How does the nature of venture capital force companies to be exploitative of their users? This is only true for a super narrow category of consumer startups--social media companies (specifically like 3 of them). And the reason those companies exploit their users is because they can and the nature of competition, not because of VC money.

If anything, I think it's the other way around. Users are exploiting the VC-backed companies. Because there's so many investors reaching for yield right now, the money is abundant. Startups are burning through cash to acquire you, so you can reap the benefits.

I've got 5 delivery apps on my phone and rotate based on which is providing a credit. Ditto for ridesharing. When I was doing a short contract in a different city last year, I got a mattress from whatever mattress-in-a-box company offered the longest trial period, and returned it. I've gotten 3 months of WeWork credits for doing nothing. I could go on and on and on.