The global pandemic spread at a frightening speed which led to sudden changes all over the world. Because of this, we were forced to work from home, purchase essential goods online, and socialize over messaging and video-sharing apps.
While the surge of user activity positively impacted most online platforms, it challenged the immediate need to moderate and remove inappropriate content, prevent the spread of misinformation, and take down copyright infringing material. These platforms still need to encourage freedom of its users while ensuring that people’s rights are protected. With the increase of user-generated content, the need to deploy more content moderation teams to keep these online communities running day in and day out also increased. Online businesses and platforms turned to content moderation outsourcing services to be able to keep up with the increase of user-generated content and keep their communities safe on all timezones.
Online shopping is taking the world by storm
The fact that over two-thirds of U.S. shoppers prefer to buy goods online than going to a brick-and-mortar store proves that online shopping will outlast the pandemic. Clearly, usage is surging and that posed challenges to e-commerce companies to make sure that online scams are prevented, products are correctly categorized and described, and product reviews are truthful.
The spread of fake news
It’s not just groceries that people are getting more of online. More than ever, we consume information digitally through every medium available. Online magazines, news organizations, news aggregators, even social media services are playing their part.
Whether you get your news from Twitter or CNN, it’s still important to get your facts straight. Since the start of the pandemic, fake news, spam comments, and disinformation has spread like wildfire. Content moderation plays a big role in fact checking and moderating news that go online. Protecting users from fake news while providing the best content recommendations is the order of the day for anyone that wants to become a trusted source for an ever expanding audience.
The rapid rise of TikTok, Zoom and other video-sharing apps
Video sharing apps like TikTok have exploded with users wanting to take a look at the lighter side of things. There has been a sudden surge in popularity of user-generated videos in the form of Instagram Stories, TikTok videos, and Facebook Live, to name a few. All kinds of content from all sorts of creators are making their way to the internet with no shortage of inappropriate, misleading, or downright harmful videos trying to grab eyes.
Additionally, in the new normal, society has come face to face with people no longer being face to face. The need for video conferencing has become more than apparent everywhere from business meetings to online classrooms to just hanging out with friends. Apps like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and a host of others have taken the center stage in communications all over the world. This surge of users hasn’t been worry free though as even the big players like Zoom have come under fire from hacks, attacks on privacy, and the usual gamut of internet trolling. Keeping the lines open, clear, and inviting for the huge population of users has become a top task to keep the world talking to each other without fear of foul play.
Social creatures still looking for love during a pandemic
Speaking of talking to each other, even the world of more intimate conversation has moved into the digital realm. Services like Bumble, Omegle, and not least of all Tinder have staked their claim to building bridges online. Well, dating apps and platforms open doors to new matches. They should also be able to provide a safe space to interact, message, and meet new people who share the same interests and outlook.
All things considered, to stay afloat, maintain customer loyalty, and to come out the other side of the crisis intact, digital businesses need to be agile and smart. They need to adapt by focusing on their own strengths and tailoring even closer to what their customers need. As teams need to focus on delivering the best possible customer service and experience, outsourced agents can play a big part in moderating user-generated content itself.
As online platforms continue to support their communities by offering real value, the role of content moderation is about putting users first. It’s about letting them experience services or platforms in the most genuine and meaningful way possible. It’s not just keeping them engaged but also to offer real support by helping people stay connected and informed during difficult times.
Now is the time for action and innovation. After all, what have you got to lose?
