Microtasking as a quick fix to ease the cash crunch
Something that I found to be interesting is a sense of encouragement to take part in the sharing economy overall.
– Valeria Gallo Montreo, Microtasking Signals Sprinter
Overall, microtasking is a sharing economy trend and a quick fix to ease the cash crunch. The appealing aspects are:
- Convenient to complete
- Easy to complete
- Quick cash
- Done anytime and anywhere
In particular, I found microtasking targeted toward young adults. Therefore, the target group includes students, recent graduates, and individuals in need of extra income. The appeal of an additional “convenient” income stream is a draw. Moreover, microtasking had a lot of positive feedback from users. People dealing with the high cost of living in Toronto see it as a solution that meets their economic needs. So microtasking is a convenient way to earn extra income and it can be fit around a demanding student schedule or anyone’s busy daily life.
A quick fix, not a stable income
Given this, microtasking seems like a straightforward, quick fix to ease the cash crunch many Torontonians face. It is, however, a helping hand. It is not a permanent or a stable income to depend on.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of information about microtasking for people who are considering it or involved in it. There is very little information about:
- Disadvantages of this type of work
- Legal policies
- Socio-economic considerations
Furthermore, there should be more public knowledge of the legal aspects of this type of work. People need clear information about the employment structure and rights. Also, protection, rights and responsibilities, and health and safety standards are missing from public policies for individuals who engage in microwork.
Something that I found to be interesting is a sense of encouragement to take part in the sharing economy overall. The sharing economy extends from peer-to-peer sharing to crowdsourcing, to microwork. Many people like the idea of helping each other out. In some ways, I felt it could be compared to the ‘good old days’ when neighbours could ask each other for favours. This is a connection that I find interesting to think about.
Posted by Valeria Gallo Montero
- Microtasking as a quick fix to ease the cash crunch - November 18, 2019
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