Do you really know? What is microwork?
Sep 7, 2025
Dive into the intriguing world of microwork, where short, repetitive tasks can be completed on your smartphone or computer. Discover how microworkers tackle jobs like object identification in images and video watching, often facilitated by platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk. Unpack the pros and cons of this unique employment model and explore crucial topics such as worker protections and the human element in tech development. It's a fast-paced gig economy waiting for your insights!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
What Microwork Covers
- Microwork consists of short, repetitive tasks done on phones or computers like labelling images or recording voices.
- It also includes physical micro-jobs such as charging scooters or taking product photos for apps.
Low Pay Versus High Accessibility
- Microwork pays a few cents per task, making earnings unstable despite easy access.
- Workers gain flexibility because tasks require no specific qualifications and can be done anytime.
Platforms Link Workers To AI Training
- Platforms act as middlemen connecting workers and companies, with Amazon Mechanical Turk as an example.
- Companies use these platforms to gather human-labelled data that trains AI systems like voice assistants.