Content moderators are often invisible to users but their role in today’s Internet communities is hard to overestimate. These people examine user-generated content and ensure people don’t breach any safety or privacy rules on the platforms. Thanks to content moderators, the Internet is better than it could have been. Our experience there dramatically depends on their job. Fell a bit thrilled about this profession? Let’s figure out what it is all about and how to find a job as a content moderator.
To start with this job lets you work remotely and offers a very flexible schedule. Most of the vacancies you will find don’t need you at the office. So, it’s a good job if you are fond of working from home and not spending hours commuting. Besides, working as a content moderator often lets you have a flexible schedule. Many people in this sphere can easily combine studies and a job. Let’s dive into this profession and see if it’s worth pursuing.
What are content moderators’ duties?
Content moderators play an important role in making sure that any user-generated content on the website won’t cause harm to visitors. They also keep track of the platform functionality. Content moderators analyze texts and visual or audio data sent by users. They check if such content meets predetermined rules and safety standards of the community. Moderators also assist websites with installing and maintaining safety and trust programs. Such programs help remove inappropriate content automatically, even before other users may see it. To cut a long story short, thanks to the moderators we are not exposed to many illegal things on the Internet, such as violence, scam, drug abuse, sexual exploitation, terrorism or extremism.
Is a content moderator’s job only about deleting offensive posts and trolling? No. Their work includes many other tasks. For example, moderators apply various tools to screen and analyze texts or video/audio materials. As a result, they either get deleted or users may see only parts of the content. Besides, moderators also check users’ profiles and make sure there are real people behind them. These specialists occasionally reply to comments and users’ questions on social media or company blogs. They should be very attentive to a social media content because many profiles on Facebook or Twitter are created solely for spamming or scams.
Moderators are also good at the legal subtleties of the process. They are well-familiar with the compliance rules and ethical standards of the community. Detecting the law violation, these specialists should abide by the rules themselves. So, legal literacy is a substantial advantage in this job. In general, content moderators play a vital role in creating and maintaining a vibrant and strong community, helping vulnerable users and protecting the platform from miscellaneous actions.
What skills should content moderators have?
Although many might think that content moderators’ jobs are fully based on various tools and thus, can be easily replaced by programs, it’s not true. Their work remains irreplaceable, so don’t hesitate and check what skills you need to become a content moderator.
To understand what content is ok to post and keep on the page, you need analytical skills and critical thinking. Although community rules are strict and clear, sometimes it’s good to express creativity and conclude if the post is worth publishing, or if it should be deleted. However, to achieve this level of understanding of the context, you need a sharp eye for various details and the ability to make decisions quickly. The amount of user-generated content is growing every hour, so you won’t have much time to estimate each comment.
Adding to analytical knowledge, the content moderators must possess contextual analysis skills. You have to remember that sometimes the content can be inappropriate only in one part of the world, while the other societies don’t see anything threatening in what was published. Cultural differences are dramatic, and we have to respect them. So, keep in mind that the content should vary from the region to region.
Besides, content moderators know the basics of community management, they work with various groups with polar opinions. This job helps you nail different communication styles and problem-solving skills. You will also cultivate new approaches to the most choosy and complicated users. Multilingual support will also come in handy because not all users are fluent in English. On top, with a good command of several foreign languages, it will give you more employment opportunities. Moderating various platforms simultaneously is possible. It is also a well-paying job.
High adaptivity and flexibility belong to the must-have qualities of the sought-after specialist. The moderation process is fluctuating and changeable. To stay tuned, you have to develop formats, generate new goals, try various communication approaches, etc. Without the readiness to change together with the field, you are unlikely to get a position you are counting on.
How to become a content moderator?
To become a content moderator, you need a basic understanding of communication management, digital marketing, and Internet security. The best way to land a job in this sphere is to start practising the necessary skills while working for a particular company. Then you can move to the chosen department and start your career. It’s crucial for content moderators to be aware of the company’s activity and products, since they are often asked about them. Content moderators don’t replace customer support specialists. Yet, sometimes they assist in answering product-related questions. You can also apply for the job on the platforms you are subscribed to. For example, if you are fond of video games and have profound expertise in the topic, moderation of a comment section and communicating with video game aficionados won’t be a problem for you.
Don’t hesitate to start the content moderator’s career. It’s a rewarding and exciting job.
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