The word Algorithm can sound intimidating and mystical to many. Like an emotionless all knowing oracle the almighty algorithm has the fate of every Amazon Flex driver in it’s virtual binary hands.
It’s a widely reported and accepted fact that Amazon Flex is mostly run by an algorithm that has the power to deactivate Flex drivers via email with no human intervention. The algorithm feeds on Flex driver data. As you pickup packages, drive, deliver, and snap photos the Flex app is collecting data about all of that to feed the algorithms insatiable apatite. According to bloomberg.com once the algorithm processes your data it uses it to decide which drivers get more routes and which ones are deactivated.
Amazon algorithms scan the gusher of incoming data for performance patterns and decide which drivers get more routes and which are deactivated. Human feedback is rare.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-06-28/fired-by-bot-amazon-turns-to-machine-managers-and-workers-are-losing-out
It would seem that Amazon Flex drivers are completely at the mercy of the almighty algorithm and expecting compassion and human-like understanding from support is out of the question because there’s very little human involvement in the process.
It’s not a Fair Game
Many drivers still believe that we’re all playing the same tapping game in the Flex app and the fastest driver gets the gold. However, that is not the case. The game is rigged and the algorithm has it’s favorites.
Amazon has admitted to it and sent a message to Flex drivers with a “reminder” about how blocks work:
Indeed, it’s highly unlikely that there’s people processing all of the data to determine who get’s first choice of offers. Rather, they use the algorithm and if your variables aren’t to it’s liking then you’ll be stuck with the hammy-down blocks that the other drivers don’t want.
The next time you find yourself tapping in frustration wondering how others are doing it faster, it may be because the algorithm decided that you’re not worthy. Tapping speed is only one of the many variables to the tapping game, there’s many more hidden that only the algorithm knows.
How to beat it
The truth is that you can’t beat the algorithm. The best that you can do is try to appease it. Play the rigged game the best you can. Like in Squid Game’s “Green Light Red Light”, it’s best that you do what the robotic figure tells you to do.
Rather than stop and go, in the Amazon Flex game you should:
- Keep a good delivery quality and reliability
- Don’t cancel blocks excessively
- Show up on time
- Follow customer instructions
- Take all of the packages assigned to you
- Keep return packages to a minimum
Otherwise, you’ll be another number who was deactivated. Things like flat tires and traffic the algorithm cannot compute. It doesn’t care, so good luck!
Summary
Amazon Flex is a dirty and rigged game where not all drivers are treated equally. The algorithm decides who gets first choice of offers based on several variables. The algorithm has the power to deactivate drivers without any human intervention. This means that drivers can be unfairly deactivated because machines have no concept of fairness, compassion, or common sense.
It’s futile to become emotionally invested or dependent upon Amazon Flex. The best you can do is keep your head down, try to feed the algorithm the data that it wants by keeping a good rating and try to last as long as you can in the Amazon Flex Squid Game.
Appreciate it. Be safe out there.