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AI Shield Against Online Abuse at the Paris Olympics
An AI algorithm, Threat Matrix, is being deployed at the 2024 Paris Olympics to combat online abuse targeted at athletes, reports BBC News. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) estimates over half a billion social media posts will be generated during the Games, many of which could include abusive content. This AI system scans posts in over 35 languages, identifying and categorising abuse, and flags problematic content for human review before it reaches the athletes. This proactive approach aims to protect athletes’ mental health and ensure they can focus on their performance without the added stress of online harassment.
The Growing Issue of Cyberbullying in Sports
Online abuse has become a significant problem for elite athletes, with many high-profile sports figures speaking out about the negative impact on their mental health. The IOC’s new AI initiative is part of a broader effort to address this issue. By utilising advanced language models and sentiment analysis, Threat Matrix can detect subtle forms of abuse, including sarcasm and context changes influenced by images and emojis. This AI system enables a rapid response to abusive posts, offering support to victims and ensuring harmful content is removed quickly.
Collaborative Efforts for Athlete Wellbeing
Despite the power of AI, tackling online abuse requires a comprehensive approach involving technology and human intervention. Social media platforms are also taking steps to reduce negativity by encouraging users to post kinder comments. The IOC’s initiative, including a mindful social media course, aims to foster a psychologically safe environment for athletes, providing them with strategies to cope with online abuse. By integrating AI and human efforts, the IOC hopes to create a safer digital space for athletes during the Games and beyond.
(Visit BBC News for the full story)
*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
