Rustic. Refined. Cutesy. Elegant. Modern. Traditional. No matter your tastes, there’s a place to suit you in today's online rental market. What you probably don't go looking for, though, is a person who comes with dream destination.

Laurel Moffatt examines the boom in the short-term rental economy which has had a perverse effect on the life of the modern city. Even though we travel to more interesting locations, the sector has disrupted or further disintegrated social connections, particularly when a city has a high volume of listings.

The antidote to the problem of loneliness, though, is not medication, but human connection. Forget artfully arranged towels and bowls of fresh lemons on the bench. Connection with others and the gift of one another’s presence is the truly beautiful thing.

LINKS

More numbers about the worth of the sharing economy.

“The Airbnb Effect on Housing and Rent,” Forbes, Feb 21, 2020.

Vivek, Murthy, M.D. Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World.

But perhaps you’d rather visit Jerry’s Lakehouse than read these articles? If so, follow the link to the listing for his place on Airbnb.