Remote experts: Content analysis of digital profiles of freelancers

About the author:

Egor I. Elyshev, Postgraduate Student, Department of General and Economic Sociology, University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia; stud0000104115@study.utmn.ru, https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1561-7931

Abstract:

The problem of digital employment requires attention due to its prevalence and prerequisites for further growth. The term “remote worker”, characteristic of this segment, is expanded in the article to include those who are not employed, in order to cover the stratum of such remote workers as digital freelancers, who, due to their high level of autonomy, self-organization, and instability of their activities, occupy an ambiguous position in the dichotomy “precariat — free agent (highly experienced representative of a new stage economic development)”. In order to determine the characteristics, place, and role of digital freelancers in the digital employment segment, a content analysis of their personal pages displayed in the main sections of the site FL.ru was conducted (n = 100). The choice of this platform is due to the fact that it is the largest freelance exchange in Russia. The results made it possible to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of freelancers, specializations, characterize the information, visual, and symbolic content of profiles, analyze information about the cost of services, work experience. It has been established that digital freelancers are distinguished by a high level of customer loyalty, a distinct professional identity, and self-presentation.

The data obtained is relevant due to the ongoing digitalization and trends towards “remoteness” and decentralization in the organization of labor processes.

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