Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm. Given that ChatGPT generates everything from meal plans to lesson plans, AI is a valuable tool that can improve the lives of its users in many ways. But where Africa is concerned, what are the implications of this revolutionary technology?
Who is generating the content on ChatGPT?
Moderating digital content is a job that has been around for well over a decade. With platforms like OpenAI, some of that content was moderated and generated by Kenyan employees working for under $4 per hour. The Guardian reported on Mophat Okinyi, a former ChatGPT moderator who endured “psychological trauma”. Graphic and brutal images and text are input into AI platforms, Kenyan workers, and workers across the Global South in general, have to moderate this content for wages that can only be described as exploitative.
Can Africans access AI platforms?
Data shows that less than 50% of Africans are online. Of those 50%, the cost of data and internet connectivity per gigabyte varies from 99 cents (USD) to 20 dollars (USD), meaning there’s an additional level of difficulty to access the internet compared to Global North counterparts. Not only is the internet costly to access, the devices needed to get online create another financial barrier to connectivity and there are considerable gaps in digital literacy throughout the continent.
AI offers Africans opportunities for improved systems and work for those who can access it, but with some countries whose leaders turn off internet access, the cost of data and devices pricing people out, and a lack of digital literacy skills, accessing and equally benefiting from AI platforms becomes difficult.
Generative AI and the environment
While climate change has been argued to be a hoax by some, we cannot deny that the environment in Africa has dramatically changed over the years. From the ozone layer being degraded to severe changes in season, it cannot be denied that there are climate difficulties facing Africa. One of the costs of generative AI is the impact on the environment. This technology needs copious amounts of electricity, water, and land to uphold it. It’s a known fact that African nations are not among the greatest polluters, meanwhile, African nations are likely to feel its effects regardless.
In close, like any technology, there are benefits to be enjoyed. However, if Africans are negatively impacted as workers, as consumers trying to access the technology, or are negatively impacted by the climate issues begotten by generative AI, then can we genuinely consider AI to be good for Africa?