Repeated disturbing internet images a danger to content workers

WHAT: Facebook reached a settlement this week with former workers who alleged they suffered trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder after reviewing violent content for the social media giant.

EXPERT: Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar, an associate professor in Purdue Polytechnic Institute’s Department of Computer and Information Technology, researches worker reactions to repeatedly seeing disturbing internet content, including child pornography. She can talk about the resulting mental health issues, ranging from stress and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts.

Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar. (Purdue University photo) Download image

QUOTE:  “For content moderators, society’s ability to post videos and images online means viewing the worst the world has to offer – all in high resolution – day after day.”

MORE INFORMATION

• Associate professor of computer and information technology at Purdue.
• A fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and member of the American Psychological Association.

CONTACT

Writer: Brian Huchel, bhuchel@purdue.edu. Working remotely but will provide immediate response.

Source: Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar, kspellar@purdue.edu. In addition to phone interviews, the professor is available for interviews via Zoom and WebEx.

Note to Journalists: A photo of Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar, as well as a stock photo, are available on Google Drive.