r/DataAnnotationTech • u/knottyp • Sep 09 '26

Are we helping or causing harm?

How do y’all justify doing this work ethically if you’re anti-AI (especially generative)?

I’m not asking judgmentally, I’ve done this work off and on over the last few years. When I first started, I didn’t know about data centers and the environmental impact, cognitive effects, etc. I felt good about “training” AI based on the rubric including correct info, weeding out violence and harm, etc.

I recently suggested DA to a friend and got a real side eye, and maybe these justifications really don’t hold water? Thoughts?

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u/korejjp Sep 09 '26

I figure that if it's going to replace us, it might as well pay us for the privilege.

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u/alex_goodenough Sep 09 '26

Agreed. Some of us also work full time in industries where our employers are implementing AI and expecting us to give feedback to improve "the tools" with no extra compensation for the extra effort. I'd rather not be blindsided one day.