The sharing economy’s discrimination problem
How should companies in the peer economy address users’ bias?
Is the sharing economy as open as it aims to be? Some users say no.
The “peer economy” encourages people to rent or buy goods and services from others, but some say prejudice gets in the way. Companies that connect travelers with lodging or car services have made headlines after users complained they were rejected because of their race, gender identity, sexuality or disability.
Most recently, the lodging website Airbnb has come under fire for racism. Many black Airbnb users are sharing their experiences online with #AirbnbWhileBlack. The company says it wants to eliminate “unconscious bias” and end discrimination on its platform. It has vowed to fight bias with technology.
Airbnb is just one of many companies that people are calling on to help fight discrimination. But what are the challenges of doing this?
On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Zakiyyah Myers @ZakiyyahLoves
Co-founder, Innclusive
innclusive.com
Nancy Leong @nancyleong
Associate Professor of Law
law.du.edu
David Robinson @dgrobinson
Co-founder, Upturn
teamupturn.com
Synta Keeling @MyNeckOfDC
Airbnb Superhost
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.