My problem with articles like these are it did nothing but reiterate what everyone knows. What would’ve been compelling is actually diving into moderation and what should be done. I see articles often criticising moderation policies but offer no suggestions nor steps they would take. The truth is because it’s difficult and the writers know it’s difficult thus they stay away from going into the details
It's pretty obvious that everyone does *not* know this, from the discussion on Bluesky over the last week and from comments by both the Bluesky and Notes leadership teams, not to mention the gutting of Trust & Safety across the board over the last year. It's also pretty obvious to me that many users know it on some level but need words to articulate their argument. Finally, I am not just a critic, I've worked for Silicon Valley on writing policies and assessing content, and my other published writing often drills into specifics, and will no doubt again.
I did not know most of what I just read here. And I found the argument that “content moderation is the product” a useful idea that’s helping me focus the way i think about the topic.
I agree with Damon that many people complaining about content moderation don’t offer much beyond criticism. It’s understandable that he would be frustrated about that. But I don’t agree that this post is part of that problem.
Thanks. I do miss 2011 Twitter. Not without its problems! Hopefully John will find his way back to us on some new platform, but I gather he's pretty happy sitting it out now.
I can't decide if it's the language, the attitude, or the content, but every post on WGW starts me grinning a few sentences in and keeps a dopey (tho I prefer "knowing") smile in place to the end. Sharp, engaging and only snarky when the facts demand. I love this column!
Is content moderation possible? Can AI help with this task that would require a massive investment in human watchers? Will AI be able to defeat any moderation techniques!
Of course it's possible, we've seen it work. Not perfectly, but it works. I will for sure be writing here about how AI can contribute to content moderation, and its limits in that respect.
My problem with articles like these are it did nothing but reiterate what everyone knows. What would’ve been compelling is actually diving into moderation and what should be done. I see articles often criticising moderation policies but offer no suggestions nor steps they would take. The truth is because it’s difficult and the writers know it’s difficult thus they stay away from going into the details
It's pretty obvious that everyone does *not* know this, from the discussion on Bluesky over the last week and from comments by both the Bluesky and Notes leadership teams, not to mention the gutting of Trust & Safety across the board over the last year. It's also pretty obvious to me that many users know it on some level but need words to articulate their argument. Finally, I am not just a critic, I've worked for Silicon Valley on writing policies and assessing content, and my other published writing often drills into specifics, and will no doubt again.
I did not know most of what I just read here. And I found the argument that “content moderation is the product” a useful idea that’s helping me focus the way i think about the topic.
I agree with Damon that many people complaining about content moderation don’t offer much beyond criticism. It’s understandable that he would be frustrated about that. But I don’t agree that this post is part of that problem.
I read it and shared it on Twitter.
Then I read it again. And got a jolt. I do miss the safe space that was terrorism academia on Twitter.
Life was easier.
I'm not sure where to go next.
It's all a massive distraction. Missing Dr John Horgan because he used to keep me on my toes and it was a constant learning from brilliance.
It was safe because good people paved the way.
And shared generously, with patience.
Now it's just a constant assault on psyche and soma.
Thank you.
Thanks. I do miss 2011 Twitter. Not without its problems! Hopefully John will find his way back to us on some new platform, but I gather he's pretty happy sitting it out now.
He is. I told him you were here.. he said he joined for a few minutes and followed you and then he went away again..
He's not missing social media though.
That's another lesson.
One I could stand to learn :-|
You will write about it I think and there will be great learning for all of us in that.
I can't decide if it's the language, the attitude, or the content, but every post on WGW starts me grinning a few sentences in and keeps a dopey (tho I prefer "knowing") smile in place to the end. Sharp, engaging and only snarky when the facts demand. I love this column!
Is content moderation possible? Can AI help with this task that would require a massive investment in human watchers? Will AI be able to defeat any moderation techniques!
Of course it's possible, we've seen it work. Not perfectly, but it works. I will for sure be writing here about how AI can contribute to content moderation, and its limits in that respect.