An enlightening lecture opened on time at T2-102 on September 11, 2024. This lecture hosted by the Department of Communication, invited Dr. Xia Bingqing, Associate Professor from the School of Communication at East China Normal University. Dr. Xia has a deep research background in the field of digital labor, the lecture covered her unique insights on digital labor and platform re-intermediation, which delivered a compelling presentation on the intricacies of data annotation work.

Speaker Dr. Xia Bingqing

During the lecture, Dr. Xia shared her two-year research results and focused on the work experiences of disabled data annotators in China. She provided an in-depth analysis of the precarious labor conditions faced by these workers from various perspectives, including emotional, temporal, subjective, and solidarity dimensions. Dr. Xia specifically addressed the relationship between algorithmic control and re-mediation within the data annotation industry and mentioned the significance of this area in digital labor studies. Highlights the critical role of intermediary organizations in the data annotation industry, which mitigate algorithmic control by introducing "human logic" and enriching the work experience of workers.

Attendees attentively listened to the research case

In her conclusion, Dr. Xia stated, “With the expansion of the AI data annotation market and changes in policy environments, many disabled individuals are excluded from the traditional labor market. However, they constitute a ‘stable workforce’ within the data annotation industry. Intermediary organizations have played a key role in facilitating this transformation. Facing this unique phenomenon, we need careful consideration. The instability experienced by various minority groups needs further research while taking into account the specific circumstances of their communities.”

Following the lecture, faculty and students were deeply inspired, raising questions and participating in a dynamic discussion. The issues raised about the realities faced by disabled workers and labor intermediaries in China also sparked intense debate. The atmosphere of the discussion was very heated.

Faculty and students actively asking questions

The lecture provided valuable learning opportunities for attendees and fostered a deeper understanding and further reflection on the fields of digital labor and AI data annotation.

Discussions among faculty after the lecture

Text: Jiayi Li

Photo: Jiayi Luo