Di Yi Cai Jing·2026-01-02 06:37Core Insights - The article discusses the rapid rise of AI technology and its implications for labor and the economy, highlighting the hidden labor behind AI systems and the exploitation of workers in the industry [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. AI Technology and Market Growth - AI is defined as a machine-based system that processes data to generate decisions and predictions, with applications ranging from simple tasks to complex military systems [2] - The global AI market has surpassed $200 billion in 2023, growing at an annual rate of approximately 20%, and is projected to reach nearly $2 trillion by 2030 [3] - The core technology driving AI, particularly chatbots, is large language models (LLMs), which are trained on vast datasets, with models like ChatGPT-4 having around 1.76 trillion parameters [3] Labor and Exploitation in AI - The article emphasizes the connection between AI usage and the labor of workers globally, who are often underpaid and overworked in the AI training process [4][5][6][7][8][9][20] - AI systems require significant human labor for tasks such as data labeling and algorithm adjustments, which are often overlooked in discussions about AI's capabilities [7][8] - The exploitation of workers is a central theme, with AI systems designed to extract more value from laborers while reducing the skill level required for tasks, leading to increased work intensity [9][20] Shifts in Industry Dynamics - The transition from the platform era to the AI era is marked by the emergence of new players in the tech industry, including both traditional giants and new AI startups [10][11][12] - Major tech companies are forming strategic partnerships with AI startups, investing billions to maintain competitive advantages in the AI space [11][14] - The infrastructure required for AI, including data centers and specialized hardware, is becoming increasingly important, leading to a concentration of power and resources among a few companies [12][13] Geopolitical and Environmental Considerations - The development of AI is influenced by geopolitical factors, including tensions between the US and China, and the need for sustainable practices in technology [16][17] - The article highlights the environmental impact of AI infrastructure and the importance of considering sustainability in the context of AI development [16] Future of AI and Labor - The article calls for a deeper understanding of the AI industry's labor dynamics and the need for advocacy to improve conditions for workers [20] - It suggests that while AI has the potential for exploitation, there is also an opportunity for change if the mechanisms of the industry are understood and addressed [20]