Perceptions of COVID-19 related risks by platform-based couriers: An analysis of user comment threads on Reddit

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for app-based platform-based couriers, creating job opportunities for individuals who have lost income because of COVID-19. Through various stages of lockdown, courier workers (e.g., delivering for Uber Eats, Amazon Flex, and Lyft) provide an essential service. At the same time, this form of work poses risks for exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus as these workers are highly mobile and in contact with many individuals. OBJECTIVE: To explore how platform-based couriers discuss risks associated with their work during periods of high (first wave, second wave, third wave/rise in concerns regarding variants) and low risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-2021. METHODS: We provide a narrative analysis of user posts (n = 2,866) on Reddit during periods of interest. RESULTS: Our analysis resulted in three central findings. First, we identified changing patterns in discourse as the pandemic went on. Second, we found that the theme of risk prevailed largely in the first wave, with dialogue dominated by tips and asking for advice about how to manage risk. Third, our findings reveal a growing polarization among users during the latter phases of the study. CONCLUSION: Polarization largely focused on acceptance (or not) of public health measures and the nature of their work as independent contractors and the role/responsibility of courier companies to offer protection. Our study is the first to document risks, from the perspectives of anonymous couriers who may be unwilling to share their honest opinions and thoughts through primary data collection where anonymity is not guaranteed.