In February, middle school students had the unique opportunity to meet Niamh McIntyre, an investigative journalist from The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. During an engaging and eye-opening Zoom visit, McIntyre shared her experiences reporting on underrepresented stories—focusing especially on the hidden world of gig workers who help train artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

McIntyre’s work sheds light on the often unseen individuals behind modern technology. She spoke about her investigations into the global gig economy, revealing how workers in countries such as India, Colombia, and Costa Rica are frequently tasked with training AI systems for major companies. Despite the essential nature of their work, these individuals often face low wages and difficult working conditions. McIntyre also uncovered troubling connections between these gig platforms and global surveillance systems, including AI used to monitor warehouse employees and track protesters in Russia.

The conversation sparked deep curiosity and thoughtful questions from students, who inquired about the ethics of AI, the challenges of investigative journalism, and how journalists navigate uncovering hidden truths. McIntyre encouraged them to think critically about the technologies they interact with daily and to remain inquisitive about the world around them.

The visit left a lasting impression, inspiring students to further explore topics such as journalism, digital ethics, and the societal impact of technology. As they continue their studies, they will carry forward important questions about responsibility, fairness, and transparency in the digital age.