This episode tells the story of Jeffrey Ngo and the evolution of protest in Hong Kong, from large street marches to social media organizing. It explores how the imposition of China's National Security Law created widespread fear and self-censorship online. Jeffrey, now living in exile, reflects on the chilling effect on communication and activism, and the challenges of maintaining resistance when the government wants your socials.
Endless Thread talks to Derek Guy, known online as 'The Menswear Guy', about how he uses fashion criticism to discuss culture, history, and even politics. Derek explains how his unexpected viral moments, including a watch critique and a bet about immigration, helped grow his massive online following. He also delves into his rules for online commentary and his personal connection to the immigration topic.
This episode explores the intersection of masculinity, tattoos, and the internet meme "Fellas, is it gay?". Hosts Ben and Amory discuss a Reddit thread where men shared flower tattoos in response to toxic ideas about masculinity. They also dive into the fascinating science of why tattoo ink stays in the skin, involving immune cells, and touch upon how laser removal works.
This episode dives into the world of powerful, private group chats used by tech moguls and political elites. Journalist Ben Smith discusses how networks like those assembled by Marc Andreessen operate on platforms like Signal and WhatsApp, serving as a "dark matter" shaping American politics. The conversation explores their origins, internal dynamics, and how ideas discussed privately can influence public discourse and events, including the Silicon Valley Bank collapse.
Ben and Amory discuss the rise of AI-generated content on Reddit, focusing on a recent experiment where researchers used AI bots to comment on the 'Change My View' subreddit without user consent. They explore the ethical implications of such research, the potential legal repercussions, and the broader concerns about the increasing presence of bots and AI in online interactions. The conversation also touches on the challenges of discerning real human interactions from AI-generated content and the importance of ethical research practices in the age of AI.
This episode explores how dinosaur emoji became entangled in a debate about trans rights. It delves into the online communities involved, the co-opting of the emoji by TERFs, and the efforts to reclaim the symbols for the queer community. The discussion also covers the complexities of emoji meanings and the role of the Unicode Consortium in emoji standardization.
Ben and Amory discuss two viral Reddit rants: one about noise and acoustics in modern design, and another about working at an escape room and observing dysfunctional family dynamics. They explore how design trends impact our auditory experience and how stressful activities can reveal unexpected sides of people. Ultimately, they find humor and insights into societal issues within these rants.
This episode explores the growing trend of using Apple's Find My app as a form of social media, particularly among younger people. Grace Tatter investigates the origins of location sharing, its impact on relationships, and the potential privacy and social implications. The discussion includes insights from the creator of Dodgeball and a media studies professor, examining the balance between convenience, safety, and the potential for surveillance.
This episode introduces the podcast 'The Final Days of Sgt. Tibbs', focusing on the story of a missing elderly cat and the subsequent human drama. The episode explores the cat's disappearance, his discovery by a mother and daughter, and the conflict that arises when his original owner is found, leading to internet outrage and a deeper examination of our relationships with pets and neighbors.
This episode of Endless Thread explores the mystery behind the surge of Luigi-themed posts on Reddit, particularly those labeled 'nothing violent.' The hosts delve into a conspiracy theory linking these memes to Luigi Mangione and discuss Reddit's new policy on upvoting 'violent' content. They further examine whether this policy is connected to Elon Musk and the banning of the White People Twitter subreddit, raising concerns about free speech and moderation on the platform.
This episode introduces "Levittown," a podcast about young women in Long Island suburbs who find deepfake images of themselves online. They fight back against cyber criminals, facing a justice system unprepared for AI. The episode details Kayla's experience discovering explicit deepfakes and the emotional and psychological toll it took.
This episode of Endless Thread explores the surprising global popularity of the Toyota Hilux truck, particularly its prevalence in war zones and use by military groups. It traces the Hilux's history from its origins in post-WWII Japan to its iconic status as a durable and adaptable vehicle favored by fighters and aid workers alike. The episode features firsthand accounts from individuals who have witnessed the Hilux's capabilities in conflict and delves into the reasons behind its widespread appeal, including its reliability, affordability, and ease of maintenance.
This episode explores the ethics and practicalities of leaking information to the press, prompted by a recent incident involving the Signal app. The hosts interview investigative reporter Todd Wallach about the importance of tips, secure communication methods, and the risks involved in whistleblowing. They also discuss real-world examples of leaks that led to significant changes, emphasizing the balance between informing the public and protecting sources.
Adrian Simancas recounts the unbelievable experience of being engulfed by a humpback whale while kayaking in Patagonia. He details the moments leading up to the event, the terrifying seconds inside the whale's mouth, and the aftermath of the viral video. Adrian reflects on the experience's spiritual implications and his family's reaction while expressing his eagerness to return to the water, despite the risks.
Hasan Piker discusses his streaming career, his efforts to de-radicalize his audience, and his criticisms of the Democratic Party. He reflects on the Kamala Harris campaign and the DNC, emphasizing the need for left-wing populism and addressing economic anxieties. Piker also touches on the challenges of speaking off the cuff and navigating the media ecosystem, as well as his strained relationship with Ethan Klein over differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This episode of Endless Thread explores the media landscape through the lens of Hasan Piker, a popular Twitch streamer and political commentator. It delves into his background, his appeal to a diverse audience, and his impact on political discourse, particularly among young people. The episode also addresses the controversies surrounding Piker and his role as a new kind of news filter.
This episode features Brooke Eby, who uses TikTok to share her experiences living with ALS, blending humor with the realities of a terminal illness. She discusses her journey from initial diagnosis to building an online community, addressing misconceptions about ALS and advocating for more research funding. Brooke also highlights her efforts to create support networks for others affected by the disease, emphasizing the importance of connection and shared experiences.
