Under the Influence of My Phone

UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MY PHONE: How the Biggest Ridesharing Company Uses Artificial Intelligence to Manipulate its Drivers literally follows the money and educates the reader about the ridesharing industry from an insider’s perspective. The book takes a serious, in-depth look at how Uber uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and deep mining technologies to harness and manipulate personal/private information in order to tap into human compulsive and impulsive tendencies and, consequently, gain the power to control all aspects of our daily activities. The breadth and implications of such neuropsychological applications of these novel technologies is still to be understood and this book is intended to be part of that record. These technologies not only facilitate connectivity, but also make mobility seamless and convenient by utilizing privately-owned and driven cars operating on a flexible schedule with opportunities for these independent business owners (IBOs) to make money on a part-time or full-time basis. The result: Uber and Lyft have successfully overcome the generational challenges that have historically plagued taxi companies and drivers. As a driver and author, my goal is to engage you, the reader, in a ride with me as I drive under the influence of my phone (DUIMP). This ride not only help guide you make money if you want to drive for any of these companies, but also exposes their weaknesses and cases where they have mislead important stakeholders like their driver partners, their customers and the broader public.