Removing child sexual abuse material from the internet exacts a heavy toll on the workers tasked with reviewing it, with a staggering 90% burnout rate among moderators, according to the Internet Watch Foundation.
This has severe implications for South Africans, as the country has seen a significant rise in online child exploitation, with the South African Police Service’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit reporting a surge in cases.
The Human Cost of Content Moderation
The process of moderating online content is a grueling one, with moderators often exposed to disturbing and traumatic material, including child sexual abuse images and videos.
This can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with many moderators reporting feelings of guilt, shame, and helplessness.
Statistics and Solutions
Some key statistics and potential solutions include:
- 90% of content moderators experience burnout, with 70% reporting feelings of anxiety and depression
- 55% of moderators report feeling isolated and alone in their work
- Implementing support systems, such as counseling and peer support groups, can help reduce burnout rates by up to 30%
As the online landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize the well-being of content moderators and work towards creating a safer, more supportive environment for them to operate in.
