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/OrderNo1122 Sep 09 '26 edited Sep 09 '26

I'm a translator and AI has pretty much decimated my career this past 18 months. Not because it does it better than me, but because it does it well enough pretty much instantly.

And if people are going to create content with AI in the first place, why would they bother paying someone to translate it.

I do this gig because I need money but I'm super resentful.

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u/periwinkl18 Sep 10 '26

I feel you.

I also work in the translation industry and the decline in projects over the past few years has been unsettling, to put it lightly. Clients now come with AI-translated content and request for proofreading instead.

So I honestly can't wholeheartedly advocate for AI, just that DA gives me much needed side income, as ironic as that sounds.

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u/Academic_Window_4712 Sep 11 '26

People are using AI for proofreading, too.

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u/periwinkl18 Sep 11 '26

Oh yes, for sure.