As the platform economy grows, gig workers such as delivery riders and ride-hailing drivers have become emerging professionals in the internet age. They work tirelessly, navigating through busy city traffic to complete their tasks. However, algorithms are increasingly limiting their time. Customer ratings intensify the conflict between consumers and gig workers, making the platform economy even more complex and binding delivery riders more tightly.
Can waiting an extra 5 minutes solve the dilemma for delivery riders? How can we restrain the algorithms that cause harm to gig workers? Where do the rights of gig workers in emerging industries lie?
The platform economy is characterised by matching supply and demand through digital platforms, which rely heavily on algorithms to optimise their operations. These algorithms, however, have limitations and can only consider some of the complex variables that come with human decision-making. This can lead to unintended consequences, especially in gig work.
One of the critical challenges that gig workers face is the time limit imposed by algorithms. In the delivery industry, algorithms set tight delivery schedules, making it difficult for riders to take breaks or rest. They must complete a certain number of orders within a specified time frame, which can be highly stressful and physically demanding. At the same time, algorithms prioritise customer ratings, often used to measure rider performance. This creates a situation where riders are forced to prioritise customer satisfaction over their own well-being, leading to a misalignment of incentives between the platform, riders, and customers.
Moreover, customer ratings and reviews can create intense and unfair pressure on delivery riders. Many customers are impatient and intolerant of any delay, leading to poor ratings and negative feedback, even when the delay is beyond the rider’s control. This can lead to a significant impact on the rider’s earnings, as their ratings and reviews determine whether they receive future orders or not. The system creates a high-stress environment that can lead to burnout and adverse mental health effects for riders.
As consumers, we may feel frustrated when delivery riders take longer than expected to deliver our food. It is tempting to blame the rider and give them a poor rating. However, it is essential to recognise that these ratings significantly impact the rider’s income and working conditions. Offering a low rating may seem like an appropriate response to a delay, but it can cause significant harm to the rider’s livelihood.
The algorithm-driven platform economy has created a complex and challenging work environment for gig workers. However, it is essential to recognise that gig work has always been difficult, even before the advent of digital platforms. The gig economy has grown in response to changes in the labour market, including the rise of part-time and flexible work and the increasing demand for low-cost services. However, the platform economy has exacerbated the challenges faced by gig workers, creating new forms of exploitation and precarity.
To address these challenges, there is a need for a more holistic approach to gig work. Platforms must recognise their responsibility to protect gig workers’ rights and ensure their algorithms do not cause harm. There is also a need for stronger legal protections for gig workers, including the right to form unions and collective bargaining. Finally, consumers must recognise their role in supporting gig workers and not contribute to the toxic rating culture.
In conclusion, the impact of algorithms on gig workers in the platform economy is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. While algorithms can optimize the operations of digital platforms, they can also create harm to gig workers.
算法对互联网零工的影响
随着互联网经济的发展，外卖员、网约车司机等成为互联网时代的新兴从业者。他们争分夺秒，在城市车水马龙中穿梭。然而，算法限制了他们的时间，评价好坏也加剧了消费者和零工之间的冲突，使得互联网经济变得更加复杂，更加绑缚外卖员。
多等5分钟能否解决外卖员困境？如何制约对零工造成伤害的算法？新兴行业从业者的权益应该如何保障？
互联网平台经济通过数字化平台来匹配供需，其运营很大程度上依赖于算法的优化。然而，这些算法也存在局限性，无法考虑到所有与人类决策有关的复杂变量。特别是在零工经济的背景下，这可能会导致意想不到的后果。
零工面临的一个主要挑战是算法所限定的时间。在外卖行业中，算法设定了紧张的配送时间表，使得外卖员难以休息或休息不足。他们必须在规定的时间内完成一定数量的订单，这会带来极大的压力和身体上的负担。同时，算法优先考虑客户评价，这通常被用作衡量外卖员绩效的指标。这就导致外卖员被迫将客户满意度置于自己的健康之上，从而导致平台、外卖员和消费者之间的激励错位。
此外，客户的评价和评论也会对外卖员产生巨大的压力和不公平的影响。许多客户心急，容不得任何耽搁，即使外卖员的延迟超出了其控制范围，也会导致差评和负面反馈。这可能会对外卖员的收入产生重大影响，因为他们的评价和评论决定了他们是否能够接到未来的订单。这种评价体系创造了一种高压的工作环境，可能导致外卖员疲劳不堪和负面的心理影响。
作为消费者，尽管我们也受到算法的影响，但我们应该认识到零工经济中的劳动者也在受到这种影响。我们需要意识到，他们不仅是服务的提供者，更是一群有权益和尊严的人类。因此，我们应该尝试采取措施来保护他们的权益，并为他们提供更好的工作环境。
一些可能的解决方案包括，扩大配送时间的设定范围，以便为零工提供更多的休息时间；制定更加合理的绩效评价机制，避免消费者的不公平评价对零工产生负面影响；增加透明度，公开平台算法的运作机制，促进平台工作环境的透明和公正。同时，政府也应该考虑出台法规，保护零工的劳动权益。
在这个日益数字化的时代，算法对于平台经济和零工经济的影响不可避免。我们需要承认这一点，并寻求平衡，以确保所有参与者的权益得到保护和尊重。
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