Uber's series of scandals has yet to put a dent in ridership

There is an article on the front page right now that says exactly the opposite:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14581919

With graphics!:

https://www.ft.com/__origami/service/image/v2/images/raw/htt...

Last year, I helped someone extensively who was dependent on Uber -- work, everything, and having no driver's license.

After observing their behavior and attitude over a period of months, I can say I really expect that they don't give a shit. It works for them, for now, and that's all they care about.

This is, by the way, someone who has stories of abuse and harassment in their -- ok, "her" -- own past.

Regardless, there is no mental or moral "connection."

I've come to believe this generalizes. Most people simple don't give a shit, when it comes to what is most convenient for them.

Look at their actions, not their words. I have been, and this is the unfortunately conclusion I've come to. At least for this time and these circumstances, in the U.S.

P.S. This person also exhibited other behavior and expressions that reinforced my impression, deduction, and ultimate extrapolation. Including making extensive use of benefits and then supporting a candidate central to the political momentum that wants to take those very benefits away.

Many people don't think these things through. Or they just don't care. As long as they get what they need. It's not just the rich who can demonstrate a noxious sense and action of "entitlement". It seems to be a personality trait, as much if not more so than the result of one's material circumstances.

It's not ridership that I would worry about. Talent hiring and retention is going to take a bit, forcing Uber to make bigger offers, which will disproportionately attract the cynical or toxic. Infrastructural failures will then start crippling the platform, which will lead to irrecoverable decongestion. Since this is a self reinforcing cycle everything will go down fast, say, within 6 months or so.

People use Walmart despite their business practices. Ultimately consumers will be drawn to the lowest price, which Uber has. Whether that's sustainable or not is another story.

(*Lowest price with acceptable performance, for your definition of 'acceptable'.)