Episode 12: Disinformation and community moderation, with Karen McGrane

Send us Fan MailSynopsisKaren McGrane joins Rachel and Dan to explain Reddit from the perspective of a moderator. Reddit is the largest message board on the internet, with thousands of “sub-Reddits” – individual communities based on a topic. Karen moderates the community dedicated to UX Design, which gets hundreds of new posts every week. Rachel and Dan then explore two Lenses: Swarm and Curation Escape.Stories"About this Account" on X/TwitterRenee Diresta’s SubstackBig TobaccoTobacco industry playbook (Wikipedia)Disinformation playbook (Union of Concerned Scientists)Interview with Karen McGraneKaren McGrane/r/UXDesign subredditLensesCuration EscapeSo much of our experience online is curated by algorithms. A set of rules – not chosen by you – governs what bubbles up into your feed. This set of rules is at the heart of most modern information systems, and can be responsible for perpetuating misinformation. They pose a disinformation risk by people who manipulate the algorithm.How does the system allow users to escape the curation?What role does algorithmic curation play in the system’s experience?How does the system allow users to tailor the curation algorithm?SwarmParticipants in online spaces can exhibit swarming behavior, gathering and moving as if one. Swarming groups end up performing a variety of functions – both desirable and undesirable – in an online information space. They can enforce social norms, or alienate other participants. Likewise, they can squash misinformation, or cause it to perpetuate.How does the system react to swarm behavior? How does the system benefit from swarm behavior?How might swarming cause harm?Come see us at Information Architecture Conference (IAC26)Register for IACUse discount code unchecked for $50 off base admission_____________________________________________________PersonnelDan Brown, HostRachel Price, HostMusicTurtle Up Fool, by Elliot_____________________________________________________Unchecked is a production of Curious SquidCurious Squid is a digital design consulting firm specializing in information architecture, user experience, and product design