How has the rise of the gig economy contributed to wage polarization in the labor market?

The gig economy refers to a labor market where short-term jobs are common, often facilitated by online platforms. This rise has led to wage polarization, meaning that there is a growing gap between high-paying and low-paying jobs. Many gig jobs, like driving for ride-sharing services or delivering food, often pay less than traditional jobs and lack benefits like health insurance. On the other hand, technology has increased demand for skilled workers in fields like software development, which can pay very well. For example, a skilled programmer may earn a high salary while a gig worker in a low-skill job struggles to make ends meet, highlighting the widening divide in wages.