The Transformation Mechanism and Coping Strategies of Digital Labor and Alienated Labor

Abstract

In the era of the digital economy, digital labor, as a new form of labor, has significantly reshaped the traditional labor structure and aggravated the phenomenon of labor alienation. Marx’s theory of alienated labor reveals the alienation characteristics of labor under capitalist production conditions, and digital labor shows new dimensions on this basis, including the dematerialization of labor products, excessive labor in digital production, the opposition of intelligent production, and the invisibility of labor relations. The alienation of digital labor is mainly reflected in the free possession of labor achievements, the lack of subjectivity and creativity in the labor process, the loss of labor autonomy, and the imbalance between humans and technology. In response to this challenge, it is necessary to strengthen the construction of digital ethics and standardize the use of data; reconstruct labor relations and protect the rights and interests of workers; enhance the control of workers on digital technology; and build a harmonious digital space. Marx’s theory of alienated labor provides a theoretical framework for understanding digital labor. It can not only criticize the logic of capitalist exploitation, but also guide the rational development of digital labor, and promote the labor relations in the era of the digital economy to move towards a fair and sustainable direction.