Youtube deletes more than 400 channels due to accusations of child exploitation

[jmc]

More comments and interaction in the comments means there's more views on the video. For instance, if I write a comment, and then someone replies and I go back to reply to it the video starts to play again. So every time you go back to reply in the comments section the video automatically starts to play again, unless of course you stop it as you're typing. So turning off the comments means less traffic, meaning less views, and youtube is built on views.

 

[PacificBoy]

I see. I gather (a big) part of the problem here is that the platform isn't equipped to handle large-scale comment moderation, i.e. YouTube outgrew its own platform. Individual channels can't hope to monitor them.

 

[jmc]

I see. I gather (a big) part of the problem here is that the platform isn't equipped to handle large-scale comment moderation, i.e. YouTube outgrew its own platform. Individual channels can't hope to monitor them.

We're seeing it across the board. The tech companies were built with infrastructures that didn't take into account how their systems could be abused. From Youtube, to Facebook, to Twitter, to Tumblr, what we're seeing is a small number of people abusing these systems that end up affecting the majority of people who are doing nothing wrong. What they are learning is that AI can only do so much to stop certain behaviours. The solutions however target the wrong people and don't actually solve anything.

 

[PacificBoy]

We're seeing it across the board. The tech companies were built with infrastructures that didn't take into account how their systems could be abused. From Youtube, to Facebook, to Twitter, to Tumblr, what we're seeing is a small number of people abusing these systems that affecting the majority who are doing nothing wrong. What they are learning is that AI can only do so much to stop certain behaviours. The solutions however target the wrong people and don't actually solve anything.

Very much agree. The 'solutions' also tend to be reactive and in response to advertisers and investors pulling their support.

 

[Sithborg]

We're seeing it across the board. The tech companies were built with infrastructures that didn't take into account how their systems could be abused. From Youtube, to Facebook, to Twitter, to Tumblr, what we're seeing is a small number of people abusing these systems that end up affecting the majority of people who are doing nothing wrong. What they are learning is that AI can only do so much to stop certain behaviours. The solutions however target the wrong people and don't actually solve anything.

Ehhh, Twitter's issues tend to be more of a management issue.

 

[Teelie]

Twitter's issues are from the top down to the bottom. Every aspect of Twitter needs to be fixed.

 

[jmc]

For those who aren't aware Colleen, better known as Miranda Sings, has nearly 10 million subscribers.

 

[terry78]

YouTube Kids videos found with suicide instructions

 

[Teelie]

Some disturbing people abuse YouTube.

 

[terry78]

YouTube is disabling comments on videos with minors after advertisers back out over abuse


Wow.

 

[Teelie]

That's what it has come to until they can find a better solution.

 

[Sithborg]

And no talk about adjusting their algorithim to compensate for disabling comments.

 

[Guts]

YouTube Kids videos found with suicide instructions

The wrist slitting clip is from Filthy Frank. His comedy is often vulgar like that but never aimed at kids. But it is disgusting that someone edited that clip into videos that would be aimed at kids.

 

[Holiday]

So a channel I subscribe to has been affected by this. SBSK or Special Books by Special Kids which features kids and adults with disabilities. They just had all their comments blocked from their videos with no explanation from YouTube.

 

[TheDreamMaster]

Chadtronic, who does funny review videos but tries to keep them clean for all audiences, had all his comments blocked as well.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

And no talk about adjusting their algorithim to compensate for disabling comments.

Considering how they handle copyright claims, it isn't a surprise.

Quick question though. Is there something really bad about comments not being on videos? Is there research that shows it drives down revenue or something?

 

[Sithborg]

Considering how they handle copyright claims, it isn't a surprise.

Quick question though. Is there something really bad about comments not being on videos? Is there research that shows it drives down revenue or something?

The algorithim that recommends videos uses number of comments as a factor in whether to recommend a video or not. The more popular, the more likely it gets shown to other people.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

The algorithim that recommends videos uses number of comments as a factor in whether to recommend a video or not. The more popular, the more likely it gets shown to other people.

****, did not know that. That seems like a really poor idea considering the general state of comment sections on YT.

 

[Teelie]

It's a terrible system but there is no simple or obvious solution either. Having actual people do it would mean tens of thousands of people reading some of the most vile, hateful and disgusting things someone can think up and type. It's why YouTube began automating looking through videos. Some of the stuff people uploaded gave the moderators PTSD. And not in a figurative way. It literally gave them PTSD because it was so traumatizing.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

It's a terrible system but there is no simple or obvious solution either. Having actual people do it would mean tens of thousands of people reading some of the most vile, hateful and disgusting things someone can think up and type. It's why YouTube began automating looking through videos. Some of the stuff people uploaded gave the moderators PTSD. And not in a figurative way. It literally gave them PTSD because it was so traumatizing.

I think the option to turn off comments shouldn't effect your ability to be recommended. For that exact reason.

 

[OtherwiseKnownAs]

I'm not really sure what the point of the YT comment section is anymore. I suppose to build a fanbase, but there are individual reddits, and discords, and forums for you to go to if you're fan. If you're not, then you just don't watch the videos, and go on with your life not watching.

 

[terry78]

These people have built up a fanbase for years, some of who donate cash on the constant. They ain't trying to give that up.

 

[DeadPresident]

Exactly what terry said.

Engagement on social media (comments, etc) is associated with higher numbers of views, subscribers, and therefore revenue.

Youtube is about profit, for the company and channel owners - they thrive on controversy and clickbait because it ensures more eyes.

“A practical guide on how to get six-pack abs over a three year period with really hard work”

OR

“GET SIX PACK ABS IN SIX WEEKS WITH THESE QUICK TIPS!!”

Which one gets more traffic? Now extrapolate that to every topic, good and bad.

 

[Travesty]

Also, comments brings people back. If someone responds to you, then you’re clicking back on the video. Similar with most online articles. They leave the comments open, so people will engage, and make repeated trips back to the same article, which boosts ad revenue.

 

[DeadPresident]

Yeah.

Every element of social media/online media's algorithms and user design is specifically geared to keep people on it for as long as possible (stickiness) and to encourage returning as frequently as possible. It's in YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc's interest to create addicts out of their users because that's how their revenue keeps rising.

If given a choice between making changes that benefit their users' mental health or doing what makes them the most profit you don't need three guesses to know which they'd choose.