Collaborative Research: IIS: HCC: Small: This project “maps how volunteer moderators are functioning as gatekeepers of local civic information and first responders to information threats within online local community groups. This is a crucial first step toward building effective tools (social, technological, and policy) that can support moderators of online community groups in their efforts to respond to the threats caused by information pollution. These local groups have the potential to enhance the quality of life in American communities by helping residents learn about their communities, connect with neighbors and local organizations, and identify important local issues. However, these groups face significant threats to information quality, including mis/disinformation campaigns, incivility, and trolling.

The project aims to address this through:
(1) An analysis of the tools and trainings provided to moderators by three platform companies: Facebook, Nextdoor, and Reddit;
(2) An eight-week asynchronous remote community study with moderators of local groups; and
(3) A follow-up interview study examining moderator practices during conditions of high-levels of information threat.

This involves grappling with platform design and affordances, as well as social practices, behaviors, and competencies, so as to inform human-computer interaction, information science, and public policy.