AI-Powered Moderation: Reddit Co-Founder’s Vision for Personalized Social Media Experience
Staff Editor Reddit Co-Founder Envisions AI-Driven Future for Social Media Moderation
Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, has outlined a vision for the future of social media moderation that heavily relies on artificial intelligence (AI). In a recent statement, Ohanian suggested that AI could revolutionize content moderation by allowing users to set personal tolerance levels for various types of content through adjustable settings.
This forward-thinking approach comes as Reddit has been making significant strides in AI integration. The company has formed partnerships with tech giants Google and OpenAI, focusing on content data sharing to enhance AI capabilities.
Ohanian’s concept involves users having access to “sliders” that would adjust their exposure to certain topics on social media platforms. This customizable experience could potentially be adopted by both new and existing social media platforms, marking a significant shift in how online content is filtered and presented to users.
In line with this vision, Reddit has recently entered into a $60 million annual licensing deal with Google to train AI models using Reddit’s vast content repository. Additionally, a separate agreement was made with OpenAI to utilize Reddit’s data in training ChatGPT models. The platform has also introduced AI-powered tools, including an advanced search function and translation features.
Despite these advancements, Reddit has not yet announced plans for AI moderators. Ohanian, who is no longer involved in Reddit’s day-to-day operations, reflected on the site’s foundational content rules, emphasizing past decisions such as banning revenge porn as crucial for maintaining consistent moderation standards.
Addressing the challenges of content moderation, Ohanian criticized the feasibility of mass fact-checking, noting Meta’s shift towards community notes. He argued that real-time fact-checking at scale is impractical and suggested a community-driven model as a more viable alternative.
Looking to the future, Ohanian envisions social media platforms evolving to offer users greater control over their algorithmic experiences. This approach aims to enhance user engagement and drive revenue by allowing for personalized algorithm settings. He emphasized the importance of user agency and ownership in shaping the next generation of social media platforms.
As the landscape of social media continues to evolve, Ohanian’s insights suggest a future where AI not only assists in content moderation but also empowers users to curate their online experiences more effectively.
