The Daily Shutting Down 8chan
Aug 6, 2019
Fredrick Brennan, founder of 8chan, shares his journey from creating a free speech utopia to becoming its harshest critic. Joined by Kevin Roose, a tech columnist at The New York Times, they explore 8chan's alarming ties to mass shootings and the psychological burden faced by those associated with the site. They discuss the challenges of moderating online platforms and the moral implications of their existence. The conversation delves into extremism, accountability, and the potential emergence of similar forums, making for an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
8chan and Mass Shootings
- Three mass shootings in 2019, including El Paso, were announced on 8chan.
- These announcements often included racist writings.
Interview with Brennan
- Kevin Roose interviewed Fredrick Brennan, 8chan's founder, after the El Paso shooting.
- Brennan has expressed concerns about the site and called for its shutdown.
8chan's Origins
- Fredrick Brennan, a former 4chan user, founded 8chan in 2013 as a "free speech utopia".
- The site gained popularity in 2014 by providing a platform for the Gamergate movement.