With the press of a button, your favorite meal can be delivered to your door using GrubHub, and you can hail a ride across town with Uber. All of this is made possible through workers on these gig-based platforms. Lindsey D. Cameron, Member (2023–24) in the School of Social Science, investigates the human impact of this ever-growing gig-economy.
Cameron conducted extensive fieldwork, including 100 hours as a ride-hail driver, to uncover the complexities of gig work. Her research highlights how gig-based platforms create transactional relationships between customers and gig workers, where ratings and tips could mean the difference between a living wage or pocket change. She also emphasizes how the design of the platforms incorporates elements that turn work into a game-like experience, encouraging workers to strive for high customer ratings or maximizing earnings. These “workplace games” help gig workers find purpose and enjoyment in their tasks. By elucidating the dynamics at play in gig work, Cameron aims to enhance its benefits while reducing its drawbacks.
