Despite the regulations and measures enacted across Europe and the United States, Airbnb's growth trajectory remains unabated, appearing to be an indomitable trend. At its core the platform capitalizes on the desire of property owners to maximize returns on their real estate. I purchase a property, pay taxes on it, and then transform it into a lucrative source of revenue, renting it out to students and newly-weds and so on. But wait a minute, I’ll make more money if I put it up for short rentals.
This is one of the most obvious products of the heinous capitalism that has gripped the West for so long. What’s happened to community engagement, mutual support, collective solidarity? Everyone is trying to exploit everyone else And Airbnb fits perfectly into this logic. I don't think the phenomenon can be mitigated. Norms are of no use if people cannot reverse the individualism that boils down to: it's fine with me, why should I care about others.
Giuseppe Aloe
Editor in Chief
