Here's why everyone's fighting about delivery apps (with Allegra Rosenberg)
Feb 26, 2025
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Join Allegra Rosenberg, a writer and producer known for her insights on internet culture, as she dives into the ethics of food delivery apps. They discuss the moral dilemmas faced by gig workers and how the pandemic has reshaped our reliance on convenience. Allegra sheds light on the stark differences in delivery cultures between China and the U.S., and examines the complexities of gender dynamics in gig work. With humor and depth, they explore the social implications of online complaints and the need for kindness towards service workers.
Users of delivery apps often experience guilt linked to traditional homemaking standards, impacting their feelings of self-worth and domestic abilities.
The ethical implications of gig economies are highlighted by the necessity of balancing fair pay for workers with affordable services for vulnerable populations.
The emergence of the term 'treatlerite' reflects a growing disconnect between customer service expectations and the realities faced by gig economy workers.
Deep dives
Personal Guilt and Domestic Expectations
Using delivery apps often evokes feelings of personal guilt among users, stemming not from class issues, but from one's perceived domestic abilities. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among individuals who feel inadequate compared to traditional homemaking standards, such as those upheld by previous generations. Users may grapple with a sense of betrayal towards their domestic roles, while striving for culinary skills reminiscent of parents. The discussion reveals that many strive to balance convenience with a longing for self-sufficiency, leading to a complex relationship with the convenience of these services.
Exploitative Practices and Necessary Services
The debate surrounding delivery apps often highlights the exploitative nature of gig economies while simultaneously recognizing their necessity for vulnerable populations. Activists argue that these apps provide crucial services for those with disabilities or limited mobility, effectively calling for regulations that balance fair pay for workers with accessible pricing for users. This clash of opinions raises questions about the ethical implications of convenience vs. the economics behind these digital services. Consequently, the dialogue shifts to examining the moral responsibilities users and companies hold towards one another.
The Emergence of 'Treatlerite' Culture
The term 'treatlerite' has emerged in discussions about entitlement in expecting high levels of service from delivery workers, marking a new chapter in online food discourse. This phenomenon encompasses individuals perceived as overly demanding or whiny about their delivery experiences, sparking backlash from those who believe service expectations should align with gig workers' realities. Critics highlight a disconnect between elite standards of service and the struggles faced by gig workers, which can provoke intense online debates. As conversations evolve, the focus drifts toward personal responsibility and the moral complexities inherent in the modern convenience economy.
Disability Activism and Delivery Service Ethics
Instances of delivery drivers mishandling orders, particularly affecting disabled users, have sparked viral reactions that underscore the larger ethical dilemmas within gig economies. High-profile cases illustrate the frustrating intersection of service quality and accessibility, prompting users and activists to advocate for greater corporate responsibility in accommodating disabled customers. This discourse often exacerbates tensions as users grapple with service failures while defending the need for fair treatment of both customers and service providers. The ongoing debates highlight broader societal misunderstandings and sensitivities surrounding accessibility and labor rights.
Societal Reflections and Communication Breakdowns
As online discussions surrounding delivery apps continue to escalate, they reveal a breakdown in societal communication, driven by a mix of frustration over economic pressures and service expectations. Users find themselves caught in polarized arguments over the morality of convenience and the economic realities of living in a gig economy. The conversation is further muddied by cultural wars that latch onto individual grievances, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating these discussions. Ultimately, the discourse reflects deeper societal issues regarding class, privilege, and the shared experiences of living in a convenience-driven culture.
Perhaps you’ve seen someone pop off online about a delivery order going wrong, or it being too expensive. Maybe you’ve been one of those people. Some call them “Treatlerites” — “treat” + “Hitler,” of course — and it’s when general panic ensues after someone acts selfishly dictatorial about their delivery app output, and foolishly decides to rant about it online. Allegra Rosenberg joins us to discuss how much we should be reacting to this.
Our guest Allegra Rosenberg is a writer, producer, and Garbage Day contributor. You can find her work at https://www.allegrarosenberg.com/.
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