AUTOMATED REFUSAL delves into the precarious realities of gig work, dissecting themes of platform ranking and surveillance, the diminishing space for leisure, and the fight for worker recognition. It ultimately questions the evolving relationship between humans and their environment in the digital age.

The project forms part of Death by GPS, an ongoing exploration of how automation impacts life, work, and society, focusing on South Africa’s digital economy-an industry shaped by stark inequality and post-colonial exploitation. Despite technological advancements, labour extraction persists. Foreign corporations dominate the sector, extracting value while inadequate infrastructure and limited internet and electricity access further challenge freelancers.

AUTOMATED REFUSAL uses speculative documentary, a method that combines real-life observations with fictional elements to challenge the idea that technology always follows a fixed path. By embracing non-linearity, interruption, and juxtaposition, this approach provides a more accurate representation of the complexities of digital work.