Class Activity: Content Moderation Simulation
Now that you understand a little bit more about the legal and psychological issues associated with content moderation, let’s experience some of those challenges firsthand.
Today’s Activity
For class today, you will play an online simulation game that puts you in the role of a content moderator at an internet start up. This exercise will help you understand the complexities and trade-offs involved in real-world content moderation decisions.
After you complete the game, you will need to download and complete the content moderation worksheet. This worksheet must be turned into Canvas by the due date to receive credit.
The simulation game you will be playing can be found here: https://moderatormayhem.engine.is/ or by scrolling down a bit on this page.
Please make sure you read the instructions in full before getting started.
What to Expect During the Simulation
You will face time pressure similar to real moderators The simulation will occasionally provide context about the user or situation.
You will be presented with various pieces of content and must decide whether to:
- Allow the content
- Remove the content
- Flag for further review or appeal
The simulation will track your decisions and provide feedback.
You should plan to play for at least 20 minutes.
Please be aware that you will be asked to review content representing various policy areas including:
- Harassment
- Hate speech
- Misinformation
- Nudity/sexuality
- Violence/threats
- Borderline cases
The game does not provide graphic descriptions but it does concern dark and potentially uncomfortable topics you may encounter on the world wide web.
After your game ends (when you win or get “fired”) it will give you an opportunity to press a button that says SHARE RESULTS. You need to click this and then paste the contents into your activity worksheet.
Content Moderation Simulation:
Try the tutorial or at least read the instructions before starting
Consider both the letter and spirit of the rules
Pay attention to your emotional reactions to difficult content
Notice what factors influence your decision-making
The goal is not to get “perfect scores” but to understand the moderation process
Next step
After completing the simulation, click to the next page, download the worksheet and answer the questions about your experience.