Platform Algorithmic Governance and Precarity in Creative Work: A Case Study of Chinese Game Streamers
Abstract
Against the backdrop of continuous changes in the rules, algorithms and commercialization requirements of Chinese content platforms, this article focuses on the cross-platform practices of streamer Da Sima on live-streaming platforms such as Douyu, Bilibili and Douyin, and discusses the issue of precarity in platformized creative labor. Existing studies have pointed out that creative labor has long been confronted with structural precarity, and platform governance, algorithmic mechanisms and relational work have further intensified such pressure. However, these studies rarely explain specifically how structural pressure is transformed into the persistent tangible experience of creators in daily platform practices, and further evolves into self-discipline and self-acceleration. This article adopts a qualitative single-case study and netnography, and conducts thematic analysis based on qualitative data including live-streaming content, short videos, platform rule texts, industry reports and comment bullet screens. The study finds that the integration of changing platform rules, the logic of algorithmic visibility and commercialization pressures gradually transforms the freedom and self-expression originally pursued by creators into persistent pressures at the material, relational and identity levels. The seemingly proactive risk-coping strategies, in turn, reinforce the forced accelerated labor process.
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