Member Article

Sharing is the new power

It’s no secret that the emergence of online social media platforms and new technologies in general has disrupted the way we consume information. Sharing content and ideas online have enabled us to challenge official viewpoints as social network sites – such as Twitter or Facebook – allow us to visit a variety of other sources. Transparency has then been enhanced at unprecedented levels.

Yet, technology is not only transforming the way we consume the information. Sharing online has made us more open to sharing in the real world. By connecting one to another, and enabling peer-to-peer interaction, technology allows peers to get what they need from each other. This is the so-called “sharing economy “or “collaborative consumption” that might become a democratic movement.

This new economic model is developing innovative ways to consume and produce goods and services, enabling access over ownership. From sharing cars, to apartments and to skills, this movement covers all areas of society and is here to stay.

I work for Funryde, UK’s first ridesharing app that matches drivers – willing to share their trip costs – with passengers wanting a taxi-like experience without its actual cost and with a friendlier experience. Both parties, through the press of a button, are matched on-demand and in real time for short distances.

The need for ridesharing comes from the European crisis’ aftermath. Between October 2003 and October 2013, the cost of living, as measured by the RPI (Retail Price Index), rose by 38.0%. Over the same period the price of fuel and motor oil rose by 75.5%. People are therefore looking for cutting their car expenses. Commuters relying on their car to go to work, students heading home for the weekend and even householders going to out-of town shopping centres are tempted by this alternative transport.

Yet one may wonder whether or not this driver is trustworthy. After all, didn’t our parents warn us about not getting in strangers’ cars?

Technology is now available to make safety the top priority. Some sharing companies such as Airbnb have rigorous safety checks via third-party ID verification either to check tenants or drivers. But it seems that the rating system between users is the most convincing features of any sharing apps. Being able to rate your journey or stay and pair up with fellow peers of similar interests reassure people. The sharing economy requires greater openness and transparency. There is thus greater accountability, and hence drivers and riders are obliged to keep to their best behaviour if they want to build their online reputation.

I do believe that we’re living a revolution as we tend to increasingly depend on each other rather than on brands. 2008 economic crisis has prompted a desire to live more authentic experiences. We, as social creatures, want to belong, to participate, and to come together for a higher purpose (or simply for survival). The ‘shared economy’ offers an independent lifestyle in which it’s no longer you versus a corporation. It’s you and another individual, teaming up to close a deal that serves both parties.

The UK cooperative report found out that 8 out 10 of us say sharing makes us happier. People are collaborating in order to survive economic realities, environmental pressure and the shift in values. It’s certainly a welcome choice.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Funryde Ltd .