Tumblr - The Birth of a New Identity

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Tumblr attracted a lot of activists, particularly around sex positivity and gender identity. These groups had a huge influence on a lot of different subcultures that ended up forming on Tumblr. It ultimately became a place where users could create an experiment with new identities for themselves. The thing I remember thinking about it most is it was almost like a huge live action role-playing game.

The early days of the internet collide with the feverish fandom of “Harry Potter,” and a sprawling, global community emerges. But the hopefulness of this new technology brings with it the darker impulses of human nature.

Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.

This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.