Microemployment is a temporary, task-type job of all kinds, that is often booked online. Work can include online or in-person jobs, such as writing blogs, being a virtual assistant, maintenance staff, babysitting, website design, dog boarding or errands, etc. Microtasks are small, simple tasks that require human judgment and can be performed independently over the Internet. A series of repetitive microtasks often make up a larger unified project.
An example of microtasking could be to identify traffic signs in images, which might be necessary for a project that improves autonomous vehicles. Since microtasks are discreetly contained and do not usually require a high level of specialization, microtasks are available as a valuable source of income for anyone with an Internet connection and computer skills, since they welcome people from different educational, socioeconomic and geographical backgrounds. Although the concept is new, there are already numerous online platforms that offer micro employment opportunities.