Contents
- What is moderation?
- Why is moderation needed?
- How does moderation work?
- What types of moderation are there?
What is moderation?
Moderation is the process of reviewing content and user actions for compliance with established rules and legal requirements. This important tool allows for the timely removal of offensive, obscene, or misleading materials. Moderation also actively combats spam, trolling, the spread of phishing links, and other forms of unacceptable behavior.
Each social network develops its own rules of conduct. By joining a platform, a user not only registers but also agrees to comply with the terms of use. These terms define what content is subject to removal and which actions are unacceptable. For example, when registering on VK, the user automatically accepts the user agreement.
Moderation rules can change depending on the emergence of new threats. When existing protection methods prove ineffective, innovations are implemented. An example of this was in 2020 when, during the U.S. presidential elections, there was an increase in misinformation on Twitter. To protect its audience, the platform began adding warnings to posts on political topics, indicating that the information may be disputed.
Why is moderation needed?
The volume of content published on social media is increasing every day, and moderation plays a key role in managing it. It allows for a quick response to emerging problems and fulfills several important tasks:
- Protection from undesirable content: Moderation helps prevent the appearance of unacceptable publications.
- Ensuring safety: It prevents fraud, cyberbullying, harassment, and other harmful actions, protecting users' personal data.
- Supporting reputation: Ensuring quality content helps build user trust and form a positive image of the social network.
- Compliance with legislation: Social networks are required to comply with local and international laws, including copyright and data protection.
For example, in May 2023, there were reports of a possible ban on Twitter in EU countries if the platform does not comply with the new law against misinformation.
How does moderation work?
Both automatic and manual moderation methods are used in the process of identifying violations.
Automatic moderation
This method involves the use of special algorithms that analyze content for compliance with the rules. Based on the data obtained, user publications and comments are either allowed to be posted or blocked. For example, YouTube actively employs automated systems to remove offensive comments. In some cases, the platform may prompt the user to review their comment before submission to ensure compliance with the rules.
Manual moderation
However, not all violations can be detected automatically. Some publications require manual review, which is carried out by live moderators. These moderators can be either hired employees or volunteers. For instance, Twitter and Facebook hire freelancers, while Reddit relies on volunteer moderators elected from among active community members.
Manual moderation can also be useful in gathering feedback. For example, when a user leaves a negative comment, well-posed questions can help determine what specifically is causing dissatisfaction and lead to constructive criticism.
What types of moderation are there?
Depending on the sanctions applied in case of rule violations, there are two main types of moderation: strict and soft.
Strict moderation
In strict moderation, prohibited content is immediately removed, and other users lose access to it. If the account owner continues to violate the rules, their account may be suspended. In cases where an account has been banned in error, the user has the right to file a complaint.
Soft moderation
Unlike strict moderation, soft moderation does not involve the removal of content, but users are informed of potential issues. For example, TikTok may display warnings that the content may be misleading, urging users to verify its accuracy. After receiving a warning, publications may be accompanied by special labels indicating the presence of unverified information.