In a new experiment in funding gig work, DoorDash has launched an app called "Tasks," which allows individuals to earn money by recording videos of themselves performing various household tasks, such as doing laundry and cooking. Users are directed to collect training data for artificial intelligence by filming their hands while doing these activities, helping AI models and robots better understand the physical world.
According to a statement from DoorDash, "This data helps AI systems and robots understand the real world." The wages are determined based on the effort and complexity of the tasks, which involve attaching a smartphone to the chest and recording video during designated activities.
When trying out the app, I started with a simple task where I was asked to move three items on a table. I was working quickly to earn a reward of free shipping for a phone mount. After this training, I was able to access a list of available tasks categorized into five primary groups, including household chores, crafts, cooking, transportation, and foreign language conversations.
The household tasks list includes a variety of activities, from making the bed to taking out the trash. The craft tasks range from simple jobs like changing lightbulbs to more complex tasks such as pouring cement. Cooking tasks are predominantly focused on eggs, from frying to whisking, while transportation tasks may involve visiting museums.
However, what is surprising is the pay offered for these tasks, as my earnings from three tasks through the app did not exceed $10. This poses a challenge for users seeking opportunities to improve their income amid tough economic conditions.
The app not only provides new work experiences but also reflects the growing trend towards replacing traditional jobs with gig work, raising concerns among many workers about their future. If this is the new feature of the gig economy, it is clear that these jobs will not provide the financial security that everyone needs.
Ultimately, DoorDash’s "Tasks" highlights a growing trend towards using technology in the labor market, and communities must be aware of the coming changes and what the future may hold for traditional jobs.