Hiring ChatGPT
Elissa Shea, the cofounder of New York-based Fashion Mingle, has embraced the use of ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot, for her fashion-focused tech startup. With an average hourly rate of $22, freelancers were hired to develop websites, transcribe audio, and write marketing copy. However, since introducing ChatGPT to her team in January 2023, the chatbot has proven to be a faster and more efficient alternative, replacing the need to hire additional content writers through freelancing platforms like Upwork.
While Shea is concerned about the potential job loss caused by AI advancements, she acknowledges the superior abilities of ChatGPT. With over 100 million users and widespread adoption across companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, ChatGPT has sparked an AI arms race and given rise to a plethora of AI startups.
Impact on Freelancers
As businesses seek to reduce costs, the free automation tool provided by ChatGPT becomes an attractive alternative to hiring freelancers. Less experienced freelancers without specialized skills are at risk of losing their jobs to AI tools. Despite this, many freelancers themselves are turning to ChatGPT to assist with their work, even if it means their proposals become flooded with nearly identical content generated by the chatbot. This has led to a sense of mistrust and disputes within the freelancing community.
Upwork, a leading freelancing platform, acknowledges the potential threat of AI on its business. However, freelancers using AI tools without disclosing them further exacerbate the issue of authenticity and quality of work. Clients are increasingly wary and often include disclaimers in their job postings to deter the use of AI-generated content.
The Rise of New Jobs
While some freelancers fear job loss, others see the opportunity to adapt and offer their services in conjunction with AI tools. Clients looking for fast and cost-effective solutions are encouraging freelancers to utilize ChatGPT to increase productivity and efficiency. This has led to the emergence of new job opportunities at lower price points. Freelancers are marketing their ability to use ChatGPT to create, edit, and optimize content for search engines.
However, the quality of AI-generated content remains a concern for some clients. Generic and drab content has become more prevalent with the widespread use of AI. Freelancers are encouraged to upskill and move beyond writing, offering editing services or becoming domain experts.
The Future of Freelancing Platforms
Freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are grappling with the impact of AI on their businesses. Job postings for freelance workers may decline, potentially affecting revenue streams as the platforms take a percentage cut from freelancers’ earnings. However, Fiverr has embraced AI by creating a separate vertical dedicated to AI-based services, catering to the increased demand.
The rise of ChatGPT has disrupted the freelance world, prompting concerns among both freelancers and platforms. The future will require a balance between AI automation and maintaining trust and quality within the freelancing community.
