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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Depp v. Heard Timeline
- Depp and Heard met in 2009, married in 2015, and divorced in 2016 amidst abuse allegations.
- Depp sued The Sun and lost, then sued Heard for defamation after her op-ed, leading to the current trial.
Networked Amplification
- The Depp-Heard trial's online prevalence stems from tightly networked groups amplifying the narrative.
- Similar to Gamergate, these groups effectively spread their message, garnering wider attention.
Two Waves of Negativity
- Two waves of anti-Heard sentiment exist: Depp fans and opportunistic content creators.
- Content creators capitalize on trending topics, amplifying the negativity for clicks and views.