Environmental and labor issues are among the ethical concerns that come with ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms. As noted elsewhere in this guide, this section is not included in an attempt to dissuade you from using AI, but rather is to ensure you have all the facts, many of which have been under-publicized, so you can make an informed decision.
The servers that operate ChatGPT and other generative AIs require huge amounts of power, and generate huge amounts of heat, which in turn require huge amounts of water for cooling. Because of this, they have a far larger environmental impact than other current-gen technologies.
Ref: George, A. Shaji, George, A.S. Hovan, & Martin, A.S. Gabrio. "The Environmental Impact of AI: A Case Study of Water Consumption by Chat GPT." Partners Universal International Innovation Journal (PUIIJ) 1, no. 2 (2023), 91-104. www.researchgate.net/publication/370202417_The_Environmental_Impact_of_AI_A_Case_Study_of_Water_Consumption_by_Chat_GPT.
Many of us are rightfully concerned about the impact AI will have on the job market going forward. While it will likely create some new jobs, it is entirely possible it will eliminate many more. Concerns over replacement by AI were one of the primary reasons for the protracted Writer's Guide of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes in Hollywood throughout 2023.
Beyond these concerns, some of the companies behind AIs have engaged in abusive labor practices. For instance, OpenAI subcontracted work to "digital sweatshops" in Kenya to install guardrails in ChatGPT that would prevent racist and sexist content generation. These Kenyan employees had long work days, were paid $1.50 an hour, and some ended up suffering from post-traumatic stress.
Ref: Perrigo, Billy. "150 African Workers for ChatGPT, TikTok and Facebook Vote to Unionize at Landmark Nairobi Meeting." Time, (1 May, 2023). time.com/6275995/chatgpt-facebook-african-workers-union/
