NEWS
Infinit Care Spotlight Series: A closer look at worker profiles that need workplace mental health support
May 26, 2022 8:00 p.m.
Being on the internet has become a regular part of our everyday life. According to the latest statistics, 3.96 billion people use social media globally, with each person spending an average of 147 minutes or two hours and seven minutes on digital platforms every day.
These are significant figures if you look at them from the context of the level of exposure we get from the digital platforms we access.
Over the last few years, the internet has played a pivotal role in society–building businesses and new industries, creating new needs, and of course, shaping the mindset of the public as a whole. Without a doubt, the internet has become so powerful that it can shape generations and the way they think and act as a whole.
But have you ever wondered how information is sifted and checked in the online worlds we love to immerse ourselves in?
Websites and applications, big and small, have community guidelines that protect their users from being exposed to harmful information, but who exactly are the people working behind the scenes and doing the heavy lifting of screening this information?
In this article, we will talk about the sentinels of the internet and the plight that comes with their profession.
Meet the Content Moderators.
Content Moderation in a Nutshell
Content moderation, at its simplest, is the process of screening and monitoring user-generated content posted on online platforms.
Whenever a user submits or uploads something to a website, moderators go through the content to make sure that the material follows the community regulations and is not criminal or illegal in nature.
Some examples of banned content that content moderators screen are those that contain sexual themes, drugs, bigotry, homophobia, harassment, and racism.
While content moderation is applied to a majority of online platforms, they are even more so practiced in websites with a heavy lean toward user-generated uploads.
This includes social media platforms, online marketplaces, communities and forums, the sharing economy, and even dating sites.
There are two different types of content moderation that websites use: AI-automated and human moderation.
In the first type, a machine learning system is designed to moderate posts based on previous data gathered from the internet.
AI moderation is significantly faster–sometimes only taking seconds to review posts, but it might not always be 100 percent accurate because it relies on machine learning which may not always pick up the right cues.
Human moderation, on the other hand, is a manual type of process that involves an actual person who reviews the posts.
Under this category, the screener follows specific platform rules and guidelines to check the user-generated content submitted to the website. While this type of moderation is more foolproof than its counterpart, it also takes more time due to its manual nature.
Moreover, it also presents a serious problem within its workforce that unfortunately, is not often well addressed: mental distress.
The Dark Side of Content Moderation
While content moderation remains to be a discreet profession, at least in the Philippines, more and more people who have worked in the field have stepped up over the recent years to speak up about the challenges and dangers that are prevalent in the industry.
A riveting 2018 internationally produced documentary titled ‘The Cleaners’ gave an exhaustive look at the plight of moderators in the country who worked for online giants like Facebook, Twitter, and Google, and tackled the subject of their mental health struggles from their job.
Facebook itself has acknowledged the difficulties that come with the profession while Microsoft has faced lawsuits from former employees who claim that they were not given proper support despite the psychological dangers of their job.
Moderators sift through hundreds of submissions that contain triggering content not limited to depictions of death, torture, mutilation, and violence for hours, sometimes with only limited time for breaks.
The nature of the work can lead to the development of mental distress and psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and even depression.
This is something that is also supported by data from other studies in journalism, law enforcement, and child protection which claim that repeated trauma exposure can lead to psychological distress.
On top of that, workers in the said areas have also been stated to suffer more from burnout, relationship challenges, and even suicide.
The following are other mental health problems that can arise from exposure to toxic content:
- Panic attacks – some moderators have expressed feeling attacks when being around animals and children–fearing something will happen to them–after repeated exposure to violent videos.
- Normalization/Desensitization to disturbing humor and language – repetitive exposure to disturbing content can change the mindsets and perspectives of its audience, leading to inappropriate humor and language.
- Self-destructive habits – alcoholism, use of drugs, and display of indiscriminate sexual habits have supposedly also been reported in the workplaces of moderators who presumedly engage in them as a way of emotional escape to their job.
