Introduction of Generative AI in Digital Platforms: Mental Health and Emotional Well-being of Freelancers

Generative AI (GenAI) has been a groundbreaking technological turning point for digital platforms and has marked a paradigm shift in global professional landscapes, with freelancers being at the forefront of these technological transformations. With its significant capabilities to influence productivity, employment, and earnings and enable new and novice freelancers to enter freelancing, GenAI introduces complex challenges, especially in terms of its psychological impact on freelancers. From this perspective, we examine the impact of GenAI’s introduction in digital platforms on freelancers’ mental health. The preliminary findings show that GenAI’s introduction generates feelings of insecurity and anxiety, increased stress, decreased morale and motivation, emotional exhaustion and cynicism, and fear of replacement among freelancers.