Everyday AI Podcast – An AI and ChatGPT Podcast

Ep 636: Uber paying drivers $1 to train AI models? A sign of what’s next

20 snips
Oct 21, 2025
Uber is engaging its drivers for just $1 to help train AI models. This controversial move raises questions about the future of gig work and the ethics of low-paid data labeling. The conversation dives into the paradox of workers potentially training models that could replace their jobs. It also explores the implications of a 'dead internet' filled with AI-generated content, emphasizing the urgent need for unique human data to improve AI models. This trend hints at a larger shift in data collection methods across industries.
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INSIGHT

Gig Workers As Data Collectors

  • Uber pays drivers as little as $1 per microtask to generate training data for its AI models.
  • This signals a broader shift toward crowdsourced first-party data collection inside gig platforms.
INSIGHT

Shift From Generalists To Specialists

  • Companies are shifting from low-paid global generalists to domestic or specialized annotators.
  • This trend reflects the need for higher-quality, context-aware human labels.
ADVICE

Treat Microtasks As Temporary Income

  • Recognize microtask pay as short-term relief but not long-term security for gig workers.
  • Encourage gig workers to upskill since many roles may be automated later.
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