In this engaging discussion, Antonio A. Casilli, a sociology professor and author, highlights the hidden human labor that fuels automation. He exposes how AI and gig work often mask the exploitation of low-paid workers globally. Casilli warns that instead of fearing robots taking jobs, we should recognize the undervalued human contributions essential for AI's functionality. The conversation also addresses the troubling trend of laborers receiving goods instead of fair pay, underscoring the ongoing challenges and ethical implications in our increasingly automated economy.

Antonio A. Casilli, a sociology professor at the Institute Polytechnique de Paris, delves into the overlooked human labor powering AI technologies. He argues that rather than robots stealing jobs, it's humans taking on increasingly menial roles in digital labor. Casilli sheds light on the exploitation of underpaid workers, particularly from the Global South, whose efforts keep algorithms functioning. He emphasizes the urgent need for recognizing these contributions and rethinking labor rights in the gig economy. His insights reveal the delicate balance between automation and human value in today's workforce.