Explain It to Me Internet bad
19 snips
Jan 4, 2026 
Max Reed, a tech and culture writer known for his insights on internet history, joins organizer Nick Plant, who advocates for resisting tech addiction. They delve into the toxic grip of rage bait and how algorithms prioritize outrage over authentic discovery. Reed nostalgically recalls a more serendipitous internet, contrasting it with today’s profit-driven platforms. Plant shares his experience organizing 'Delete Day' and the benefits of quitting social media, emphasizing rediscovering presence through low-tech alternatives and a more fulfilling digital life.
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Outrage Became Internet Currency
- Rage bait is content engineered to provoke strong emotions, typically anger, because outrage drives engagement.
- Craig Silverman explains that this emotional currency powers a lot of what circulates online and rewards creators and platforms.
Rage Bait Is Deliberately Manufactured
- Companies intentionally manufacture rage-filled scenes and sometimes use AI avatars to create fake confrontations.
- Those staged, monetized moments exploit algorithms and make outrage a deliberate marketing tactic.
Feed Algorithms Rewired Discovery
- Two major shifts reshaped the web: Facebook's feed centralized content and TikTok's FYP perfected algorithmic discovery.
- Those changes moved users from exploring many sites to staying inside algorithmic feeds that prioritize engagement.