#SuperApps #Solutionism #SiliconValley: "For some tech firms like Microsoft, super apps may provide an opportunity to break the hold of more established monopolies like Apple or Google. And for consumers, one application with a core function brings together a diverse array of services such as calling a cab, investing money, or even making a quick buck.

But app-based solutions to structural problems are just shining examples of insisting the disease is the cure. Silicon Valley has long exploited existing societal and infrastructural gaps. Ride-hail platforms have savaged public transit and the taxi industry, but the need for drivers in cities without adequate transport options remains. The same goes for platforms offering app-based solutions to housing or financial services: Their popularity is less a testament to their innovation than to how desiccated the nonmarket alternatives were, thanks to older deregulatory campaigns stretching back to the ascent of neoliberal governance in the 1970s. In the end, they perpetuate problems with the systems they claim to hack. The crypto industry preys on nonwhite communities without access to the traditional financial system, and on-demand labor platforms have been hard at work eroding this country’s threadbare labor laws."

https://www.wired.com/story/super-app-musk-x-wechat-regulation/

#SuperApps Are Terrible for People—and Great for Companies

Apps that offer to "do it all" will subject users to even more #exploitation and #surveillance, while large tech companies profit.
#privacy

https://www.wired.com/story/super-app-musk-x-wechat-regulation/

VCs and tech journalists on LinkedIn keep hyping the idea of a super app for the US and EU markets.

A super app would give a company I already get a mediocre experience from the ability to ensure all of my digital experiences are mediocre. No thanks.

#superapps #vc

// #Superapps are taking over Asia : https://venturebeat.com/enterprise-analytics/super-apps-are-taking-over-asia-the-u-s-could-be-next/amp/

#repost #venturebeat #timeline

Next was an exciting discussion on why #SuperApps are emerging in #Africa with Emeka Ajene and Alastair Sussock at #TechCabal. I haven't heard such a coherent discussion of super apps before, and the conversation leaves me increasingly interested in this area of African #tech. Highly recommend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelrsUkFpEc (9/12)

Another very interesting podcast from @Trade__Talks on #chinese #fintech .
#superapps : question - is this what Musk wanted Twitter to become? An everything app?

Great to access this #podcast via #spotify #SpotifyPodcasts
https://open.spotify.com/episode/44NRhFuiCr5vqMhXBVChKQ?si=eV2N9m8cQ6qcJoICqEKY5A

Another very interesting podcast from @Trade__Talks on #chinese #fintech .
#superapps : question - is this what Musk wanted Twitter to become? An everything app?

Great to access this #podcast via #spotify #SpotifyPodcasts
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2bXwpxIcA86yqK8dSmLoU3?si=FeQXgoKaS_23qpzRSilWaQ

My latest: Enabling thoughtful connectivity beyond payments

#FinTech #Payments #SuperApps #Innovation

cc @LedaGlyptis @MaryMWisniewski @stessacohen @tammybangs @RAlexJimenez @Xbond49 @richardturrin @mi_jim @SpirosMargaris @UrsBolt @ploberman @JimMarous

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/enabling-thoughtful-connectivity-beyond-payments-theodora-lau/