Perceived algorithmic control and gig workers’ work engagement: assessing the mediating role of psychological empowerment and the moderating effect of deep acting

This study transcends technological determinism and validates the positive pathway through which algorithmic control enhances work engagement via psychological empowerment. It reveals meaning construction's central role and deep acting's differentiated moderating effects. Online labor platforms should optimize algorithm design, strengthen meaning perception, reduce ineffective monitoring, implement psychological empowerment incentive mechanisms, provide emotional resource support, and guide deep acting strategies.