The Corona Pandemic has had many negative effects. People have lost their jobs, industries have had to shut down completely, and companies have been forced to file for bankruptcy. But in addition to these negative examples, there are also clear winners of the pandemic. They include, for example, digital food delivery services. Denise Wachter is a culinary expert at stern and took a closer look at the Gorillas delivery service. As convenient as these are, in the 325th episode of “Today Important” she warns of a “filter bubble”.
Gorillas and Co. are very practical when you need food quickly and don’t want to go outside. Because the ordered goods are delivered within ten minutes. You automatically ask yourself where the catch is. Denise Wachter found it – she describes gorillas as a “digital supermarket with a shelf that learns”. Because food delivery services collect the data of their users to find out which goods they should have in stock.
For example, if someone orders a lot of sweets or ready-made products, they will automatically see more unhealthy goods because gorillas and co. have created a kind of filter bubble. The Stern editor also says that there is so much data protection going on these days, but not in this area, and that is exactly the crux of the matter. Because “we don’t have this awareness when we eat”. So people have to decide for themselves whether they want to share their data and order from digital supermarkets or not.
In addition to Gorillas, Flink, Getir and Co., other apps have now also managed to change the world of supermarkets in big cities. Not everything is bad: “Of course there are also good examples, for example the ToGoodToGo app,” says Denise Wachter. This app allows grocery stores to sell their leftover or expired goods at a discounted price. Such an offer can be a real relief, especially for people with low income – and less food is thrown away. A win for everyone. Denise Wachter also emphasizes that these apps make life easier. According to Wachter, the food trade is changing at the moment, the reason for this is digitization. That’s why she’s certain: “In ten years we’ll definitely all have the smart fridge installed.”
Sure, opinionated, on the 12: “important today” is not just a news podcast. We set topics and initiate debates – with attitude and sometimes uncomfortable. Host Michel Abdollahi and his team of stern and RTL reporters speak to the most exciting people from politics, society and entertainment. They let all voices have their say, both the quiet and the loud. Anyone who hears “important today” starts the day well-informed and can have a well-founded say.
Don’t miss an episode of “Today’s Important” by subscribing to our podcast on: Audio Now, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Castbox or your favorite podcast app. If you have any questions or suggestions, please write to us at heuteimportant@stern.de.