Core Insights - The integration of AI in freelance work has led to both increased efficiency for individual freelancers and a decline in overall freelance job availability and earnings in the gig economy [2][3][4]. Group 1: Impact of AI on Freelancers - AI tools have enabled freelancers to perform exponentially more work within their clients' budgets, enhancing productivity [2]. - A study from Washington University revealed that after the release of ChatGPT in 2022, writing-related freelance jobs decreased by 2% and monthly earnings fell by 5.2% [3]. - For image-related freelancers, the decline was more pronounced, with a 3.7% drop in jobs and a 9.4% decrease in monthly earnings [3]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - AI lowers the barrier to entry for new freelancers, allowing them to produce work that is "good enough" at lower price points, which undermines the competitive edge of more experienced freelancers [4][5]. - The earnings drop is more significant for high-quality freelancers compared to their less experienced counterparts, indicating that quality does not guarantee protection from AI's impact [5].