Applying the multidimensional ethics scale to a microtasking crowdsourcing scenario

Abstract

Many aspects have to be considered concerning the digital economy. Work through online platforms is increasingly stronger in the current global scenario. One of these types of work is known as Microtasking crowdsourcing. These platforms rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which provides full support for it. Task assignment and task recommendation are applications of this intelligence. Even though AI has proven to be an ally for this type of work, some ethical aspects emerge from this and have to be studied. The general objective of this thesis is to study the ethical judgment of individuals regarding the use of AI in these online platforms. For this purpose, a hypothetical scenario about Microtasking crowdsourcing through online platforms where there is a working relationship with AI, was created. For this, the Multidimensional Ethics Scale (MES) developed by Reidenbach and Robin (1990) was chosen, and a survey was applied (N=118). Results showed that participants tended to judge as unethical as per the (i) Moral Equity and (ii) Relativistic dimensions. For (iii) Contractualism, the individuals perceived as ethical. Furthermore, significant correlation (p-value = 0.022) was found between people’s fear of computers and the perception of an unwritten contract being violated. The respondents also differ in their perception of an unspoken promise being violated (p-value = 0.033) and an unwritten contract being violated (p-value = 0.005) among their level of education. The participants' perception of justice (p-value = 0.019) and fairness (p-value = 0.026) diverge according to their company roles.