Uncanny Valley | WIRED BIG INTV: Alexis Ohanian Says We Can Build A Less Toxic Internet
Aug 26, 2025
Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a prominent investor in women's sports, shares his journey from childhood gaming to tech entrepreneur. He discusses his efforts to relaunch Digg as a toxic-free social media platform. The conversation dives into the growing importance of women's soccer and innovative investments in female athletics. Ohanian also explores the ethical implications of AI in memory preservation and emphasizes the necessity for informed discourse on technology's societal effects. His vision advocates for a healthier, more equitable online community.
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From LSAT To Reddit’s Upvote System
- Alexis walked out of the LSAT, decided not to be a lawyer, and convinced a roommate engineer to join him building startups.
- Their pivot after meeting Paul Graham led to Reddit’s voting and comment system that surfaced quality content.
Personal Loss Shaped His Perspective
- Alexis described family tragedies during Reddit’s early days including his mom’s terminal glioblastoma diagnosis.
- Those events reframed mortality for him and influenced how he values business challenges.
AI Can Preserve Memories, Not Replace Grief
- Alexis used AI to animate a photo of his mother and found it emotionally meaningful without wanting an AI replica.
- He urges more informed public voices to shape norms and laws as the tech advances rapidly.