IRL: Online Life is Real Life

The Human Costs of Content Moderation

IRL: Online Life is Real Life

Show Notes

What, if anything, should be banned from online media? And who should review violent and explicit content, in order to decide if it’s okay for the public? Thousands of people around the world are working long, difficult hours as content moderators in support of sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. They are guided by complex and shifting guidelines, and their work can sometimes lead to psychological trauma. But the practice of content moderation also raises questions about censorship and free expression online.

More from IRL: Online Life is Real Life

Dec 18, 2025

Bridget goes to Barcelona to learn more about inverse surveillance, or as some call it, watching the watchers.

Aug 19, 2025

Today, we’re bringing you an episode from our friends at Techish, a podcast by two tech founders and investors talking about all things tech, pop culture, and life. It's equal parts ChatGPT, equal parts Cardi B. Starring Michael Berhane and Abadesi Osunsade.

Jul 8, 2025

AI may be able to talk to animals, but at what cost to the planet. Who is making those decisions, and why it matters.

Jul 1, 2025

AI lives in my city, and probably yours too. What does it mean for our neighborhoods, the people in them, and where data lives?

Jun 24, 2025

There are some good reasons to let AI into our brains. But how much do we know about the privacy of brain data?

See all episodes →