Rated SPG: "Filthy sensual and unfiltered" a click for viewing pleasure: The lived experiences of tiktok content moderators

Abstract

This study utilized qualitative phenomenological methodology to explore the lived experiences of Tiktok Content Moderators employed by various companies through semi- structured interviews and thematic analysis involving five participants with over a year of experience, the research deepened understanding of the challenges and transformations these moderators undergo while filtering content on Tiktok. The analysis focused on major themes and their corresponding sub-themes. The first theme, “Challenges in the Workplace". Under this theme, it consisted of three (3) sub-themes which were: “Nature of Work”, “Psychological Hazard", and “Mental Trauma”. The second theme, labeled "Coping Mechanisms,". Under this theme, it has four (4) sub-themes which were: “Workplace Support Employee’s Wellness”, “Colleague Support”, "Self-Care Routines”, and “Financial Motivations”. Finally, the third theme, "Insights". These themes shed light on the real-life experiences of the Content Moderators who were employed by TikTok.