The influence of digital platforms on gig workers: A systematic literature review

Digital platforms have significantly transformed the labor market, particularly in the gig economy. Despite this issue's growing importance, no systematic literature review has explicitly examined the influence of digital platforms on gig workers. This study fills this gap by conducting a comprehensive review of 18 articles out of 81 published between 2019 and 2023, retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the PRISMA framework. Thematic analysis revealed 12 key themes that capture the complex influence of digital platforms on gig workers, suggesting that platforms offer both opportunities and challenges. Digital platforms provide low barriers to entry, facilitate task allocation, and offer flexible work arrangements. However, gig workers face significant challenges, such as a lack of social protections, algorithmic control, intense competition, and downward pressure on wages. The implications are significant for sustainable economic development in the platform economy, underscoring the importance of collective organizing, re-evaluating platform practices, and strengthening labor regulations. As the gig economy expands globally, researchers, platforms, and policymakers must work together to ensure that the benefits of digital platforms are shared more equitably and that gig workers can thrive in this new world of work. Given the scarcity of papers published about this topic, the study has no specific focus on region and industry. In addition, this study only extracts papers that are published in English.