AI systems like ChatGPT rely on vast teams of human workers—often in low-paying, outsourced jobs—to label, filter, and annotate data. These “data annotators” are the unseen workforce teaching machines how to recognize images, process text, and flag harmful content. While their labor fuels billion-dollar AI companies, many face low wages, high stress, and little recognition, raising questions about fairness, dignity, and exploitation in the digital age.
In the 21st century, it seems that everyone is using AI measures. Students use it for homework help, teachers use it for lesson plans, and businesses use it for meeting notes. This automated system seems to multitask and get stuff done for us. But did you know, it's powered by hidden human labor? "Data annotators" in countries like Kenya, India, and the Philippines spend hours labeling violent images, moderating disturbing text, and cleaning data. Much like sweatshops in foreign countries, low pay for incredibly hard labor in clothing development, these workers are often underpaid, overworked, and stressed to the max. To the majority, they are invisible, and yet their labor supports billion-dollar corporations.
If AI’s intelligence rests on hidden human labor, how should Christians respond—upholding the dignity of unseen workers while seeking justice and truth in the tools we use? This question is deeper than ethics; it's a matter of heart, dignity, and justice regarding AI use. It's a matter of how we respond.
What Does it Mean to Be an Ambassador for Christ?
First and foremost, I want to be clear that every single one of us is Christ's ambassador. From the beginning, we were created in the image of God and bear His Name. We aren't just worthy of dignity and respect; we're worthy because He died so that we could live. Genesis 1:27 and 2 Corinthians 5:20 explain our identity this way:
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27, NIV).
"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV).
Why Is it Important to Stand Up for Those Who Can't Fight for Themselves?
Second, if we truly believe, agree with, and live in that identity, then we will speak up for the voiceless and oppressed who are stripped of this image. Christian or not, everyone deserves to be treated with love and kindness on this side of Heaven, but especially the poor and vulnerable.
While AI usage is very different from human trafficking, it makes me think of those who are abused and used for what they do rather than appreciated and valued for who they are and to whom they belong. Many Scriptures point out the value of standing up for those who can't stand for themselves, but Proverbs 31:8-9 highlights it best: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy" (NIV).
Psalm 82:3-4 furthers that we are called to "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked" (NIV). How can we do this? And what does it practically look like?
Justice Begins at Home and in the Heart
Helping those in need doesn't have to happen across the country; no, it can happen in your own backyard and workplace. If a coworker is being overlooked, mistreated, or underpaid, help them get the help they need. Even if you don't personally know them, you can respectfully raise the concern to leadership or HR.
At home, you can choose to buy products from companies that treat workers fairly or are transparent about labor practices. While this might be a bit more expensive, ask God to provide and help you budget so that you can support companies that treat their workers fairly and with the honor and respect they deserve.
In conversations with family or friends, stand up for what's right. While it might be tempting to joke or laugh when someone makes a degrading comment about refugees, disabled people, or another group, don’t stay silent. Respond as Jesus would and act with compassion and truth.
Through politics, vote or petition for policies that protect vulnerable populations. This could include, but isn't limited to: orphans, widows, refugees, low-wage workers, people without healthcare, and even those abused by AI practices. These people are people and matter regardless of the position they are put in.
As you can see, standing up for those who can't fight for themselves starts with us. Everyday actions, big and small, in how we treat others, do matter. Use social media to stand for voices who are often silenced. Share survivor stories, raise awareness about these events, and encourage others to pray. Even “speaking up” starts with “listening well," and anyone can do this with practice, patience, and time.
God Sees Injustice
AI usage or not, God makes it clear that those who have been taken advantage of will be made right, and those who have caused the abuse will be punished. In James 5, we read a warning to rich oppressors. While the context of the passage refers to those who have ignored the cries of the poor and meanwhile grown rich, I believe it should stand as a lesson and warning to us today:
"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you" (James 5:1-6, NIV).
The cries of those who are treated unfairly will and do reach the ears of God. As Proverbs 15:3 tells us, "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good" (NIV). God sees everything we do or don't do. And what we do sometimes matters just as much as what we don't.
Today, my challenge to you is to try one of the practices listed above. Choose a simple everyday habit and discern for yourself how to help those in need. Then, ask God how you can respond to this cultural issue. AI is with us for the long haul, but Christ can help us respond as Christians should. It's up to us to seek Him, pray, listen, and respond to His promptings.
A Prayer for the Overlooked
Dear Jesus,
Injustice fills our earth. From AI companies to human trafficking or sweatshops, your people are being treated inhumanely. Instead of ignoring these issues or acting like we have no role to play, convict our hearts. Show us how we can make a change, not just around the world, but right where we are. Reveal to us how we can respond to these issues and speak to our hearts. As we lean on you, please provide guidance, wisdom, and understanding. We love, praise, and thank you, Lord.
Amen.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/David Gyung
