New Study Tracks How Businesses Quietly Replaced Freelancers With AI Tools

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by msmash

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A new study reveals that businesses are increasingly replacing freelance workers from platforms like Upwork and Fiverr with AI tools from companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic. The research, conducted by Ramp's economics lab and spanning over three years (Q3 2021 to Q3 2025), shows a significant decline in spending on online labor marketplaces—dropping from 0.66% in Q4 2021 to just 0.14% in Q3 2025. Meanwhile, AI model provider spending skyrocketed from zero to 2.85% during the same period, signaling a major shift in how companies allocate resources. The study highlights that more than half of businesses using freelance platforms in Q2 2022 had completely stopped by Q2 2025. The cost dynamics are particularly striking: firms most reliant on freelancers substituted at a rate of $1 reduced spend for every $0.03 or $0.30 invested in AI, depending on their exposure level. This trend gained momentum following the launch of ChatGPT in October 2022, which served as a natural experiment to track these changes. The research underscores the growing importance of AI tools in business operations and their potential to disrupt traditional workforce models. While some may worry about job displacement, the study notes that demand for roles related to building and maintaining AI systems could outpace losses in other areas. This shift not only reflects technological advancements but also points to a future where AI plays an even more central role in driving efficiency and innovation. For tech enthusiasts and business leaders alike, this trend highlights the transformative power of AI in reshaping industries. The study's findings suggest that companies are increasingly prioritizing cost-effective solutions over traditional labor models, with AI tools offering a fraction of the expense while delivering comparable or even superior results. This shift could open new opportunities for workers skilled in

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/19/2026