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Sep 19, 2025 
Ryan Broderick, a reporter immersed in online culture and author of the newsletter Garbage Day, joins to explore the intersection of internet culture and real-world violence. He discusses the chaotic aftermath of the Charlie Kirk murder and how unmoderated platforms amplified confusion and false narratives. The conversation dives into the alarming trend of memes and gamified violence, examining how online spaces remix real-life events into grotesque humor. Broderick also proposes enhancing media literacy and better understanding within institutions.
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Social Media Changes How We See Violence
- Ryan Broderick argues the Charlie Kirk killing is a stark portrait of 21st-century America shaped by online life.
- He says influencers surrounded by smartphones make violent acts instantly shareable and culturally resonant.
Unmoderated Platforms Amplify Chaos
- Broderick describes unprecedented online chaos after the video went viral, including conspiracy and rampant misinformation.
- He ties the scale to unmoderated platforms rapidly distributing blunt, taboo footage into public view.
Local Eccentrics Fuel Conspiracy Waves
- Ryan recounts George Zinn, a local disruptor who falsely claimed responsibility and fueled conspiracies after being detained on camera.
- He notes local weirdness often becomes fodder for online conspiracy communities during big incidents.