Uber adds an awkward new feature

If you're the kind of person who doesn't have much to say when you hop into an Uber, your introversion is about to be challenged because the Uber game just got a whole lot more..."Sociable."

The new app will attempt to make trips more sociable, in response to feedback from drivers who are perhaps looking for a bit more chat....other than "Busy night?"

When you book a ride, "conversation starters" will now appear in the profiles of drivers who will share personal details in the hopes of kickstarting the banter that has come to be an expected part of using the service. 

Anyone else think it's starting to sound like a dating app?

Customers are also being invited to submit "compliments" after each ride, giving feedback on the level of service, cleanliness and quality of conversation by selecting from a list of badges inside the app.

The driver will then get a notification thanking them for the "awesome music", "great conversation" or "expert navigation". Other badges include "cool car", "great amenities" and "entertaining driver".

"So we're making it easier for riders to say hello and thank drivers for the things they do - big and small" said an Uber spokesperson. 

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.