the new gig work behind AI — same as the old gig work

Exploring the Evolving Landscape of AI-Driven Gig Work: A Reflection of Traditional Models

In recent industry developments, a company named Scale has positioned itself as an “Uber for AI,” suggesting a new frontier in gig-based work centered around artificial intelligence. This analogy, while highlighting innovation, also draws attention to persistent labor concerns reminiscent of the gig economy’s earlier days with rideshare and delivery services.

Much like app-based transportation and delivery platforms, AI-related gig work involves task-based jobs arranged online, often compensated on an hourly basis or per task. In the United States, those engaged in basic annotation activities can typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour. More specialized tasks, demanding higher expertise such as chemistry or programming, tend to command even greater pay.

However, a notable trend is the outsourcing of these jobs to lower-income nations, including countries like Kenya and the Philippines. These regions often feature fewer labor regulations and lower wage standards, leading to concerns about exploitative working conditions. Critics have dubbed some of these outsourced roles “digital sweatshops,” raising important questions about fairness and worker protections in this burgeoning industry.

As AI continues to expand its influence, the gig work associated with it remains fundamentally similar to traditional gig models, emphasizing flexible, task-based employment—yet also exposing ongoing issues related to wages and labor rights across the globe.

For a deeper dive into this topic, read the full analysis at Hard Reset Media.