Custodians of the Internet: Platforms, Content Moderation, and the Hidden Decisions That Shape Social Media

Social media platforms police what we post online, and content moderators are essential in this process. Tarleton Gillespie's book explores the societal impact of these decisions and highlights the need for public scrutiny.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

Social media platforms have become powerful tools for shaping public discourse and influencing societal norms. However, with this power comes responsibility, and content moderators play a crucial role in policing what users post online. In this comprehensive investigation, award-winning sociologist and cultural observer Tarleton Gillespie delves into the complex world of content moderation and its significant societal impact.

Gillespie begins by providing an overview of current social media practices, highlighting the importance of content moderation in maintaining a safe and respectful online environment. He explains the rationales behind these policies, such as preventing harassment, promoting free speech, and protecting children from harmful content. However, Gillespie also points out that content moderation receives too little public scrutiny, despite its profound effects on social norms, cultural production, and the fabric of society.

To shed light on this issue, Gillespie conducts extensive interviews with content moderators, creators, and consumers. He explores the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by these individuals, as they navigate the complex terrain of filtering and promoting user-posted content. The book provides a deep insight into the subjective nature of content moderation, the impact it has on individual rights and freedoms, and the potential for bias and discrimination.

One of the key findings of the book is that content moderation is not a neutral process but is shaped by a range of cultural, political, and economic factors. Gillespie argues that social media platforms are often driven by commercial interests, which can lead to the suppression of certain types of content that may be controversial or challenging to their business models. This can have a chilling effect on public discourse and limit the range of opinions and perspectives that can be expressed online.

Furthermore, Gillespie highlights the consequences of content moderation for public discourse and cultural production. He argues that the selective promotion or suppression of certain types of content can shape public opinion and influence societal norms. For example, the widespread use of algorithms to filter and promote certain news stories can create a "filter bubble," where individuals are only exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs, leading to a lack of diversity and a narrow understanding of the world.

In conclusion, this revealing and gripping investigation into how social media platforms police what we post online provides a timely and essential analysis of the complex world of content moderation. By shedding light on the underlying rationales for these policies and the subjective nature of content moderation, Gillespie challenges readers to consider the impact of these decisions on social norms, cultural production, and individual rights and freedoms. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding the power of social media and the challenges it poses to our society.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 156 x 237 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300261431