Uber quiet game

The parent responsible for inventing the quiet game is a genius. Creating an incentive structure for silence with children is no cake walk, and the inception of this game feels like a stronger example of “gamification” than what you see in most apps.

Sometimes you just need a little peace and quiet. Whether you’re dealing with children or an Uber driver, it can be difficult to set boundaries. The last few times I’ve been in an Uber, it’s been an early ride to the airport. Though I’d like to rest on the ride, I find more often than not my driver is eager to tell me about their rideshare career, hobbies, or something else.

What if there was a way to incentivize silence in an Uber? You can imagine a quiet game where your driver doesn’t get paid if they speak. This feels cruel and inhumane, though if it was inverted and your driver got a reward for silence they would likely pipe down immediately.

I think I remember seeing some early tests in Uber or Lyft where you could customize your driver preferences, though I’m not sure those still exist. There are definitely times where I’d pay a premium if they did though.

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