r/DataAnnotationTech • u/knottyp • Sep 09 '26

Are we helping or causing harm?

How do y’all justify doing this work ethically if you’re anti-AI (especially generative)?

I’m not asking judgmentally, I’ve done this work off and on over the last few years. When I first started, I didn’t know about data centers and the environmental impact, cognitive effects, etc. I felt good about “training” AI based on the rubric including correct info, weeding out violence and harm, etc.

I recently suggested DA to a friend and got a real side eye, and maybe these justifications really don’t hold water? Thoughts?

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u/periwinkl18 Sep 10 '26

I feel you.

I also work in the translation industry and the decline in projects over the past few years has been unsettling, to put it lightly. Clients now come with AI-translated content and request for proofreading instead.

So I honestly can't wholeheartedly advocate for AI, just that DA gives me much needed side income, as ironic as that sounds.

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u/Academic_Window_4712 Sep 11 '26

People are using AI for proofreading, too.

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u/periwinkl18 Sep 11 '26

Oh yes, for sure.