3 Recommendations to Increase Equality on Digital Work Platforms

Earlier this year, I created a short essay on the issue discrimination and how to mitigate bias on work platforms — specifically digital freelancing platforms. This topic reflects the research covered in my dissertation (300+ pages); however I only had 350 words to convey the issue. Here’s how I defined the challenge and three potential solutions:

The Problem with Digital Freelancing Platforms

Today, 1 out of 3 working Americans perform freelance work — increasing from 3.7 million freelancers in 2014 to 60 million in 2022. This growth is partially due to the emergence of Upwork, Fiverr, and other freelancing platforms connecting workers and clients in project-based professional services (e.g., accounting, web development, translation).

Freelancing platforms rely on algorithmic recommendations and robust reputation systems that reflect client reviews and ratings. These platforms also feature public profiles where workers are encouraged to post their name, photo, education, and work history to increase trust.

However, research overwhelmingly demonstrates that profiles enable race and gender discrimination in hiring, ratings, and reviews. And these biased metrics are used to assess and recommend workers on the platform.