Tech Won't Save Us How Indonesian Gig Workers Are Organizing w/ Rida Qadri
Feb 11, 2021
Rida Qadri, a PhD candidate at MIT, dives into the world of gig workers in Jakarta, specifically motorcycle taxi drivers. She discusses how these workers have forged networks of mutual aid due to minimal support from companies and the government. Qadri highlights the vital role of local knowledge in enhancing gig platforms like Gojek and Grab. The conversation also touches on the evolving relationship between drivers and technology, showcasing the resilience of workers amid challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Human Knowledge Powers Apps
- Local knowledge from drivers is essential for app efficiency in Jakarta due to poor mapping and social dynamics.
- Drivers navigate complex urban and social terrain ignored by the app algorithms.
Tactics For Algorithmic Resistance
- Workers can resist algorithmic pressures by turning off GPS or strategically gaming the system.
- Use social platforms to organize collective action and influence platform decisions.
Drivers Shape Platform Operations
- Apps like Grab localize operations uniquely in Jakarta by accommodating driver social habits.
- Drivers exert agency to adapt and sometimes resist app algorithms, shaping platform dynamics.