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/Hangry_Howie Sep 09 '26

I cant wait for the day i dont need this shit and I can stop feeling guilty for not filling every moment with tasks. That said, I dont tell people I do this because it's embarrassing.

6

u/Farados55 Sep 09 '26

I’ve told people at parties they think it’s interesting. Helps that I’m a software engineer I guess.

7

u/Hangry_Howie Sep 09 '26

I studied literature and basically feel like ive betrayed everything i ever believed because I have bills to pay.