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I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m an Uber addict.

I can’t go an hour without thinking about driving, checking my phone, or looking at the app to see if there are surges, even when I have no intention of getting behind the wheel. The moment I finish writing this, I’ll probably glance at my phone to see what’s going on. It’s not healthy, but it’s real.

Recognizing the Addiction

The gig apps are designed this way. They’re built to entice you to swipe, click, scroll, and chase the next ride. It’s the exact science behind social media doomscrolling: visual cues, notifications, and a constant feed of potential rewards.

Even if I’m not driving, I feel that FOMO: the fear that somewhere out there, a $10 surge is happening and I’m missing it.

This isn’t just “something I do for money.” It’s a compulsion. Like gambling, alcohol, or other addictive behaviors, it’s the constant pull to check, engage, and react.

The Hook: Why It’s So Addictive

There are three main reasons I can’t stay away from Uber:

1. Instant Money

The moment I hit “Ride Complete,” the counter goes up. Five dollars. Twenty. A hundred. It doesn’t matter; an instant dopamine hit is there. It’s a rush.

It’s also unpredictable. Each ride is like spinning the slot machine, will I get a tip? A surge? Both? The randomness keeps me coming back.

2. The Operation

I love the ritual of driving.

Setting up my car just right.
Mounting my phone perfectly.
Curating the right playlist (my “Taylor Swift–Frank Ocean–Summer Song” mix is a late-night favorite).
Keeping my car spotless. Vacuuming multiple times a day and wiping down surfaces.

I drive like every passenger is holding a giant bowl of soup. Smooth acceleration. Gentle stops. Avoiding potholes (as much as Syracuse will allow). It’s a point of pride to make the ride feel as close to a limousine experience as possible.

3. The People

This is the real jackpot for me.

I’m not looking for deep relationships. I don’t need more friends. But I love the randomness of who might get in my car next, a couple on a date, someone heading to work, or a traveler from the airport.

Half the time, we exchange only pleasantries. Other times, we connect. We laugh, we share, we create a small, fleeting moment together. And when that happens, it’s magic.

There’s a strange intimacy in the enclosed space of a car. Two strangers sharing a few miles of road. A brief overlap of lives before going our separate ways forever.

The Healthy and Unhealthy Sides

Like any addiction, there’s a light and dark side.

Unhealthy: The constant compulsion to check the app. The feeling that I have to drive to get that next hit of dopamine. The mental drain of chasing the next ride or payout.
Healthy: The joy of meeting new people, providing a safe and comfortable experience, and finding satisfaction in running my car like a finely tuned business.

Why I Keep Going

Some drivers just want to turn the app on, make money, and never think twice about passengers. That’s fine for them. But for me, it’s about the stories, the moments, the people.

It’s not always about what’s said; often, it’s what’s not said. The sigh from the back seat after a long day. The glow of a phone screen. The quiet comfort of a smooth ride.

Those moments are the ones I chase. They’re my jackpot.

If you’re a driver, maybe you know exactly what I mean. Perhaps you’ve felt that pull too. The rush of the ride, the thrill of the unknown, the comfort of the routine.

And if you haven’t felt it yet… well, be careful. You might get hooked.

I’m an Uber Addict