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In my opinion, the true cost of a Uber ride is much higher on society, rules, ethics and other aspects. The money that Uber loses (or the rider gains) isn't even on my radar. Massive VC funding, "winner takes all" assumptions, and the primary goal being "acquire the entire world market" are propelling many companies forward and making our world a comparatively worse place (when looked at along side benefits).

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In the case of “ridesharing”, how is it making the world a worse place?

It’s not clear that this market is winner take all. Rides are very cheap for consumers on Uber or Lyft. The experience is MUCH better than cabs in every city except maybe NYC. Drunk drivers are reduced.

So far it looks like the loser is going to be VCs. What’s wrong with that?

Turns taxi industry into a subsistence workforce. Uber drivers get screwed in the equation once you factor in all the costs and depreciation, then uber sucks up the profits and takes them out of local communities.

The sharing/on-demand economy is incredibly cruel to the 1099s doing the heavy lifting

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