📰 April 9th, 2024. Issue #20
In this "Trust & Safety from Scratch" edition, I share our journey with Yik Yak, emphasizing the pivot towards a safer platform through a data-driven approach, automated detection systems, and enhanced user experience. These steps marked our relentless pursuit to create a community where safety and trust are paramount, reflecting our dedication as one of the pioneering team members in the relaunch.
Poll of the month!
The History
When Yik Yak was launched in 2013, it quickly caught the public's eye as a unique platform for anonymous, location-based sharing. However, the platform's initial popularity was marred by significant challenges, notably around issues of cyberbullying and hate speech. Despite efforts to introduce measures like user handles and improve moderation, the user base dwindled, leading to its closure in 2017. I was part of the team that brought Yik Yak back in 2021, determined to learn from past mistakes. We promised and implemented enhanced safety features and stricter moderation policies, aiming to build a more positive and respectful community. This journey underscores the complex balance between anonymity and accountability in digital spaces, reflecting the evolving dialogue on social media's role in fostering safe online communities.
What worked
In our relaunch, we prioritized innovation and safety, leading to tangible improvements. The introduction of automated detection systems significantly enhanced our ability to identify and mitigate problematic content swiftly. Our commitment to a data-driven approach allowed us to make informed decisions, optimizing the platform's overall user experience. This strategy was underpinned by a robust data pipeline that enabled continuous analysis and improvement. Through these measures, we not only enhanced the platform's safety but also its functionality, making it a safer space for open dialogue. These efforts represent a new chapter in Yik Yak's history, emphasizing our dedication to trust and safety in digital communities.
The early days
It took us 4-5 days to launch our initial moderation system. We began with a basic queue using Retool, progressively addressing our list of feature-driven requirements. With 50k signups in the first 4 hours of launch, we urgently needed an effective solution as we continued to identify broader needs within our Trust & Safety stack. Upon scaling, we observed shifts with Retool, prompting us to test other services. I'll delve into building out automated systems with Retool and more in our next 'from scratch' series!
Highlights & Events
Office hours | Book time with me!
Events | Tech focused RenderATL
Article | Substacks moderation battle
Article | Meta launches E2E encryption for messages
Sponsor | Mumbo AI