- Skewed beliefs – in some cases, some content moderators can also develop fringe views (e.g. believing conspiracy theories) that are not supported by hard facts because of constant exposure to their materials.
The Cost of Internet Safety
Without a doubt, content moderators serve as the first layer of protection of the general public from disturbing and harmful materials.
Unfortunately, they are not always properly protected from the rigors that come with their profession.
Unlike different workplaces (for example, those in the health sector, law and policing, and journalism) which have more solid guidelines when it comes to taking care of the mental needs of their workforce, there is an obvious lack of the same system for those working in the content moderation industry.
In an article by Harvard, it is even said that companies are even very restrictive about letting others investigate their existing procedures and treatment of these workers.
Not only are there no third parties monitoring the welfare of employees, but people working in the industry are also commonly asked to refrain from talking about their work through non-disclosure contracts.
Fortunately, some companies have also taken the initiative to develop workplace guidelines that can improve the treatment of those in the industry.
Facebook, for example, helped create the Technology Coalition which then designed the Employee Resilience Guidebook, a guide that outlines rules protecting the occupational health and safety of workers reviewing distressing content.
While the guidelines were made for those who are focused on employees dealing with child pornography, it also has terms that can be used for others in professions that expose workers to distressing imagery and content.
Specifically, the guide includes rules such as the provision of mandatory individual and group counseling sessions with a certified trauma specialist, limiting exposure to disturbing content for four hours, giving employees the choice to opt out of viewing specific disturbing content, encouraging them to switch to other projects as a form of relief, and giving them enough time to take a break and recover from their work.
Protecting the Protectors
While overarching guidelines are already being developed on a global scale, it cannot be debated that a huge chunk of the responsibility should fall on the shoulders of the employers who are in a better position to observe and improve the best practices in this area.
Here at Infinit Care, for example, we follow a tried and tested framework, the Mental Health Continuum, to make sure that every employee working in high-risk professions gets the mental health support that they need, wherever they are on the scale – whether they are excelling, surviving or in crises. (Click here to know more about the Mental Health Continuum.)
Our Head of Clinical Care Shyne Mangulabnan suggests several ways on how employers can put this to work.
“Having a counseling professional who can help these employees is essential as well as having a solid support and assessment system for them. For example, surveys given to agents which can be used as a reference for the design of a wellness strategy is a good place to start. Constant monitoring of employees should also be done to make sure that their needs are met.”
On top of that, Mangulabnan also suggests creating proper escalation procedures for concerns relating to the mental health challenges of content moderators.
Proper education of important stakeholders within the company (human resource team, upper management) about mental health risks of the job is also necessary since they are the decision-makers who create systems that take care of employees.
“It would be best to have an end-to-end solution: an onboarding process that gives candidates the training and education they need to understand the risks and concepts of well-being, round-the-clock onsite and virtual counseling services, community support groups, yoga and meditation activities, and workshops are just some of the many things that employers can initiate to make sure that they give the support that their workforce needs.”
True enough, it is the responsibility of employers to make sure that they ‘protect the protectors’ of the internet.
However, it’s not only the content moderators who should be given this kind of support, especially with 43 percent of the global workforce expressing that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the stress that they suffer from work.
This story is just the first chapter of a series that will shed light on all the professions who need mental health support most in these trying times.
Do you need help on how you can start caring for your employees in this aspect? We’d be more than happy to guide you here at Infinit Care. We are a company that helps other companies provide comprehensive mental health care support to their employees through the use of science-backed methodologies. You can reach out to us here to know more about how we can help.
NEWS
MLBB brings Filipino internet culture to life through back-to-school university activities
10:01 a.m. June 12, 2026
This June, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is shining a spotlight on Filipino culture, community, and playful generational rivalry through a series of back-to-school activations nationwide.
Drawing inspiration from the country’s unique internet humor, youth trends, and campus communities, MLBB connects to the local community through immersive, locally relevant experiences.
