Ivan Napoli

This project explores how the expansion of artificial intelligence is transforming the digital labor market through the rise of crowdworking platforms. AI systems require large volumes of human-labeled data for training, so demand is growing for microtasks. These tasks are typically outsourced via digital platforms to workers in emerging economies, offering flexible income opportunities but also raising concerns about job precarity, low pay, and lack of protections. The research investigates how this shift in labor demand may reinforce inequalities, despite offering new forms of economic participation. Using data from online labor platforms, the project aims to assess how AI-related microwork is reshaping labor markets through analysis of job trends, worker profiles, and task characteristics. The ultimate goal is to evaluate whether this form of digital labor contributes to meaningful economic inclusion or risks deepening existing disparities.