On En attendant les robots. Enquête sur le travail du clic by Antonio Casilli

Résumé 0

Based on the presentation of the book En attendant les robots from Antonio Casilli, this text aims to propose a reflection on the transformations of work in the digital age. Like the author of the book, we believe that behind the terms “algorithms”, “deep learning” and, above all, “artificial intelligence”, which highlight various techniques, or even “technique” understood in a more generic way, are hidden a number of social activities that can be described as “digital labor” and which largely refer to well-known processes of alienation and exploitation, characteristic of capitalism. Is there a simple reproduction of previous social relationships? Not quite. The situation could be worse and worse because the current global dynamics favor a leveling of working conditions and remuneration. So, what to do? Once again, we agree with A. Casilli about the importance of social struggles related to the world of work and when he proposes to consider work in the digital age from the viewpoint of cooperation and the principle of the “common”. Social practices that are linked to these issues can promote various forms of emancipation. Big Data should therefore be considered as resources to be shared. These issues are all the more crucial, and A. Casilli's work is so obviously relevant, given that the covid 19 pandemic has clearly given a significant boost to the digitalization of our societies and thus to digital labor.