digital labor theory

Digital labor theory explores how activities performed online—such as data creation, content curation, and social interactions—constitute labor that often benefits large corporations rather than the individual users. It argues that in the digital economy, people's online contributions generate valuable data and engagement, which companies monetize through advertising and services. Consequently, users' digital efforts are a form of labor that supports the accumulation of capital, raising questions about fairness, ownership, and the exploitation inherent in digital platforms' business models.