Evaluation of freelance workers' daily life experiences in the context of literature review and worker perspectives

The phenomenon of communication has been institutionalized through mass media such as newspapers, radio, and television since the advent of writing; with the acceleration of digitalization, it has undergone a comprehensive transformation centered on new media. Unlike traditional media, digital environments, which offer instant production, circulation, and interaction processes, have fundamentally reshaped not only communication practices but also labor relations and working patterns. One of the most visible results of this transformation is the proliferation of the freelance work model, which promises flexibility and independence from location. This study aims to examine the increasingly common freelance work model in the age of digitalization in a multidimensional way within the context of Türkiye. Within the scope of the research, 250 master's theses, doctoral dissertations, and articles were evaluated using content analysis methods to map the theoretical discussions in the literature. In addition, qualitative data was collected through structured interviews with 20 freelance workers employed through digital platforms; experiences related to digital labor processes were analyzed through thematic analysis. The comprehensive evaluation of quantitative and qualitative data has revealed the structural characteristics of the gig economy in Türkiye and the multi-layered problems faced by freelance workers. This research shows that, in order for freelance work to become a sustainable form of employment, it is necessary to go beyond existing individual strategies and strengthen legal regulations and develop social policy mechanisms. In this context, the research aims to clarify the current state of freelance labor from a conceptual, empirical, and critical perspectives.