Word of the Day: Uberization!

Wouldn't it be nice to hold a regular job and as and when you like it earn some spare cash.  You don't have to if you don't want to, but if you did, you'll have that option of turning what you have - whether your house, your car or your knowledge - into spare cash priced based on the simple economics of on-demand pricing.  

Welcome to the world of Uberization!

Turn your car into a cab with just one click!

Not discounting the benefits of such disruptive technologies which completely destabilises traditional business models, Farhad Manjoo in a NY Times Tech article on Uberization, warns of the dangers "monetising downtime" (Uber's Business Model Could Change Your - Work NT Times ).  While he doesn't really explain why he thinks why it's such a bad idea, one can easily guess.  Downtime is meant for you to unwind and relax, and most importantly, build those life-sustaining relationships with friends and family.  

When yet another opportunity to earn quick money comes along, it can be tempting to uberize your life.  What are the long term impact on our relationships?  How will our life change when our private spheres, spaces and possessions are transformed into revenue generating assets?  I fear the encroachment of work and technology, and wonder if there will be any space left for human relationships and solitude.  I fear the commodication of all spaces and possessions left in a a big city like Singapore that's already so obsessed with financial success.  I wonder.

Uberrization = Social Alienation?