At the heart of this celebration is “The Clash of Eras: Jejemon vs. Young Stunna,” a uniquely Filipino community event that brings together two iconic generations of internet culture. Inspired by the early 2010s rise of Jejemon culture and today’s Young Stunna aesthetic, the campaign invites players to vote for the era they believe deserves to be immortalized in-game through a free exclusive battle emote.
From caps-lock messages, side-swept bangs, and colorful text styles to today’s streetwear-inspired trends and viral social media culture, the campaign taps into a shared sense of nostalgia and identity that resonates across generations of Filipino gamers.
Yoga Luo, Head of Marketing, MLBB, Philippines, at MOONTON Games, said: “As MLBB continues to grow in the Philippines, we remain committed to understanding our local community and delivering experiences that reflect their passions, humor, and identity. The Clash of Eras is a great example of how we localize global initiatives for Filipino players—creating a campaign that feels culturally relevant, community-driven, and uniquely Filipino while bringing everyone together through MLBB.”
Players can cast their votes and rally behind their generation as the Jejemon and Young Stunna camps battle for bragging rights. Beyond the pride of victory, the winning generation’s battle emote will launch in-game and be available to all players to claim for free.
Voting will take place from 11–13 June, with the winning battle emote announced following the conclusion of the voting period. Players can claim the free emote by logging in to MLBB between 17 and 30 June and completing five days of logins during the event period.
Adding fuel to the generational showdown, some of the Philippines’ most popular content creators from both gaming and mainstream entertainment will join the campaign through transformation videos, nostalgia-driven content, humorous skits, and community discussions that celebrate the unique characteristics of each era.
MLBB goes back to school
Beyond the online festivities, MLBB is also bringing the back-to-school spirit directly to students through a series of university partnerships nationwide.
Throughout June, MLBB will collaborate with educational institutions across the country to deliver engaging campus activities that challenge students’ strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication skills, core values that have made MLBB one of the country’s most beloved mobile games.
The initiative supports students as they return to campus while creating opportunities to build new friendships, strengthen communities, and experience the excitement of MLBB beyond the game itself.
These local initiatives reflect MLBB’s ongoing commitment to understanding and celebrating its Filipino community. By blending gaming, culture, nostalgia, and campus engagement, MLBB continues to create experiences that resonate with players in ways that feel authentic, relevant, and uniquely Filipino.
Stay tuned for more information to be shared soon on MLBB’s official channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Download MLBB via the App Store and Play Store.\
NEWS
Etheridge retires, gets praise from football community
12:30 p.m. June 7, 2026
Neil Leonard Dula Etheridge, the goalkeeper and captain who helped radically transform the fortunes of Philippine football and inspired an entire generation of Filipino footballers, has officially announced his retirement from national duties, bringing to a close an extraordinary 18-year journey defined by passion, sacrifice, leadership, and historic achievement.
In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Etheridge reflected on the highs and lows of representing the Philippines, the country he chose to serve as an 18-year-old despite being born and raised in England.
“Love and heartbreak. Passion and desire. I never stopped caring, I always gave everything for the team and the country,” Etheridge wrote. “ All I wanted from the beginning was to make a difference and I hope that I was able to achieve that with my service to the country and national team.”
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With this, PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez paid tribute to Etheridge’s unparalleled service to Philippine football.
“Neil Etheridge helped change the trajectory of Philippine football. His courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the country inspired a generation of players, particularly world class goalkeepers, and his legacy will forever be woven into the story of our game.”
“On behalf of the Philippine Football Federation, we thank Neil for 18 years of extraordinary service. While his national team duty has come to an end, the impact he made on Philippine football will continue to be felt for generations.”
The announcement marks the end of an era. With Etheridge’s retirement, all 13 fielded players of the legendary
“Miracle of Hanoi” squad that stunned defending ASEAN champions Vietnam in 2010 have now retired from the Philippine men’s national football team. That historic campaign is widely regarded as the turning point that launched the modern rise of Philippine football.
For nearly two decades, Etheridge stood at the backbone of that transformation.
