Decoder with Nilay Patel

Recode Decode: Reddit CEO Steve Huffman

Jul 26, 2019

Steve Huffman, Co-founder and CEO of Reddit, discusses his journey from co-founding the platform to navigating its challenges after returning in 2015. He shares insights on Reddit's evolution, the delicate balance between free speech and content moderation, and the complexities of managing controversial communities like /r/The_Donald. Huffman also addresses tech biases, the role of AI in shaping discussions, and the importance of community involvement in creating a respectful online environment, all while contemplating the future of digital engagement.

01:00:41

Episode guests

Steve Huffman

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Optimism in Growth Despite Challenges

00:34

Users' Creation

00:35

Intro

2min

Reddit's Evolution and Moderation Challenges

13min

Navigating Content Moderation Challenges

20min

Reddit's Moderation Landscape

13min

The Dual Nature of Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Standards

2min

Navigating Content Moderation Complexities

5min

Navigating Business Valuation and Digital Engagement Challenges

2min

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman talks with Recode's Kara Swisher in this live interview recorded at Manny's in San Francisco. Huffman co-founded the company in 2005, left it in 2009, and returned in 2015 after the resignation of Reddit's previous CEO, Ellen Pao.

In this episode:

How Huffman thinks about Reddit today; how the site almost died; how it started and its early experience with backlash; tech leaders that don’t want to make content moderation decisions; why /r/The_Donald was quarantined and how it could clean itself up; the moving line for unacceptable comments online; conservative allegations of “shadowbanning” and tech bias; the gender breakdown of Reddit users; harassment of volunteer moderators; AI that learns from Reddit; the monopolization of tech by negative forces; and the future of /r/The_Donald.

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Kara Swisher (@karaswisher), host

Erica Anderson (@EricaAmerica), executive producer

Eric Johnson (@HeyHeyESJ), producer

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