Digest

This episode of Tech Won't Save Us explores the complex world of crowdfunding for healthcare, particularly in the United States. Guest Nora Kenworthy, author of "Crowded Out: The True Costs of Crowdfunding Healthcare," delves into the rise of platforms like GoFundMe and their impact on how we address medical crises. Kenworthy argues that crowdfunding, while seemingly a solution, often exacerbates existing inequalities and distracts from addressing systemic issues. She highlights the inequitable nature of crowdfunding campaigns, where those with greater resources and social networks are more likely to succeed, while those in dire need often struggle to raise even a fraction of their goal. The episode also examines the moral implications of crowdfunding, exploring how it reinforces narratives of individual responsibility and meritocracy, hindering progress towards universal healthcare. Kenworthy emphasizes the need to move beyond individualistic solutions and focus on building community and political power to address systemic problems. The conversation concludes with a discussion of potential alternatives to crowdfunding, including policy changes to strengthen social safety nets and a renewed focus on community organizing and mutual aid.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the topic of crowdfunding for healthcare and the potential consequences of relying on this model. It highlights the growing use of platforms like GoFundMe and the need to examine their broader implications.

00:03:53

Nora Kenworthy's Research

This Chapter delves into Nora Kenworthy's research on crowdfunding for healthcare, focusing on her book "Crowded Out." Kenworthy discusses the origins of crowdfunding platforms and how they emerged in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. She explores the different types of crowdfunding, including project-based and charitable crowdfunding, and the rise of GoFundMe as a dominant platform.

00:10:15

Crowdfunding Experiences

This Chapter examines the experiences of individuals who have used crowdfunding platforms for healthcare expenses. Kenworthy highlights the stark contrast between successful campaigns, often driven by social networks and resources, and unsuccessful campaigns, where individuals in dire need struggle to raise even a small amount of money. She discusses the shame and stigma associated with asking for help and the moral framing of crowdfunding success as a reflection of individual goodness.

00:15:43

The Crowdfunding Marketplace

This Chapter explores the competitive nature of the crowdfunding marketplace and the challenges faced by even those with the skills and resources to launch successful campaigns. Kenworthy discusses the public's perception of crowdfunding and the growing reliance on this model as a means of addressing societal needs.

00:18:59

Structural Factors and Crowdfunding

This Chapter examines the structural factors that contribute to the reliance on crowdfunding for healthcare, particularly in the United States. Kenworthy highlights the lack of a robust social safety net and the high out-of-pocket costs associated with medical crises. She also discusses the role of American cultural values, such as rugged individualism and meritocracy, in shaping attitudes towards social support systems and crowdfunding.

00:27:55

Crowdfunding Internationally

This Chapter compares crowdfunding practices in the United States with other countries, highlighting the differences in reliance on crowdfunding based on the availability of social safety nets and healthcare systems. Kenworthy discusses the global phenomenon of crowdfunding and its prevalence in countries with market-driven healthcare systems.

00:30:41

Digital Crowdfunding vs. Traditional Support

This Chapter explores the transition from traditional crowdfunding, relying on personal networks, to digital platforms like GoFundMe. Kenworthy discusses the impact of these platforms on how individuals frame their stories and the role of algorithms and social media dynamics in shaping campaign success. She also examines the financial incentives of crowdfunding platforms and the potential for data exploitation.

00:34:01

Designing Successful Campaigns

This Chapter examines the factors that contribute to the success of crowdfunding campaigns, including strategic design elements and inherent characteristics that appeal to online audiences. Kenworthy discusses the role of social networks, media promotion, and the prevalence of campaigns for white, young individuals with cancer.

00:41:01

The Consequences of Crowdfunding

This Chapter explores the broader consequences of relying on crowdfunding as a primary solution to societal problems. Kenworthy argues that crowdfunding can lead to a sense of complacency and hinder efforts to address systemic issues. She emphasizes the importance of building community and political power through collective action and the need to move beyond individualistic solutions.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the main arguments presented in Nora Kenworthy's book "Crowded Out: The True Costs of Crowdfunding Healthcare"?

  Kenworthy argues that crowdfunding for healthcare, while seemingly a solution, often exacerbates existing inequalities and distracts from addressing systemic issues. She highlights the inequitable nature of crowdfunding campaigns, where those with greater resources and social networks are more likely to succeed, while those in dire need often struggle to raise even a fraction of their goal. She also examines the moral implications of crowdfunding, exploring how it reinforces narratives of individual responsibility and meritocracy, hindering progress towards universal healthcare.

• How does crowdfunding for healthcare reinforce existing inequalities?

  Kenworthy argues that crowdfunding for healthcare amplifies existing inequalities because those with greater resources and social networks are more likely to succeed in raising funds. Individuals with strong social connections, higher incomes, and access to media platforms are better positioned to launch successful campaigns. This creates a system where those who are already disadvantaged are further marginalized, while those with privilege benefit from the system.

• What are the moral implications of crowdfunding for healthcare?

  Kenworthy argues that crowdfunding for healthcare reinforces narratives of individual responsibility and meritocracy, which can hinder progress towards universal healthcare. The expectation that individuals should rely on crowdfunding to cover their medical expenses reinforces the idea that healthcare is a personal responsibility, rather than a societal obligation. This can lead to a reluctance to support policies that would provide universal healthcare coverage, as it challenges the notion that individuals should be responsible for their own health outcomes.

• What are some potential alternatives to crowdfunding for healthcare?

  Kenworthy suggests that a more equitable and sustainable approach to healthcare would involve strengthening social safety nets, providing universal healthcare coverage, and investing in preventative community health interventions. She also emphasizes the importance of community organizing and mutual aid efforts, which can provide a more holistic and equitable approach to addressing healthcare needs.

• How does the reliance on crowdfunding for healthcare hinder efforts to address systemic issues?

  Kenworthy argues that the reliance on crowdfunding for healthcare can create a sense of complacency and hinder efforts to address systemic issues. By focusing on individual solutions, we may neglect to address the underlying causes of healthcare disparities and inequalities. This can lead to a perpetuation of the status quo, rather than a commitment to creating a more just and equitable healthcare system.

• What is the role of technology in addressing healthcare disparities?

  Kenworthy argues that technology should not be seen as a panacea for healthcare disparities. While technology can be a valuable tool, it is important to use it critically and strategically. We should focus on using technology to support broader efforts to address systemic issues, rather than relying on it as a primary solution.

• What are some of the ethical concerns surrounding the use of crowdfunding platforms for healthcare?

  Kenworthy raises concerns about the potential for data exploitation by crowdfunding platforms. These platforms collect vast amounts of personal data from users, including information about their health conditions and financial circumstances. It is unclear how this data is used and whether it is shared with third parties. There are also concerns about the potential for bias and discrimination in the algorithms used by these platforms, which could lead to certain groups being disadvantaged in their ability to raise funds.

• How does the rise of crowdfunding for healthcare reflect broader societal trends?

  Kenworthy argues that the rise of crowdfunding for healthcare reflects broader societal trends, including the increasing reliance on market-based solutions to social problems, the erosion of social safety nets, and the growing influence of technology in our lives. These trends have created a context where individuals are increasingly expected to take responsibility for their own well-being, even in the face of systemic challenges.

• What are some of the key takeaways from this episode of Tech Won't Save Us?

  This episode highlights the complex and often problematic nature of crowdfunding for healthcare. It emphasizes the need to move beyond individualistic solutions and focus on addressing systemic issues that contribute to healthcare disparities. It also underscores the importance of critical engagement with technology and its potential to both exacerbate and mitigate social problems.

Show Notes