身边的经济学·社会常识英语30篇（1）

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为何平台随用户增多而愈发强大

Platform businesses like ride-hailing apps or online marketplaces rely on network effects to succeed.
Each new user makes the service more valuable for others already using it.
For example, more drivers attract more riders, which in turn attracts even more drivers.
This self-reinforcing cycle creates high barriers for new competitors trying to enter the market.
Firms often lose money early on to grow their user base quickly and lock in dominance.
Network effects also explain why dominant platforms can charge higher fees later.
Regulators now study whether such growth leads to unfair control over pricing or data.
Still, network benefits disappear if the platform fails to maintain safety and fairness standards.
Governments sometimes require interoperability so users can move data between platforms freely.
Understanding network effects helps explain both rapid innovation and rising market concentration.