The Hidden Cost of AI: Content Moderation, Mental Health, and the Fight for Ethical AI in Africa
Author(s)
Ibrahim Malgwi, Kauna
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Abstract
As artificial intelligence continues to shape the digital landscape, the human labor behind AI remains largely invisible. For over four years, I worked as a Facebook content moderator, witnessing firsthand the emotional and psychological toll of moderating harmful content. This experience fueled my advocacy for fair wages, mental health support, and ethical AI practices in Africa’s digital workforce. In this talk, I will shed light on the realities of content moderation, the urgent need for ethical AI that prioritizes human well-being, and the fight for fair labor conditions in Africa’s data and technology sectors. I will also explore how we can professionalize digital work, ensuring that AI development does not come at the expense of the mental health and dignity of its human contributors. My journey, recognized by Time magazine and BBC News, highlights the resilience of African tech workers and the power of collective action in shaping a fairer digital future.
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Date
2025-11-06
Extent
55:45 minutes
Resource Type
Moving Image
Resource Subtype
Lecture
Rights Statement
Unless otherwise noted, all materials are protected under U.S. Copyright Law and all rights are reserved