Artificial intelligence (AI) is often touted as a revolutionary technology that can improve efficiency and productivity in various industries. However, for many professionals, including translators, AI is having a profoundly negative impact on their work. The increasing use of machine-generated translations is forcing translators to revise and correct texts rather than translate freely, leading to a loss of control over their work and a significant decrease in earnings.
This shift has also resulted in a loss of quality in translations, as the emphasis on speed and cost-cutting compromises the accuracy and contextual relevance of the texts. Translators are treated as mere revisers rather than skilled professionals, and their work is often fragmented and outsourced. The dehumanization of work is a significant concern, as translators are no longer able to exercise their creativity and expertise.
The impact of AI is not limited to translators. Other professionals, such as journalists, artists, and creative professionals, are also feeling the effects of AI-driven automation. The focus on efficiency and profit can lead to job degradation and a loss of autonomy, as workers are forced to adapt to new technologies that prioritize speed and productivity over quality and creativity.
To address these concerns, professionals must resist AI interference and defend their creative work. This can involve organizing and finding allies in the supply chain to disrupt the automation process. Ultimately, there is a need to redefine what progress means in the context of technological advancements, prioritizing the well-being and rights of workers over the interests of employers and corporations.
