Pivot TikTok, Time's Up on Facebook's Content Moderation Sites
Jun 28, 2019
In this engaging discussion, Casey Newton, a reporter at The Verge famed for exposing the struggles of Facebook's content moderators, shares shocking insights about their working conditions. He reveals the psychological toll of moderating graphic content and the lack of adequate support. The conversation shifts to TikTok, where Casey analyzes its appeal among teens and speculates on the potential impact of Chinese sanctions. They also dive into the challenges social media platforms face regarding content moderation and the complex landscape of tech and democracy.
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Trauma Floor
- Casey Newton's previous article, "The Trauma Floor," exposed poor working conditions for Facebook moderators in Phoenix.
- Moderators, earning $28,000 yearly, often developed PTSD due to graphic content and faced unsanitary office conditions.
PTSD from Graphic Content
- One moderator, an animal lover, was consistently exposed to graphic violence and hate speech, leading to PTSD.
- Despite Facebook's claims of AI solutions, human moderators are essential, especially for modified videos.
Unsanitary Office Conditions
- The Tampa office, like Phoenix, had unsanitary conditions, including bed bugs, unsanitary bathrooms and dirty workspaces.
- Moderators often found fingernails, boogers, and other unpleasant items on their shared desks.