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Many have a love-hate relationship with Uber. Yes, it may have saved you from a DUI, but what was that smell in the guy's car? And why didn't he stop asking personal questions?

But there's one positive that might outweigh all the negatives. The possibility to eavesdrop on a ridiculous conversation that will bring you crazy Internet fame. At least for a few minutes.

Both drivers and passengers have been sending the funniest, cringiest, and even creepiest things they have overheard in Ubers to an Instagram account called Overheard which selects the most memorable ones, sharing the convos with their 497,000 followers. So keep your ears peeled next time you're trying to save a few bucks getting to that next bar, maybe you'll catch something juicy.

More info: Instagram

And the popularity of this account shouldn't come as a surprise. Turns out, humans are wired to eavesdrop. Especially when the information is limited. This paper in Psychological Science, for example, suggests that it's harder to not listen to a conversation when someone is talking on the phone (we only hear one side of the dialogue) than when two physically present people are talking to each other.

This has a lot to do with our information processing, and the way the brain allocates attention. We are especially drawn to gaps in information. This is known as the "information gap" theory of curiosity and was first described by George Loewenstein in the early '90s. In this study, scientists demonstrated that subjects listening to only one side of a conversation — what they call a "halfalogue" — showed decreased performance on a range of cognitive tasks that require undivided attention. The researchers concluded that it's the "unpredictable nature" of the halfalogue that makes it so appealing.

In other words, we can't help but eavesdrop when we don't know what the conversation is about or where it's headed. Which, I guess, happens a lot in Ubers!

#3

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Mike Crow
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

During my wedding my soon to be father in law walked my bride down the aisle and as he handed her to me he said “no returns.”

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Francis
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

how got the little lego in there? what was the new address? i've got so many questions

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Cecilia Herrera
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Friend 2 is lucky that he has a friend that will tell it like it is.

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S.
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine if multiple people attempted to say that at the same time.

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K.
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s exactly what I want, in addition to a trove of wonderful books. A few trashy ones. Lots of teacups too

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Cecilia Herrera
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if they sing, "I've got you Babe" during their conversations?

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S.
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I want to see the picture of a bunny wearing a backpack.

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D. Pitbull
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fair! Extra annoying when you're actually trying to arrange/attend something that is specifically timed - ie: "The show - that we paid hundreds of dollars for the tickets - is starting at XX:XX - are you almost here or should I call a cab?" or... "Hey, so-and-so's flight is leaving, we won't see them for at least another decade." - and then they're late... and... somehow... you're blamed for them not being on time... OR... they start getting upset that you won't do sh** with them anymore...

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Tabitha L
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm self employed. So I work everyday. I don't hate Mondays or Thursdays. Or whatever. It is always a work day.

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Kiss Army
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son can solve it in well under a minute! (I have to peel the stickers off to solve it... LOL)

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