Uber uses psychological tricks through cleverly designed apps to make their drivers work longer hours and earn more money for the company, according to a recently released report by the New York Times.
Most Uber drivers don’t have have a fixed working schedule. They are free to set their own pace while working. According to the NYT, to keep drivers on the road, the company has exploited some people’s tendency to set earnings goals. When the drivers try to log off they are alerted that they are close to hitting a precious target. The company has even come up with an algorithm which sends drivers their next fare opportunity before their current ride is even over.
“We show drivers areas of high demand or incentivise them to drive more,” said Michael Amodeo, an Uber spokesman. “But any driver can stop work at the tap of a button — the decision is 100 per cent theirs.” In the past, Uber has experimented with video game techniques and non-payment rewards to encourage drivers to work longer and harder.
