Examining the concept of digital labor in terms of labor supply and labor demand: A qualitative research

This study was conducted to present the perspectives of the parties to the concept of digital labor, which emerged with the changing concept of labor. Interview method, which is a qualitative data collection technique, was used in the research. The sample of the research is limited to a total of 30 people, 15 of whom supply digital labor and 15 of whom demand digital labor. As a result of the study, it was observed that the participants on both sides explained the concept of "labor" mostly with the concepts of effort, time and energy. It was determined that the perception of the concept of digital labor was understood as "working in the internet environment" in both groups. The job expectations of both sides also emerged as "working in other fields". Again, both sides stated that they think that the sectors will be digitalized and the digital world will develop and that they believe that the future of digital labor is bright. It has been seen that the pandemic has been effective in making this decision of those who supply digital labor. Those who demanded digital labor stated that they would want to supply digital labor. Those who supply digital labor stated that the advantage of supplying digital labor is "having more time for themselves" and the disadvantage is "not being able to socialize and health problems". Among the parties who were asked about their willingness to invest financially in digital labor, those who supply digital labor stated the preference of "investing in e-commerce", while those who demand digital labor stated the preference of "investing in hardware". It is seen that digital labor is a type of labor that cannot be ignored anymore. Considering that this type of labor will increase day by day, it is essential to introduce a comprehensive legal regulation, especially on social security and working conditions. In addition, providing informative trainings on this labor market from a young age through educational institutions will enable a generation that is more knowledgeable about the concepts to come up with a more accurate decision on what type of labor they will supply.