Are you a regular Uber user? Have you ever come across the option of a 'Walking Buddy' besides Uber Pool and X? A twitter user recently shared an image of the app offering exactly the same option. Yes...the 'Walking Buddy' option.
Uber's 'Walking Buddy' has taken the internet by storm since the time it got shared but has Uber really launched this strange service?
Here's the truth
A few days back, a twitter user shared a screenshot of the Uber app with the caption "Lmfao walking buddy?" In the image there was a third option of a 'Walking Buddy' to LaGuardia Airport in New York along with Uber pool and X. And what more...the fare for this service was USD 7.50, approximately RS 533, cheaper than other options.
What was even funnier was the icon, unlike the usual image of the car, had two buddies holding hands together.
Well...the tweet had the internet laughing hard but it was nowhere near the truth.
What netizens think about the idea?
Although, the 'Walking Buddy' option is not real, still in no time it got viral and created a buzz on Twitter.
Some Uber users took the rumor seriously and stormed the internet with all sorts of queries regarding the unusual idea. One of the users tweeted
Will the Walking Buddy helps me chase someone that steals my suitcase? Can the Walking Buddy fight back?
Another user posted,
if a piggyback ride is what this is referring to then I am 100% in.
Here are some of the hilarious comments and GIFs Twitterati posted suggesting how they think the journey with a 'Walking Buddy' would go.
Along with the netizens, Uber also joined in on the fun. Re-tweeting the viral image the brand said, "Gotta get those steps in". Wait... has this fake news given Uber an idea?
Is 'Walking Buddy' a good idea?
If we can find a dating partner through dating apps then why not a walking partner...doesn't this sound great?
The way netizens welcomed this rumor and showed their eagerness to the unusual idea is a sign that the idea will be openly accepted if brought in by the online cab services. And the way the online cab services keep upping their facilities these days, it will not be a shock to see 'Walking Buddy' option soon.
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Also, in the world of digital technology where physical interactions have been outstripped by virtual interactions, walking buddies will be a great idea. People will get a chance to meet and talk to real people and not on social platforms.
Honestly, it's not the dumbest idea. Say you're at a walking distance from a store and its night and you don't want to walk alone. Here comes the 'walking buddy'. Or you just want to go for a walk but you don't want to be alone, you can always get a walking companion. But, for some Uber users, the idea did not go well.
It may be exciting but it's creepy as well. What if the 'Walking buddy' role is taken by someone like Joe Goldberg, the serial killer from Netflix series You?
