Platform-Mediated Gig Work and Health: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background

We sought to assess the size, depth, and rigor of empirical literature on platform-mediated gig work and health.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed studies from January 1, 2000, through May 29, 2024, that examined platform-mediated gig work and any measure of physical or mental health. We abstracted country, study design, population, sample size, exposure measure, and health outcome. We assessed whether the study addressed any of three potential mechanisms connecting gig work and health: occupational hazards, social determinants, or the specific nature of digital platforms.

Results

We identified 45 total studies examining transportation safety (n = 12), work-related injuries (n = 4), other physical health outcomes (n = 5), COVID-19 vulnerabilities (n = 10), mental health (n = 10), mental well-being (n = 18), and safety (n = 12). These categories were not mutually exclusive. Cross-sectional and qualitative studies identified physical and mental health problems among gig workers, but the literature lacks study population-representative designs, prospective data, comparisons of gig workers to other similar non-gig workers (i.e., external comparison groups), and validated measures of physical health.

Conclusions

Platform-mediated gig work may have unique impacts on health, but causal evidence is lacking. Future research should examine how the nature of digital platforms—specifically, algorithmic control, ratings, and surveillance—impacts health of workers.