How Jezebel Changed Media and Why TikTokers Are Rizzing Up Osama bin Laden
Nov 19, 2023
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Anna Holmes, founder of Jezebel.com, and Erin Ryan, former managing editor, discuss the site's origin and legacy. They question whether the site was a victim of its own success, how it shaped identity politics, and if its readers are to blame for internet anger. Other topics include viral TikToks about Osama bin Laden, Google's revenue deal with Apple, a screenless device by Humane AI, and the impact of online toxicity. The importance of Jezebel's comment section and starting a media outlet in today's environment are also explored.
Jezebel provided a platform for women to connect and find relatable content, with the active commenter community influencing the site's content.
Jezebel offered a unique perspective through humor, thought-provoking articles, and an active comment section, shaping gender political conversations.
The podcast discusses the transformation of social media into a platform resembling comment sections, blurring the lines between journalism and comments.
Deep dives
Creating a Community for Women
Anna Holmes wanted to create a space where women could find relatable content and connect with like-minded individuals.
The Power of Commenters
The active commenter community played a larger role than anticipated, influencing the writers and shaping the site's content.
Jezebel's Unique Voice and Approach
Jezebel offered a unique and irreverent perspective on popular culture and politics, engaging readers through humor, thought-provoking articles, and an active comment section.
Navigating the Challenges of Online Discourse
The tension between expressing opinions and avoiding alienating language was a constant struggle, with commenters sometimes exhibiting entitled or confrontational behavior.
The influence of Jezebel comments on feminist discourse
The podcast episode discusses the impact of Jezebel comments on negotiating feminism and how it influenced gender political conversations. The comments section played a role in both policing and negotiating ideas, but the host believes that this behavior was not unique to Jezebel and could be seen across social media. The importance of comment moderation and the challenges faced in creating a controlled environment are also mentioned.
The evolution of online discourse and the role of social media
The podcast explores the evolution of online discourse and the current state of trust in institutions. It discusses how social media has transformed into a platform resembling comment sections, blurring the lines between journalism and comments. The hosts reflect on the challenges of navigating disinformation and misinformation in the digital age, as well as the need to find a balance between holding power accountable and the risk of eroding trust.
Anna Holmes, the founder of jezebel.com, and Crooked’s own Erin Ryan—the site’s former managing editor—join Offline to discuss the origin and legacy of a publication that redefined feminism for millions of women. With Jezebel shuttering last week, Anna, Erin and Jon question whether the site was a victim of its own success, to what extent it shaped identity politics, and if it’s fair to blame Jezebel’s readers for the anger and infighting we see on the internet today. But first! Max and Jon take a closer look at Osama bin Laden apologists on TikTok, the new device that claims to reduce phone dependence, and Ron DeSantis’ fight to post anonymously online.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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