Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Information Science and, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Qom, Iran
2
Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
3
Information Dissemination and Knowledge Exchange, Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy, Qom, Iran
10.22091/stim.2026.15384.2336
Abstract
Objectives: The present study aims to identify and analyze the opportunities and challenges associated with freelance employment in the context of LLM emergence, to examine freelancers' perceptions, levels of adaptation, and future outlook toward these tools, and to propose practical strategies for more effective adaptation to such technological transformations.
Methods: This research adopts a mixed-methods approach. In the quantitative phase, data were collected through questionnaires completed by 55 freelancers active on various Iranian and international freelancing platforms and analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Then, additional insights were gathered through open-ended questions and examined using content analysis. Due to the undefined population, convenience sampling was used.
Results: The findings indicate that large language models, when used as professional assistants, create opportunities such as increased speed, productivity, creativity, and idea generation, while simultaneously introducing challenges including dependency, superficial work practices, unreliable or inaccurate outputs, and intensified competition in certain professional skill areas. Despite acknowledging the substantial impact of these changes on their professional activities, most freelancers are actively developing new skills to better adapt to these technologies and generally maintain a positive outlook toward the future of freelancing in the era of large language models.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, practical strategies for effective adaptation include prompt engineering skills, human verification of outputs, and supportive access policies.
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