Ghost Work

"Ghost Work" by Mary L. Gray and Siddharth Suri is a revelatory expose on the invisible human workforce that powers the web. These "ghost workers" are responsible for making the internet appear smart by performing tasks like flagging X-rated content, proofreading, and designing engine parts. An estimated 8 percent of Americans have worked in this "ghost economy," and the number is growing. However, these workers are often paid less than legal minimum wages, have no benefits, and can be fired at any time. Gray and Suri explore how to ensure that this new kind of work creates opportunity rather than misery for those who do it.