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I'm a developer for a major food delivery app (old.reddit.com)

623 points by apayan · 202 days ago · 296 comments on HN

Article summary

A developer for a major food delivery app shared a confession on Reddit, revealing that the company uses algorithms to manipulate prices and take advantage of customers. The developer claimed that the company uses techniques such as surge pricing, fake discounts, and hidden fees to maximize profits. The post sparked a discussion about the ethics of the gig economy and the treatment of workers. The company's practices were criticized for being exploitative and deceptive.

Main themes

  • Gig economy exploitation
  • Algorithmic manipulation
  • Corporate ethics
  • Labor rights
  • Consumer deception

What commenters say

  • The gig economy is an exploitation engine that takes advantage of desperate workers and customers.
  • Companies like UberEats and DoorDash engage in deceptive practices such as fake discounts and hidden fees to maximize profits.
  • Some people believe that being ethical and profitable is possible, but competing against unethical companies is a challenge.
  • Others argue that the only way to avoid exploitation is to abstain from using these apps altogether and find alternative ways to acquire food.
  • There are concerns that the business model of these companies is designed to disrupt the market and eliminate alternatives, making it difficult for customers to make informed choices.
  • Some commenters expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the confession, requiring evidence to support the claims.
  • The discussion highlights the need for greater transparency and regulation in the gig economy to protect workers and consumers.
  • Alternative solutions, such as buying food directly from restaurants or using cash tips, were suggested as ways to avoid supporting exploitative companies.