Plain English with Derek Thompson

Why Does the Internet Hate Amber Heard?

May 20, 2022

Kaitlyn Tiffany, a writer at The Atlantic, delves into the public frenzy surrounding the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial. She discusses the intense online backlash faced by Heard, linking it to societal misogyny and the complexities of anti-fandom. Tiffany analyzes how this trial reflects broader cultural sentiments, especially the backlash against the Me Too movement. The conversation also explores the dark side of internet dynamics, revealing how collective behavior can shape narratives and influence perceptions of truth.

42:14

Episode guests

Kaitlyn Tiffany

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

5min

Trial of Public Opinion: Depp vs. Heard

16min

The Paradox of Anti-Fandom

11min

The Dark Side of Social Dynamics on the Internet

4min

The Pendulum of Cultural Sentiment in the Wake of Me Too

4min

It's the trial of the century—kind of. The legal showdown between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has captivated the country, and Derek is a bit confused. Why is everybody talking about this miserable celebrity relationship? Why are so many people obsessed with demonizing Amber Heard? Producer Devon Manze explains to Derek why she thinks the trial has conquered the news cycle, and The Atlantic's Kaitlyn Tiffany explains why the internet hates Amber, and what it says about the future of truth, fandom, and who we are on the internet.

If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com.

Host: Derek Thompson

Guest: Kaitlyn Tiffany

Producer: Devon Manze

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