Image Recognition
Online communities play an important role in creating a sense of connection between strangers. Why do they quit, and what strategies can companies like Meta and Reddit implement to help prevent burnout? A study by University of Michigan School of Information researchers led by doctoral candidate Angela Schöpke-Gonzalez says volunteer content moderators, or VCMs, experience burnout stemming from interpersonal conflict between moderators, time constraints and daily exposure to toxic online behavior. “It’s the unpaid labor of volunteer content moderators that make it possible for us, in many cases, to enjoy environments that support our well-being,” Schöpke-Gonzalez said. Angela Schopke-Gonzalez“VCMs experience many of the same psychological distress challenges as crisis hotline volunteer responders, caregivers and volunteer support providers for persons who have experienced violence,” Schöpke-Gonzalez said.