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The Impact of Platform Algorithm Pressure on the Psychological Vulnerability of Digital Gig Workers Internal Mechanisms and Regulatory Strategies

Author(s)

Beixue Ye, Lingzhen Ke*, Junyu Liu

Affiliation(s)

School of Humanities and Foreign Languages, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

With platform algorithms evolving from managerial tools into core regulatory mechanisms of labor processes, the novel stressors confronting digital gig workers and their psychological consequences demand urgent scholarly attention. Existing research lacks systematic exploration of the internal transmission mechanisms between algorithmic pressure and psychological vulnerability. Integrating the Job Demands-Resources theory, Psychological Capital theory, and Stress Cognitive Appraisal theory, this study conducts in-depth interviews with 30 food delivery riders, ride-hailing drivers, and couriers, supplemented by 581 questionnaire responses, to systematically dissect the internal mechanisms through which the three-dimensional structure of algorithmic pressure transforms into psychological vulnerability. Findings reveal that algorithmic pressure influences psychological vulnerability through dual mediating pathways of "challenge appraisal" and "hindrance appraisal," constituting a double-edged sword effect. Psychological capital functions as a downstream buffer; individuals with higher psychological capital can block vulnerability conversion through self-efficacy and resilience even under equivalent algorithmic pressure. Group comparisons indicate that food delivery riders exhibit significantly higher algorithmic pressure perception and belongingness deprivation than ride-hailing drivers. Accordingly, this paper constructs a four-dimensional regulatory framework encompassing algorithmic transparency, institutional reinforcement, ecological complementation, and psychological empowerment, advocating a shift from efficiency-first to balanced efficiency-fairness algorithmic governance, thereby providing theoretical support and practical pathways for digital gig worker protection.

Keywords

Algorithmic Management; Psychological Capital; Cognitive Appraisal; Collaborative Governance; Platform Labor; Stress Transmission Mechanism

References

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