# In-App Ride Share Chats Uber's New Chat Function Simplifies Passenger-Driver Interactions By Ell Smith | Published 2017-08-13 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/in-app-chat References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2017/08/10/uber-in-app-chat/) & [uber](https://www.uber.com/en-CA/) [Uber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safety-tools-1) is simplifying [driver-passenger interactions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uber-and-turo) with a new in-app chat function that allows passengers to contact their drivers in a more streamlined manner that privileges privacy. Previously, if passengers needed to contact their driver, they would have to text them, subsequently giving their phone number to someone they didn't know. Uber acknowledged the inconvenience and intimacy of this method of communication and hopes the in-app chat makes for a more convenient and private experience. Once on the Uber feed, users can access the in-app chat by tapping "contact" followed by "chat." This newly launched function addresses one of the privacy hurdles the company has received criticism for, and represents the company's commitment to customer satisfaction. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **In-app Chat Function:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop chat functions within apps to streamline interactions and enhance privacy. - **Streamlined Passenger-driver Communication:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create communication tools that simplify and improve interactions between passengers and service providers. - **Enhanced Privacy Features:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate privacy-focused solutions to address the concerns and criticisms surrounding data sharing and communication. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Ride-hailing Services:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate in-app chat features to enhance the user experience and address privacy concerns. - **Mobile App Development:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative communication tools and privacy features for various mobile applications. - **Customer Service Solutions:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop communication platforms that enable seamless interactions between customers and service providers, prioritizing privacy. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible Ride App Safety-Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safety-tools-1.md) - [Auditory Rideshare Safety Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-uber-safety-features.md) - [Rideshare Security Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uber-audio-recording.md) - [Youth-Catered Transportation Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teen-accounts.md) - [Airport-Navigation App Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uber-updates.md) - [Comfort-Focused Business Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uber-3.md) - [iOS-Influenced Travel Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uber-2.md) - [Simultaneous Ride-Hailing Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concurrent-rides.md) - [Assistance Dog-Focused Rideshares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accommodating-passangers.md)