Why Moderators Can’t Protect Online Communities on Their Own

The data on online abuse is sobering. Almost 1 in 3 teens have been cyberbullied and 1 in 5 women have experienced misogynistic abuse online. Overall, approximately 40% of all internet users have faced some form of online harassment. Why have online communities so dramatically failed to protect their users? Analysis of 18 years of data on user behavior and moderation shows that those in charge of moderating online behavior are at risk of harm. Five misconceptions about abuse, specifically that people who are abused will leave, and that the incidence of abuse is isolated. It became clear. It recognizes with independence that abuse is not endemic to community culture, that competition within the community is beneficial, and that self-moderation can and does prevent abuse. These misconceptions drive current moderation practices. In each case, the authors present research that debunks myths and points to more effective ways to manage harmful online behavior.