Silicon Valley tech elites are exploiting scientists by turning them into gig workers, according to a report. This comes despite government-funded research being crucial to the development of foundational technologies, including the semiconductor and internet. The National Science Foundation has seen funding reductions of 57% under Trump's administration.
Researchers have turned to gig work due to federal funding cuts, with many finding it difficult to resist advertisements touting flexible and high-paying work. However, these jobs often come with unpaid hours, low effective hourly rates, and a lack of benefits. The companies behind these gig platforms, including Mercor and ScaleAI, have received venture funding from tech billionaires like Peter Thiel.
The tech industry's reliance on gig workers is seen as a way to profit from the exploitation of scientists who are struggling to find job opportunities in their field. This has led to concerns that the industry is prioritizing short-term gains over the long-term consequences for society and the scientific community.
