CHAPTER 1 History A Matter of Trust Do you consider yourself a trustworthy person Do you trust others easily Those two questions have never been more important than they are in today’s sharing economy The sharing economy is part of daily life And it centers on trust Bartering IOUs and Sharing Most economies tend to be based on a simple idea you need something Someone has it and you have to find a way to get it According to historians past civilizations bartered for what they needed among people they didn’t trust With people they did trust like those within their own community these civilizations asked for goods or services with the understanding that the favor will 4 21st century skills library
The ancient Maya civilization bartered with cocoa beans be returned at a later date This is known as a gift economy These civilizations relied on a system in which to get what they needed they had to give something in return either immediately or potentially at a later date Today you most likely pay money in exchange for something you need The sharing economy has a slightly different focus You need something Someone has it and doesn’t use it very much But instead of selling it to you the person shares it for a reduced fee Just a few years ago today’s methods of sharing items or services would have sounded unbelievable Open your house to total 5 SHARING ECONOMY
Airbnb is transforming the hotel industry strangers or sleep in someone else’s Use your car as a taxi and drive strangers where they want to go or willingly get into a stranger’s car Sounds dangerous So why are companies like Airbnb and Uber which provide these services making billions The answer Social media No Longer Strangers Before social media sites like Facebook and Twitter became popular people weren’t in the habit of sharing personal details online In fact you were warned against this However thanks 6 21st century skills library
to these social platforms the concept of stranger danger is fading You talk to people across the globe You chat seek advice ask questions and get to know one another without ever meeting You can also share information make suggestions and offer opinions Because of this social connectedness the idea of a stranger renting out your extra room or riding in your car isn’t odd it’s part of your daily life Timeline What It Is Launch Company 1965 1995 1995 2005 2008 2009 2012 2017 2017 Program or Witte Fietsen Activists in Amsterdam left dozens of bikes unlocked for people to use White Bikes Copenhagen bike-sharing program Bycyklen that uses a coin-operated system City Bikes Website that lists jobs housing Craigslist items for sale and wanted etc Online shop that allows users to Etsy list and buy things like clothing jewelry or furniture Lease or rent short-term lodging Airbnb Ride-sharing app Uber Ride-sharing app Lyft Electric scooter-sharing app Bird Bicycle and electric scooter Lime sharing app 7 SHARING ECONOMY
