Player Driven

The Evolution of Moderation: Why AI Won’t Replace Humans… It Will Redefine Them


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In this episode of Player Driven, host Greg welcomes back industry veteran Sharon Fisher to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of content moderation. From her early days building moderation at Club Penguin to her current work with AI-driven platforms like Checkstep, Sharon shares her unique perspective as both a trust and safety expert and a concerned parent.

Key Discussion Points

  • The Evolution of Moderation: Sharon reflects on the shift from manual work and simple keyword blocking 17 years ago to today’s complex machine learning and contextual understanding.
  • The Changing Role of the Moderator: Why the rise of AI doesn't mean the extinction of human moderators, but rather their transformation into data analysts who challenge bias and understand culture.
  • The "Wild Wild West" of the Marketplace: Insights into why legacy moderation companies are phasing out while new, AI-first competitors like Checkstep are entering the space.
  • Privacy vs. Safety: Addressing the pushback against age verification and the critical need for better communication and education for parents and caregivers.
  • Bridging the Gap: How integrated technology can finally break down silos between customer support, marketing, and moderation to provide a holistic view of the user.
  • Predictions for 2026 and Beyond: Sharon forecasts a year of "stress and adoption" as companies rush to reduce costs through technology, leading to a eventual search for balance in 2027.

About Our Guest: Sharon Fisher

Sharon Fisher is a leading voice in the trust and safety industry. With a career spanning roles at Disney (Club Penguin), Two Hat, and Keywords Studios, she now provides strategic consulting for gaming companies and technology firms like Checkstep. She is also a passionate advocate for digital literacy, frequently speaking to school districts to help parents protect their children online.

Notable Quotes

"The moderator role becomes even more important because they are who they are—they understand your community, they speak the language, and they live the culture every single day." 

"Think about that area of your city that you would not go on your own at night time... that's the same that translates into the internet. Know where your kid is playing."

Resources Mentioned

  • Connect with Sharon: Sharon Fisher on LinkedIn 
  • Featured Technology: Checkstep 

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Player DrivenBy Greg