Who Is AI Replacing? The Impact of Generative AI on Online Freelancing Platforms
Generative AI sharply reduced demand for freelance jobs most exposed to automation, such as writing and coding, while increasing competition for remaining postings and shifting them toward higher-complexity, higher-paying work.
Summary
Demirci, Hannane and Zhu analyze how the launch of ChatGPT and image-generating AI affected demand for freelancers on a major global platform. They find a 21% drop in job postings for automation-prone writing and coding work within eight months, alongside a 17% decline in image-creation postings, with remaining automation-exposed jobs becoming more complex and better paid as competition among freelancers intensifies. Executives managing
Editor's opinion
Useful background on how AI reshapes freelance labor markets, but a platform-specific labor study rather than a firm-strategy lever.
Key concepts
Generative AI · Freelance labor markets · Job automation