ChatGPT vs. Freelancers: WSJ Explores the Changing Face of Gig Work in 2024

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As an analyst with a background in technology and labor markets, I find the Wall Street Journal’s report on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the freelance market both intriguing and concerning. Based on my analysis of the data presented and my own experiences observing technological disruptions, I believe that AI is disrupting certain areas of the freelance market, particularly in writing, coding, and translation.

Yesterday, I came across an intriguing article in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that highlighted the evolving freelance market landscape shaped by the increasing influence of artificial intelligence.

Based on an article penned by Christopher Mims for the Wall Street Journal, published on June 21st, Jennifer Kelly, a freelance copywriter from Walpole, N.H., has experienced disruption in her three-decade career in wealth management writing due to AI tools such as ChatGPT. It seems that Kelly’s clientele ceased contacting her following the introduction of ChatGPT, resulting in a considerable decrease in her earnings.

According to the Wall Street Journal’s report, studies based on information from popular freelance job boards suggest a decrease of up to 21% in freelance positions advertised on platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr in fields where AI generative technology thrives. The journal notes that this trend is supported by confidential data from at least one significant freelance marketplace. As mentioned by Kelly Monahan, Upwork’s Research Institute managing director, jobs involving fundamental writing, programming, or translation are diminishing on their platform.

AI’s influence goes beyond just writing. According to Reid Southen, a concept artist for television and films such as Blue Beetle and The Matrix Resurrections, his earnings in 2023 were only about half of what he usually makes. The Wall Street Journal reports that more and more film and TV productions are using AI tools like Midjourney during the initial stages. This trend is resulting in a decreased demand for human concept artists.

According to the Wall Street Journal’s findings, the influence of AI on the freelance market isn’t uniformly detrimental. In fact, the publication highlights that Upwork’s spokesperson mentioned freelancers in domains such as data science and IT are experiencing an average earnings growth of 40%, as they can make use of AI to boost their productivity without being supplanted by it.

As an analyst, I’ve come across information in the report indicating that some freelancers are encountering heightened demand due to certain limitations of AI. To be more specific, David Erik Nelson, a sales and marketing copywriter based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has reportedly experienced a significant uptick in clients who are displeased with AI-generated content, especially for intricate and technical marketing materials that require a human touch.

According to Monahan’s perspective, the influence of AI on freelancers mirrors past technological upheavals. As stated in a Wall Street Journal article, automation of routine, low-skilled jobs is expected to result in decreased wages for freelancers who used to carry out those tasks.

As a seasoned crypto investor, I’ve read my fair share of articles, and the WSJ piece left me with Kelly’s unique take on AI-generated content. In her own words, she admits that she can effortlessly identify such material and laments that the internet has become “significantly less vibrant” due to its prevalence.

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2024-06-22 18:37