The Hidden Costs of ChatGPT's Success
ChatGPT, an AI chatbot powered by machine learning systems, has gained immense popularity among users. However, what most people don't realize is the crucial role played by human moderators in its development. These moderators are responsible for data labeling, which involves training ChatGPT's software to respond accurately to user requests.
Recent reports shed light on the fact that OpenAI, the startup behind ChatGPT, hires numerous contractors based in the US for data labeling. However, these contractors are paid just $15 per hour for this critical task, which is essential in training machine learning models.
Without data labeling, AI language systems like ChatGPT would not exist. It involves parsing data samples to help automated systems identify particular items within the dataset. Moderators tag particular items, such as images or text, so that machines can learn to identify them independently and improve their accuracy in responding to user requests.
Unfortunately, most moderators are not compensated adequately for their work. In OpenAI's case, the contractors receive no benefits and are paid little more than minimum wage in some states.
OpenAI's current staffing approach is an improvement over its previous practice of outsourcing moderation work to African moderators. The company collaborated with a company called Sama for "ethical AI supply chain" services, but the moderators from Kenya were paid as little as $2 per hour. They were tasked with developing a filtration system to weed out offensive material submitted to ChatGPT. Their work involved wading through disturbing content such as descriptions of murder, torture, sexual violence, and incest.
The situation with OpenAI is not unique, as many other tech companies employ similar labor practices. However, the compensation rate for this pivotal task is relatively low, given the critical role it plays in AI language system development.
Human moderators are essential in the development of AI language systems like ChatGPT. Despite their critical role, many moderators are not compensated fairly for their contributions. Tech companies must recognize the importance of fair compensation for these workers to ensure the continued development of groundbreaking technology.
It's time for tech companies to prioritize the fair compensation of human moderators to avoid losing valuable talent to competing industries. AI may be at the forefront of technological innovation, but it should not come at the expense of the people who make it possible.
