The gig economy refers to a labor market characterized by short-term, flexible jobs, often mediated by digital platforms. Workers, known as gig workers, take on temporary positions or freelance work instead of traditional, full-time employment. This model allows individuals to choose when and how much they work, providing greater flexibility. Common examples of gig economy jobs include driving for services like Uber or delivering food through apps like DoorDash. While this system offers opportunities for income and independence, it can also lead to challenges such as lack of job security and benefits typically associated with full-time employment.