Etheridge earned 82 international caps between 2008 and 2024. His journey mirrored the growth of the national team itself—from a developing football nation seeking recognition from the minnows to one capable of competing on the continental stage.
At just 18 years old, Etheridge made the life-changing decision to represent the Philippines, a choice that would alter the trajectory of both his career and the country’s footballing future.
“I made my decision to play for the Philippines, ” he recalled. “Qualified for the first time ever to the Asian Cup for the country. First Filipino player to ever play in the Premier League. I made some amazing friends along the way and met some great people. Memories that will last with me forever.”
Among his many accomplishments, none stands taller than helping the Philippines secure qualification for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in history. Etheridge was the starting goalkeeper during the memorable qualifying campaign, including the decisive victory over Tajikistan in March 2018 that booked the country’s place among Asia’s elite.
That same year, Etheridge made history at club level when he became the first Filipino and first Southeast Asian footballer to play in the English Premier League. Playing for Cardiff City, he immediately captured global attention by saving a penalty on his Premier League debut before earning the club’s Player of the Year award and the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Footballer of the Year honor.
Yet for those who shared the dressing room with him, Etheridge’s impact extended far beyond his saves.
Current Philippine men’s national team manager and longtime teammate Patrick Reichelt described Etheridge as one of the foundational figures of modern Philippine football.
“This guy is one of the main pillars of Philippine football,” Reichelt told pff.org.ph. “He’s one of the main persons helping the sport grow. I love him. Only respect for him.”
Reichelt, who played alongside Etheridge in the Philippine men’s national football team (PMNFT) for more than a decade, said the goalkeeper’s greatest contribution was not only his world-class performances but also the leadership and professionalism he brought to the national team.
“He’s the perfect mix of authority and friend,” Reichelt said. “When he speaks, people listen, but they’re not afraid to approach him. He’s been the perfect example of a captain. His speeches are inspirational.”
NEWS
Converge bags top privacy award for children’s awareness campaign
10:11 a.m. June 6, 2026
Leading fiber broadband and technology company Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has been recognized as a champion of data privacy, taking home the Kabataang Digital Award handed by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) for the company’s program focused on empowering the youth to protect and understand their data privacy rights online.
Held annually, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) organizes the Privacy Awareness Week (PAW) Awards, a celebration dedicated to strengthening data privacy awareness and promoting responsible personal data processing in the Philippines. For its 2026 edition, the data privacy agency conferred 10 awards on organizations and individuals that have made a significant impact in advancing data privacy in the country.
Among these awards is the Kabataang Digital Award, which honors initiatives that empower and protect children and young people through digital responsibility, privacy awareness, and the promotion of safeguards for their personal data.
“This recognition reminds us that technology is most meaningful when it is used to protect, empower, and uplift young people and communities. We share this award with everyone who believed in Project PIGLET or the Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies, supported our vision, and worked quietly behind the scenes to make it possible. Most especially, we dedicate this to the youth — may we continue building a digital space that is safe, responsible, and hopeful for the next generation,” said Atty. Laurice-Esteban Tuason, Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer, and Corporate Sustainability Officer during the awards ceremony.
Launched by the Corporate Governance and Data Privacy Group in 2024, Project PIGLET aims to enhance digital literacy and privacy awareness among school-age children.
The campaign aims for youth as young as seven years old to be informed about protecting their digital identity through an interactive, story-telling session. Through a space-themed adventure story, children are taught the dangers of the digital world, as well as practical ways to protect their data. The program also enlists the help of parents or guardians as active participants in the ‘digital adventure’ – making sure that the youth’s data privacy is a shared responsibility.
Project PIGLET has been carried out in schools across Metro Manila, Mindoro, Pampanga, and even with Converge employees and their children.
“With the mission of Converge to leverage Tech For Good, we take it as a serious responsibility to balance access to connectivity with the data privacy of users who trust in our network. Through programs such as Project PIGLET, we aim to safeguard those most vulnerable on the internet, which are children,” added Esteban-Tuason.
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