Weaving the algorithm: participatory subjectivities amongst food delivery riders

Abstract

AbstractThe platform economy is an ecosystem of algorithmically-organised social–technical relationships. In the specific area of home food delivery via digital platforms, algorithmic mediation motivates agents to act in specific ways based on algorithmic logic, creating a distinct form of subjectivity. Based on an ethnography carried out with delivery riders in the City of Madrid (Spain) between 2021 and 2023, in this paper we explore the concept of participatory subjectivity, proposing a distinction between three categories: (a) systems in which the delivery worker seeks algorithmic recognition, (b) systems in which users act in such a way as to be ignored by the algorithm and (c) systems in which it is the design of the algorithms themselves that fosters participation by users. We believe that the concept of participatory subjectivity contributes to the debate on algorithmic mediation in the platform economy, while also affording new perspectives on its effects on workers.