Everybody get up, it's time to slam now! Yes, this episode is about the 1996 movie "Space Jam," starring NBA legend Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes. Rather, it's about the website for "Space Jam," which is still up and functioning nearly 30 years later. Amory and Ben talk to the hilarious team behind this digital artifact and hear the unlikely story of its continued existence. Show notes: The Space Jam website 'Space Jam' Forever: The Website That Wouldn't Die (Rolling Stone) The TIL post on...
We’re coming to you with a special offering today. It’s an episode about the internet… from our friends just a few cubicles over here at WBUR: On Point. Hosted by Meghna Chakrabarti, On Point is a unique, curiosity-driven combination of original reporting, newsmaker interviews, first-person stories, and in-depth analysis, making the world more intelligible and humane. When the world is more complicated than ever, we aim to make sense of it together. We loved their recent episode about one of our...
Wanda Brewer was grieving. After losing her brother, she found comfort in an unexpected place: a soap-opera-esque story on Instagram told in 60-second increments. The story? A mafia boss torn between power, family and love. Wanda’s not alone. Millions are bingeing these bite-sized, ultra-dramatic vertical shorts, where sexy werewolves, ruthless billionaires, and love triangles unfold one minute at a time — hooking viewers with cliffhangers and high-stakes drama. From China’s multi-billion-dollar...
In 2022, people around the world freaked out at the advent of ChatGPT, OpenAI's chatbot. In under three years, artificial intelligence has been incorporated almost everywhere in our online lives. But training the large language models, or LLMs, that power these AI assistants is hugely expensive. Or is it? Last month, a Chinese startup called DeepSeek released their own AI app for much less money, potentially with huge economic and geopolitical implications. Endless Thread hosts a rap battle to h...
Sometimes, after a long day speaking English, former WBUR podcast fellow Cici Yu just wants to zone out and spend time on the internet where everyone is speaking her native language, Chinese. Her app of choice? Xiaohongshu, or RedNote. So, when Cici logged on recently to find a feed filled with English-speaking Americans, she was surprised. Show notes: "The great social media migration: Sudden influx of US users to RedNote connects Chinese and Americans like never before" ( CNN ) "More speech an...
There's a burning question that keeps coming up in internet communities , YouTube explainers , and interviews with stunt people from the film industry: does Steven Seagal actually know martial arts? In our current news environment, where conspiracy theories abound and the truth can feel elusive, this somewhat silly question keeps getting asked. But as we explore the answer, we find that perhaps the confusion about Steven Seagal's own personal story has relevance for how we navigate the year of 2...
It's 2025. HBO's "Dune: Prophecy" is one of the most popular shows streaming, and the federal government just announced massive spending on artificial intelligence. The inspiration for "Dune: Prophecy" is in part a prophecy, of sorts, from 1872: One about humans becoming subservient to "thinking machines." What can a 150-year-old text teach us about the current AI revolution? Credits: This episode was produced by Ben Brock Johnson and Grace Tatter. Mix and sound design by Emily Jankowski. It was...
If you typed “inauguration” into your web browser anytime between 2017 and 2020, you likely saw an image of a person in a neon green jacket, black winter hat and glasses screaming “Nooooooooooo!” That person was Jess, who was in Washington D.C. on January 20, 2017 to protest the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Jess told their story to Endless Thread in 2021. This week, we're revisiting that episode in advance of Donald Trump's second inauguration, just as the Internet has been resurfacin...
Kashif Hoda was getting onto a Southbound train at Harvard Square when a young man said he recognized him. The doors closed before he got a chance to ask the young man how, or who he was. A month later, the answer came in the form of a viral video. Harvard students AnhPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardefyio modified Meta's smart glasses so that you can search someone's face quickly, almost without them knowing, and pull up personal internet flotsam that they might no longer remember even exists. Think: pi...
Barry Enderwick got kicked out of college. Then, in the early aughts, he became the first graphic designer for a little start-up media company you may have heard of: Netflix. But today, the Internet knows Barry as the guy behind the beloved and wildly popular "Sandwiches of History" accounts, where he recreates historical sandwich recipes from old cookbooks and rates and reviews them. He just released his first cookbook, " Sandwiches of History the Cookbook: All the Best (and Most Surprising) Th...
When a Redditor said that he was expected to stay in his Swedish friend's bedroom while the friend ate dinner with his family, the internet exploded with hot takes. Is Sweden the most inhospitable country in the world? We talk to the individuals at the center of the Swedengate saga, including the OP himself. We also delve into how questioning cultural norms can shed light on Sweden's reckoning with nationalism, racism, and xenophobia. Credits: This episode was written and produced by Amory Siver...
Jimmy Donaldson — AKA "MrBeast" — has taken YouTube by storm, racking up more than 330 million subscribers with his cleverly edited videos of stunts ranging from performative philanthropy to Fear Factor -esque challenges. Ryan Broderick, creator of the Garbage Day newsletter and host of the podcast Panic World , tells Ben and Amory about the awkward past, the controversial present, and the uncertain future of MrBeast. Show notes: Panic World 's MrBeast episode with Ben and Amory Garbage Day , th...
The shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson captured the internet's attention last week. Then, a suspect, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, was arrested, and social media really went wild. Why, in a week of historic headlines from around the world, did this story captivate so many, so thoroughly? Show notes: Suspect in CEO’s Killing Had Discussed His Health Struggles on Reddit ( The New York Times ) r/GetNoted ( Reddit ) What Can We Learn From the C.E.O. Shooting Suspect’s Goodreads History? (...
