Unchecked: The architecture of disinformation Episode 12: Disinformation and community moderation, with Karen McGrane
Synopsis
Karen McGrane joins Rachel and Dan to explain Reddit from the perspective of a moderator. Reddit is the largest message board on the internet, with thousands of “sub-Reddits” – individual communities based on a topic. Karen moderates the community dedicated to UX Design, which gets hundreds of new posts every week. Rachel and Dan then explore two Lenses: Swarm and Curation Escape.
Stories
"About this Account" on X/Twitter
Big Tobacco
- Tobacco industry playbook (Wikipedia)
- Disinformation playbook (Union of Concerned Scientists)
Interview with Karen McGrane
Lenses
Curation Escape
So much of our experience online is curated by algorithms. A set of rules – not chosen by you – governs what bubbles up into your feed. This set of rules is at the heart of most modern information systems, and can be responsible for perpetuating misinformation. They pose a disinformation risk by people who manipulate the algorithm.
- How does the system allow users to escape the curation?
- What role does algorithmic curation play in the system’s experience?
- How does the system allow users to tailor the curation algorithm?
Swarm
Participants in online spaces can exhibit swarming behavior, gathering and moving as if one. Swarming groups end up performing a variety of functions – both desirable and undesirable – in an online information space. They can enforce social norms, or alienate other participants. Likewise, they can squash misinformation, or cause it to perpetuate.
- How does the system react to swarm behavior?
- How does the system benefit from swarm behavior?
- How might swarming cause harm?
Come see us at Information Architecture Conference (IAC26)
- Register for IAC
- Use discount code unchecked for $50 off base admission
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Personnel
- Dan Brown, Host
- Rachel Price, Host
- Emily Duncan, Editor
Music
- Turtle Up Fool, by Elliot
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Unchecked is a production of Curious Squid
Curious Squid is a digital design consulting firm specializing in information architecture, user experience, and product design