Since its first introduction to the public, artificial intelligence has changed how many industries conduct business. The freelancing community also felt the shift brought by AI, with sides forming in support and in opposition to its use. Those who support it believe it can improve productivity and open new work opportunities. Meanwhile, those against AI argue that it may cause freelancers to lose their jobs.
Since AI is here to stay, it is a question if AI will be a friend or foe to freelancers in the long run. This article briefly discusses how AI can be a friend or foe to freelancers and what freelancers can do with its presence.
Why is AI a friend to freelancers?
For freelancers who support AI and use it in their tasks, there are many reasons why AI is a friend they can rely on for their work, and they are as follows:
- It increases their productivity.
One of the most notable arguments supporting AI for freelancing is that it can speed up specific tasks, boosting productivity. For instance, AI tools like Grammarly for grammar checking, Canva for design, and Google Analytics for data analysis can significantly reduce the time spent on these tasks. Some AI tools even help people get ideas on how to proceed with specific tasks, such as writing articles or creating design ideas.
- It improves the quality of one’s work.
AI can also help freelancers enhance the quality of their work, making them feel more confident and competent. For example, AI tools targeting content creation can help freelance writers find grammar errors in their work while enhancing its flow.
- It helps freelancers get more work.
Since AI can take over certain aspects of a project for freelancers, it opens up more opportunities for them. This will help freelancers earn more money and explore other types of work they may not have considered, fostering a sense of optimism and open-mindedness.
Why is AI a foe to freelancers?
Meanwhile, those who are against the use of AI argue that it is a threat due to the following:
- It puts their jobs at risk.
The most notable argument for those against using AI is that it can put their jobs at risk. Specific AI tools can take over tasks such as content creation, translation, data analysis, designing, and others that most freelancers offer as part of their services. If programmed correctly, the AI’s work can be enough to pass as original.
Companies or businesses may also consider using AI for most of their work because it is cheaper than hiring freelancers. Some AI tools are even offered for free to reach a wider audience.
- It is still a questionable medium to use
There is also the argument that AI-generated or AI-influenced work is questionable regarding its copyrightability and ethical use. Many clients and freelancers wonder if their work should be seen as original when an AI is used to create it.
Some AI tools use various sources to get the metrics they need to produce the requested content, and most of the time, they use content that their owners wish to be used for something other than AI generation. Because of this fact, specific works are reported for violating copyright rules. Some clients may want to avoid risking their projects due to this possibility and outright tell freelancers not to use AI for their requests.
AI is undoubtedly a significant and growing presence in the freelancing world, and it is likely that its influence will continue to expand. Whether freelancers like it or not, there will come a time when they will have to consider using AI for their work. But, before we dismiss or take it for granted, it is essential to remember that AI is not perfect and will still require humans to perfect the work it needs. It is still early to say if it can completely replace humans in specific tasks, but if it does, it may not be in a way those against it may think of. It is best to see how the technology will develop and find ways to coexist.
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