Rideshare and Delivery Gig Workers Face Hidden Toll from Customer Harassment, Study Finds

A new study reveals that customer harassment of gig workers—such as rideshare drivers and delivery couriers—is widespread and takes a significant psychological and financial toll. Researchers found that many workers experience unwanted sexual comments, threats, and verbal abuse, yet often feel compelled to continue working due to platform rating systems and lack of support. The study, which surveyed hundreds of gig workers, highlights that incidents are underreported because workers fear retaliation or deactivation. Experts say the findings underscore the need for platforms to implement stronger protections, including better reporting tools and safety features. As the gig economy grows, addressing harassment is critical for worker well-being and retention. The hidden emotional and economic costs could push workers out of the industry, affecting service reliability for millions of customers.