Any major change in the economy inevitably means a change in society as a whole and at the level of the individual as well. With the entry into the 21st century, the society has taken a step into the new economic era. It is not yet clear in which direction this new period will develop; some experts see it as a deviation from the current economic system while others see it merely as a new form of capitalism. Primary research topic of this master’s thesis is the platform economy with emphasis on labor intensive platforms. It is important to understand the ways these platforms affect all the stakeholders, especially the consequences for those who actively participate with their work. Do online platforms provide opportunities for societal development towards better professional and private life, or do these business models lead to an increase in the proportion of precarious work and reduction in worker's wellbeing? By understanding the implications of online platforms, an appropriate systems of regulation can be prepared and implemented so that economy will develop in the right direction, towards an equal, fair and prosperous society.
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