In a recent episode of “60 Minutes,” the harsh realities of training artificial intelligence (AI) were exposed in Kenya. Digital workers in the country were tasked with sifting through disturbing online content to train AI algorithms, but they found themselves facing a host of challenges including underpayment, overwork, and inadequate mental health support.
Working for just $2 an hour, these Kenyan workers were subjected to graphic and traumatizing images and videos on a daily basis, taking a heavy toll on their mental health. Despite the demanding nature of their work, they struggled to make ends meet and were not provided with the necessary support to cope with the psychological repercussions.
Faced with these difficult conditions, the workers are now fighting back and demanding fair compensation, improved working conditions, and better mental health resources. The episode sheds light on the exploitative practices that can exist within the AI industry, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the well-being of workers involved in training AI systems.
As the most successful television broadcast in history, “60 Minutes” continues to tackle pressing issues like this, offering viewers a closer look at the challenges faced by individuals working behind the scenes of the technological advancements we rely on every day. Subscribe to the “60 Minutes” YouTube channel to watch the full episode and stay informed on important stories like this one.
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Video “Training AI takes heavy toll on Kenyans working for $2 an hour | 60 Minutes” was uploaded on 11/25/2024 to Youtube Channel 60 Minutes
$2 and hour that is so disgusting rich people are alway exploiting someone. Never be envious of them they always building on the backs of marginalized people
Truly eye-opening. I am reconsidering my heavy use of OpenAI.
Who forced you to do the job?
Being educated doesn't mean your intelligent n have logic
I hope one of yall are watching this lol
You just lost your job, cuz u went on camera against those companies
Bedroom
Fireworks🎉🎉🎉
The critics may find they contribute to these people losing their jobs.
New world order!
This is awful.
This has been my argument ever since I heard the term “AI”…
There isn’t any learning going on by computers… no one has created consciousness…
AI is all nothing more than advertising. It’s just Getty Images.
Is this what America wants their companies to represent in the world in 2025? Slavery, exploitation, abuse?
What is funny is that she actually said the removal of human jobs is not necessarily true. This video proves that it's true!! Not only will AI remove the jobs, but it will lessen the value, which will lessen the pay of human employment.
That's almost slavery
Why is this even allowed man. Come on this is just absurd and demonic
This is disgusting and I'm ashamed to live in America. There has to be something we can do this is rediculous
This is sickening, africa stays getting exploited in almost every facet ( natural resources, human resource etc). Peak capitalism.
This is truly sad. But 60 minutes needs to cover what’s happening next door in the Congo 👀
In Trump’s words, you don’t have cards. Well educated but no jobs. Sad
You have to ask your government why foreign companies are allowed to pay your workers $2. That’s very sick. American companies should be ashamed
You have to ask your government why foreign companies are allowed to pay your workers $2. That’s very sick. American companies should be ashamed
Another sad story really heart breaking
I dont know why africans always complain. Cheaper wage has always been the key factor for outsourcing. If the wages were high in kenya, then companies wont even outsource to kenya in the first place. Look at china and how they built their entire economy by working for iphones and other international companies for a cheaper wage. Im a private school teacher from india and holds a masters degree. I would rather work for $2 per hour labelling images. My monthly salary as a teacher is around $100
We will always propel forward our own inner inadequacies, we haven’t been able to free the slaves since man’s dawn and if we don’t recognize ourselves in these practices we will continue to carry the weight of the shackles forward.
I don't think the Kenyans earn $2 an hour. People in Azerbaijan even earns less than that
I sifted through horrific content for "a major social media outlet," while Zuckerburg was at Congressional hearings saying he was doing everything he could, through a UK-based 3rd party contractor called Lionbridge. I was expected to view and flag content on about 80 posts an hour, sometimes up to 100. I was paid $9 an hour for every second that I was actively engaged on the computer because I am a US citizen, but it was soul-scarring and low pay in the U.S. even for remote work. "Major social media outlets" such as FB know what kind of content is posted on their sites, and now don't even have to do anything to remove violent and offensive hate speech and images. I was given the option to opt out of viewing pornographic posts, which I did. Although I was not politically biased in my work, I was sickened by what I saw and quit asap.
Exploitation. These companies need to be shuttered.
Boohoo….guess what these jobs are not just in Africa. I do them in the US and the pay is low. Their cost of living is way lower than ours so the pay is the same. I dont see a bunch of Americans crying about it. Lol at your "trauma", just a bunch of people who dont want to work and think American companies should give them charity. Go fix your country or dont accept the work
AI needs an army of people to "train" AI. Are people shocked AI is not efficient and exploits cheap labor?
THIS IS NOT SLAVERY. No one is forcing them to work there. They CHOSE this job because, in their reality, it’s the BEST OPTION available. Yes, $2 an hour sounds low by Western standards, but without these jobs, many would have NO INCOME at all. Tech companies didn’t create poverty—they’re providing OPPORTUNITIES where few exist. Instead of outrage from afar, how about supporting fair wages and economic growth in these regions? REAL CHANGE happens with solutions, not just complaints.
KFC? it might came with watermelons as well🤣
Of course, humans are behind the machine (I know for labelling) and this is the promethean invention that will replace humans, seriously?
It's disheartening "Corporate America and Other Countries" have no problem devaluing again "Black and Brown People" (Humans). Once…again, we are mistreated and undervalued! Heavenly Father, please heal those affected by this mistreatment. In Jesus Name, Amen! 😞😭🙏🏾🛐
Huge insult!
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its not the companies. Any company is going to do whatever they can get away with to cut costs, it's the local government who should have standards and impose those standards.