The Cleaners ( 2018 )

The Cleaners (2018): Exposing the Shadow Workforce Behind Social Media

The Cleaners, a 2018 documentary directed by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck, pulls back the curtain on a hidden and controversial aspect of the digital age: the work of content moderators, often referred to as cleaners, who are tasked with removing objectionable material from social media platforms. The film offers a chilling glimpse into the psychological toll this work takes on individuals, while also raising profound questions about censorship, free speech, and the power dynamics shaping our online experiences.

Synopsis

The documentary primarily focuses on the lives of several content moderators based in Manila, Philippines. These individuals, often working under stressful conditions and for relatively low wages, are responsible for sifting through a constant stream of disturbing content, including graphic violence, hate speech, child pornography, and terrorist propaganda. Their decisions, made in a matter of seconds, determine what billions of users see and don't see on platforms like Facebook, Google, and Twitter.

The Cleaners follows these moderators as they navigate the ethical dilemmas inherent in their work. They must adhere to often vague and contradictory guidelines, making subjective judgments about what constitutes a violation of a platform's terms of service. The film highlights the emotional burden of this job, as moderators struggle to cope with the constant exposure to traumatic content, leading to symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The documentary also explores the broader implications of content moderation, questioning who decides what is acceptable and unacceptable online, and whether these decisions ultimately serve to protect or control free expression.

Key Themes and Arguments

The Cleaners delves into several interconnected themes, prompting viewers to consider the complex realities of the digital world:

• The Human Cost of Content Moderation: The film vividly portrays the psychological impact on content moderators, highlighting the trauma they experience from constant exposure to disturbing content. It forces viewers to confront the human cost of maintaining the digital landscape they often take for granted.
• Subjectivity and Bias in Content Moderation: The documentary reveals the inherent subjectivity in content moderation, as guidelines are often open to interpretation and moderators' own biases can influence their decisions. This raises concerns about potential censorship and the suppression of diverse viewpoints.
• The Power of Social Media Platforms: The Cleaners underscores the immense power wielded by social media companies, who control the flow of information and shape public discourse through their content moderation policies. It questions whether these platforms are truly neutral arbiters or whether they are actively influencing societal narratives.
• Free Speech vs. Censorship: The film engages with the ongoing debate about free speech and censorship in the digital age. It explores the tension between protecting users from harmful content and safeguarding freedom of expression, ultimately questioning where the line should be drawn.
• Global Labor and Exploitation: The documentary highlights the global nature of content moderation, with many moderators working in developing countries for relatively low wages. This raises concerns about exploitation and the ethical responsibilities of social media companies towards their global workforce.

Character Analysis (Examples)

While the film doesn't focus on deep individual character arcs, it presents several moderators, offering glimpses into their lives and motivations. Here are some examples:

• The Dedicated Moderator: This type of individual is often driven by a strong sense of duty and a belief in the importance of their work. They strive to uphold the platform's guidelines and protect users from harmful content, but may struggle with the emotional toll of the job.
• The Cynical Moderator: Exposure to constant negativity can lead to cynicism and disillusionment. These moderators may become desensitized to disturbing content and question the effectiveness of their work.
• The Rule-Following Moderator: This individual strictly adheres to the guidelines, avoiding any deviation from the established rules. While efficient, this approach may lack nuance and fail to address the complexities of certain situations.
• The Economically Driven Moderator: For many, the job is purely a means of survival. The economic imperative overshadows the emotional and ethical dilemmas.

Cinematic Techniques

Block and Riesewieck employ several cinematic techniques to create a compelling and thought-provoking documentary:

• Direct Observation: The film relies heavily on direct observation, allowing viewers to witness the daily routines and struggles of content moderators. This provides a raw and unfiltered perspective on their work.
• Interviews: Interviews with moderators, experts, and academics provide context and analysis, offering diverse perspectives on the issues at hand.
• Hidden Camera Footage (to some extent): While not explicitly hidden camera, some footage feels almost like captured moments, adding to the sense of realism and immediacy.
• Juxtaposition: The film juxtaposes images of disturbing content with scenes of the moderators' everyday lives, highlighting the stark contrast between their work and their personal experiences.
• Symbolism: The use of imagery and sound can be symbolic, adding layers of meaning to the narrative. For example, the constant beeping of computers and the flickering of screens can represent the relentless nature of the digital world.

Critical Reception and Impact

The Cleaners received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unflinching portrayal of the content moderation industry and its exploration of complex ethical issues. The film was nominated for several awards, including the World Cinema Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. It sparked widespread debate about the human cost of content moderation and the responsibilities of social media platforms.

The documentary has contributed to increased awareness of the challenges faced by content moderators and has prompted calls for better working conditions and mental health support for these individuals. It has also fueled discussions about the need for greater transparency and accountability in content moderation policies.

Comparison to Other Documentaries

While The Cleaners focuses specifically on content moderation, it can be compared to other documentaries that explore the dark side of technology and the digital economy. For example:

• Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013): This film examines the privacy implications of social media and the ways in which companies collect and use personal data.
• The Social Dilemma (2020): This documentary explores the addictive nature of social media and its negative impact on mental health and democracy.
• Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World (2016): While more philosophical, this Herzog film touches upon the psychological and societal impacts of the internet.

Arguments for and Against the Film

While critically acclaimed, The Cleaners is not without its critics. Here's a summary of common arguments:

Arguments For:

• Exposes a hidden workforce: It brings to light the crucial but often invisible work of content moderators.
• Raises important ethical questions: It forces viewers to confront the ethical dilemmas surrounding censorship, free speech, and the power of social media platforms.
• Promotes empathy: It humanizes the content moderators and allows viewers to understand their struggles and experiences.
• Sparks important conversations: It encourages dialogue about the need for better working conditions and greater transparency in the tech industry.

Arguments Against:

• Potential for desensitization: While the film avoids gratuitous depictions, it does contain disturbing content that may be upsetting to some viewers.
• Simplification of complex issues: Critics might argue that the film simplifies the complexities of content moderation and the challenges of balancing free speech with the need to protect users from harmful content.
• Sensationalism (potentially): Some might argue that the film sensationalizes the experiences of content moderators for dramatic effect. This is subjective.
• Lack of solutions: The film primarily focuses on the problems without offering concrete solutions. This is a common critique of documentaries that aim to expose rather than solve.

Detailed Comparisons in Table Form

Table 1: Comparison of The Cleaners to Similar Documentaries

Table 2: Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Content Moderators (Examples)

Table 3: Psychological Impacts on Content Moderators

Conclusion

The Cleaners is a vital documentary that sheds light on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of the digital age. By exposing the human cost of content moderation, the film challenges viewers to confront the complex ethical dilemmas surrounding free speech, censorship, and the power dynamics shaping our online experiences. It serves as a powerful reminder that behind the seemingly seamless world of social media lies a hidden workforce grappling with the psychological toll of protecting us from the darkest corners of the internet.