The Invisible Workers Behind AI

The Invisible Workers Behind AI

In 2016, Amazon introduced its Just Walk Out prototype, claiming to use cutting-edge AI technology.

However, it was later revealed that the reality involved a significant amount of manual labor, with workers from countries like India, Kenya, and the Philippines performing essential tasks for AI training.

These workers earn as little as $8,000 annually, while companies like OpenAI profit billions. The global AI market exceeded $200 billion in 2024, but the wealth remains concentrated in a few U.S. firms.

This outsourcing model raises questions about the fairness and sustainability of tech labor, and its impact on U.S. job markets.


CHAPTERS:
0:00 -- The Invisible Workers Behind AI
0:42 – Tech jobs
1:15 – Outsourcing
1:59 – AI model training
2:21 – Data labeling
2:44 – Cheap labor
3:08 – Global South
3:32 – Platform work
3:56 – Microworkers
4:11 – Low wages
4:29 – $1.32 per hour
4:57 – $100,000 salaries
5:16 – $200 billion AI market
5:40 – Job displacement
6:03 – Inclusive innovation
6:29 – Labor inequality
6:54 – Automation
7:13 – Invisible workers
7:36 – Tech industry profits
7:49 – Underpaid labor


Produced by: Samantha Harvey
Edited by: Jacob Smith
Animation: Charlotte Brown
Additional Footage: Getty Images

» Subscribe to Economy Media:    / @economymedia  


Conect With Economy Media Everywhere
Follow Economy Media on Instagram: n9.cl/economymedia

#economymedia #ai #techjobs #jobmarket #jobs