitalism off the hook ... Widening the gap between the Wealthy and the poor that's all...

[berkancelebi]

exploiting the workforce sounds like the USA

[buckeye]

Yes because a valid reason to evict someone would be that they want to air bnb the place instead.

[mrnobody-cfil]

Sharing economy destroy the economy. Most hotel and taxi company can't keep up, and people lose their steady job. While some people got this unsteady job without employee benefit and has a lot competition, so they end up with nothing. And all the start up will keep competing each other with lower price and reduce their margin. So, who is winning?




The Consumer

[MarieHolliday]

As society progresses with share economy the millennium workers as they age will have no retirement or medical benefits to fall back on, or even if they need medical care now the bill is on them not good.

[mikachu]

Why would you reference a video at the end and not put a link in the description for those of us annotationally-challenged? Channel fail

[lisaburke]

Those who offer services with companies like Uber are treated no differently than a freelancer or contractor. You just described the working standards of every 1099-er in the US. Moreover, most wage earning employees are hired at will and their income can also be reduced if the company so pleases.

Naturally a company and its leaders will make more than anyone working underneath them. This is true for anywhere.

[Prox]

sounds interesting tho ill like you aj to review these new services in a few more years and see how they develop in a larger scale

[assanelli]

The fact that it s called sharing economy doesn t mean it cannot use marketing strategies....such as the ways to say sharing economy is good for people, ecofriendly and so would you blame coca cola zero if you don t get thinner?

[TraumaQueen]

Sounds like barter with a 21st century profit tag affixed.

[brandtmccall]

The sharing open source economy, is positive for everyone and is the economy of the future, and has been for most of humanities history. Money as a means of financial exchange is a very recent development. Humans have classically always co-operated and shared their gifts/talents/skills/time in equal exchange with one another. We are even physiologically designed for it, ie. when we feel genuine care for others animals too we all produce extra dopamine the mood promoting neurotransmitter in our brains. Altruistic people also overall live longer and in better health too, then those purely focused on their own well being. Compassion for self and all sentient beings is a golden key to true happiness. Best to all.

[amystanley]

thank you so much I really found this helpful

[rogers]

It is only Peer to Peer capitalism. Nothing wrong with sharing/pooling resources, people have done this among themselves without money, then "Sharing economy" can be exploitative to their volunteers, workers or present system. Many workers have to work several jobs in this economy to make enough to survive. This can end up costing you more in the future such as things she covered and you pay more taxes in the future to support a broken system.
Not relying on your tax money, money from government- funded charity organization and money donation from people is the real sustainable movement: unlike some of these models under "sharing economy" that rent something in exchange for your money is just another profitable form of capitalism in disguise. Do some research on who they took from to start their company before your support.

[imeakpan]

I have that very same shitty fixie bike! I hope that I can make some money over the summer and rent it out.

[LatIenws]

This seems more like propaganda for avoiding it. It would be nice to have people avoiding making so much trash or buying things they don't need.

[required.]

Sustainable development, if we cut 3rd party

[TheNoviceOAO]

like TZM except money part. genuine criticism made about the sudden decrease/increase in price/value of shared econ.  beyond 'communism!'

[EleanorJustice]

This video blurs the "share" economy (first time I've not heard it called sharing economy) with gig economies, and platform businesses with pipeline businesses. There's no mention of time banks, tool libraries, yard shares, or any of the other true sharing economy projects and principles. Google "shareable" and read up if you want a better overview than this.. thing.