[bduerst]

I get that you're trying to break down "sharing economy" by the semantics of the word "share", but even in your hypothetical the bench is [presumably] owned by the city, who has granted already access to it for everyone.

By sharing access to economic goods and services that were previously unavailable, waste from market inefficiencies are being eliminated. Just because companies are profiting from this waste elimination doesn't negate the fact that shared economies can still be beneficial.

Even so, considering the size of these markets now, I don't think people are going to confuse "Sharing economy" with altruism.

[geebee]

People have chanted "sharing is caring" at demonstrations against greater regulations and restrictions on short term rentals. I think we're stepping close to a deliberate ambiguity.