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Robust Content Moderation: Theory and Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Scott Duke Kominers
  • Jesse M. Shapiro

Abstract

A sender sends a signal about a state to a receiver who takes an action that determines a payoff. A moderator can block, flag, or even modify the sender’s signal before it reaches the receiver—but the moderator cannot control how the receiver will act on what they see, or what the sender will try to send. We find that the only way that the moderator can robustly change the outcome is by removing information. We discuss applications to social media content moderation, state censorship, “flooding the zone,” and AI filtering.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott Duke Kominers & Jesse M. Shapiro, 2024. "Robust Content Moderation: Theory and Applications," NBER Working Papers 32156, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:32156
    Note: IO POL PR
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    Cited by:

    1. Beknazar-Yuzbashev, George & Jiménez Durán, Rafael & McCrosky, Jesse & Stalinski, Mateusz, 2025. "Toxic content and user engagement on social media: Evidence from a field experiment," Working Papers 359, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State.
    2. Beknazar-Yuzbashev, George & Jiménez-Durán, Rafael & McCrosky, Jesse & Stalinski, Mateusz, 2025. "Toxic Content and User Engagement on Social Media: Evidence from a Field Experiment," CAGE Online Working Paper Series 741, Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE).
    3. Michael McRae, 2025. "Vertical Governance of Online Speech: Evidence from Google's Moderation Mandate," Trinity Economics Papers tep1425, Trinity College Dublin, Department of Economics.
    4. George Beknazar-Yuzbashev & Rafael Jiménez-Durán & Jesse McCrosky & Mateusz Stalinski, 2025. "Toxic Content and User Engagement on Social Media: Evidence from a Field Experiment," CESifo Working Paper Series 11644, CESifo.
    5. Beknazar-Yuzbashev, George & Jiménez-Durán, Rafael & McCrosky, Jesse & Stalinski, Mateusz, 2025. "Toxic Content and User Engagement on Social Media : Evidence from a Field Experiment," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 1543, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D47 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Market Design
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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