Tech Won't Save Us GoFundMe Profits from People’s Pain w/ Nora Kenworthy
May 30, 2024
Nora Kenworthy, author and associate professor, discusses the reliance on GoFundMe for healthcare costs, exposing inequalities. They dissect societal reliance on crowdfunding, stigma around public support, and the need for systemic change in healthcare financing.
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Crowdfunding Emerged With The Post-2008 Hustle
- Crowdfunding rose after 2008 as part of a broader 'hustle' economy that shifted responsibility to individuals.
- GoFundMe and similar platforms fit the same neoliberal logic as gig work, normalizing DIY survival tactics.
From Paper Flyers To Global Platforms
- Nora first encountered GoFundMe via a paper flyer with tear-off tabs in her neighborhood.
- That low-tech origin contrasts with how the platform later became a global digital marketplace.
Success Depends On Networks Not Just Need
- Campaign outcomes diverge sharply by users' existing resources, networks, and media reach.
- Successful fundraisers often reflect donors' networks more than intrinsic deservingness.