The Rise of AI Surveillance in the Workplace

Future of Work, AI, Workplace Monitoring, Digital Surveillance, Economics.

Do you want to find out how AI is being used to track and monitor worker productivity in workplaces across America? AI tracks, monitors, and measures productivity in the workplace. Are you interested in finding out how it impacts workers’ happiness?

Project description

Imagine a future in which your employer uses artificial intelligence (AI) to incessantly track and score your work. Algorithms monitor your physical location, your keystrokes, and even your eye movements. They compute productivity metrics that determine your wage, retention, and promotion. What would be your reaction as a worker? 

The objective of this project is to study the nature and pervasiveness of AI and algorithmic surveillance in the workplace. Students will work in small groups to identify which kinds of AI and algorithmic monitoring systems exist, how they operate, and how widely they have been deployed in workplaces across the United States.

Project outcome

The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment 3-5 months
Start time Anytime
In-person, remote, or hybrid? Hybrid Project
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students)
Benefits Research experience, Working closely with a professor
Who is eligible All undergraduate students enrolled in ECO 498 Undergraduate Research

Project mentor

Joanne McLaughlin

Associate Professor

Economics

Phone: (716) 645-8685

Email: jsmclaug@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Ensure you are enrolled in the course for the correct semester.
  2. Click the button to start the digital badge below.
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.

Keywords

ECO 498 Undergraduate Research, Future of Work, AI, Workplace Monitoring, Digital Surveillance, Economics