Suggested Uber feature for silent rides sparks debate

An idea for a new Uber feature has earned mixed reactions among users of the ride-sharing app.

On Wednesday, a Redditor based in Asia suggested that Uber add a new button to its app, asking customers if they are ‘feeling talkative’ with the option to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. He explained that this would allow passengers to ‘enjoy some quiet without seeming rude’.

The post has since racked up over 1,100 comments, with other Redditors debating the merits of the idea — and not everyone was convinced.

Bright idea? A Redditor suggested a new feature for the ride-sharing app Uber

Hmm... He said it would be helpful if the app let you choose whether or not you were in a talkative mood so you could ride in silence without offending the driver

Hmm… He said it would be helpful if the app let you choose whether or not you were in a talkative mood so you could ride in silence without offending the driver

Plenty of commenters agreed with the original poster, noting that they, too, liked to ride in silence and weren’t up for making small talk with drivers.

Some said they were introverted or not naturally chatty people, while others said it was a matter of mood — sometimes, they are sad or frustrated or tired and simply don’t want to chat.

‘This might be the most millennial thing I’ve ever heard. And I’m a millennial. I love it,’ wrote one. Another responded, ‘I’m an old fart, and I wish life had this feature.’

However, critics of the idea said that a rider could achieve silence another way: by simply asking for it. 

‘You could just tell him you’re not feeling talkative,’ wrote one. Snapped another: ‘Yeah or instead of using a mobile device you could just use your human communications skills to say something like, “I am not feeling talkative today.” If you can’t do that, you should not be riding in a cab or going out in public.’

Several others echoed this sentiment, saying it should be just as easy for a rider to tell a driver verbally that he or she is not up for talking.

Brilliant: Both a millennial and an 'old fart' found common ground in liking the idea

Brilliant: Both a millennial and an ‘old fart’ found common ground in liking the idea

Drunk: One suggested a similar button to tell the driver about hangover symptoms

Drunk: One suggested a similar button to tell the driver about hangover symptoms

If only it were that easy... One former driver said he always let passengers set the tone, but that's not always the case

If only it were that easy… One former driver said he always let passengers set the tone, but that’s not always the case

Keeping it going... There was also some debate as to how much chit-chat factors into ratings and tips

Keeping it going… There was also some debate as to how much chit-chat factors into ratings and tips

Funny: This Redditor imagined how the feature would play out

Funny: This Redditor imagined how the feature would play out

Just say it: One person suggested simply telling the driver silence was preferred, though others said they were afraid of being viewed as rude

Just say it: One person suggested simply telling the driver silence was preferred, though others said they were afraid of being viewed as rude

In fact, much debate was had over whether drivers would find this offensive

In fact, much debate was had over whether drivers would find this offensive

However, those who favored the idea sending preferences through the app cited a few reasons why communicating that way was better. 

First, they said, some drivers can’t take a hint. 

‘Friendly chit chat is fine but more often than not every Uber driver I have wants to tell me their sob story and it’s just so uncomfortable. Or how hard their day has been. Please just keep it professional and friendly,’ wrote one.

More recounted tales of drivers who kept forcing conversation, despite one-word answers and flat-out requests to sit in silence.

Second, some asserted that their personal rating goes down in the app after a ride in which they don’t engage with the driver.

‘I was once downed a star for not keeping up with my Uber driver’s small talk. Made me feel like I was in an episode of Black Mirror,’ wrote one.

‘Yeah I feel like I get bad ratings when I don’t wanna have a conversation with my Uber driver,’ said another.

It’s not just riders that voiced support of the idea, either: A few drivers also shared opinions. 

Another solution: One person noted that pretending to nap is a good trick for getting silence

Another solution: One person noted that pretending to nap is a good trick for getting silence

A true hero: This driver gives customers an out with sign in his car

A true hero: This driver gives customers an out with sign in his car

Approved all around? A few drivers said they'd appreciate such a feature, too

Approved all around? A few drivers said they’d appreciate such a feature, too

Truth: Some pointed out that a few drivers can't take a hint

Truth: Some pointed out that a few drivers can’t take a hint

Interesting: Several said they'd seen their ratings drop when they weren't chatty

Interesting: Several said they’d seen their ratings drop when they weren’t chatty

‘As a former Uber driver, this would be VERY welcome,’ one wrote. ‘I enjoyed talking to people sometimes, but most of the time I was happy to ride in silence with the people who didn’t want to talk. It gets old having to make small talk and answer the same questions over and over.’

However, there were also a few that said that all of the awkwardness could be avoided — that is, if people simply took cues from each other. 

‘When I’ve driven for Uber I just ask them how they’re doing, and let them take it from there. By the way they answer that question gives me an idea of what sort of mood they’re in. If they start chatting away I engage, if their response is short or quiet, I can tell they probably want to ride in peace,’ said one.

Another said he keeps a laminated sign behind the headrests for passengers that reads: ‘Hi! Welcome to my car … I thought I would give you an out to that awkward scenario where the driver starts talking but you just want him/her to shut up.

‘If you don’t feel like having a chat, say ‘banana bread’. I will keep my mouth shut throughout the entire ride except for the essentials (‘which house is it?’, etc.) If you feel like talking, just ignore this paper. I’ll continue on as normal. Alright, enjoy the ride!’ 



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