Panic World Investigating a cult inspired by a cartoon mouse (w/ PJ Vogt)
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Aug 13, 2025 
Join PJ Vogt, host of Search Engine, as he dives deep into the bizarre world of fandoms surrounding Gadget Hackwrench from 'Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers.' They discuss how nostalgia morphs into both devotion and toxicity in online communities. Vogt explores the curious intersection of whimsical love and unsettling behaviors in fandoms, alongside a unique Russian followership and the concept of 'gadgetism.' The conversation touches on the complexities of identity and obsession, revealing how a cartoon mouse can inspire an intricate web of societal dynamics.
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Nostalgia Masks Structural Risks
- Early internet felt idealistic and full of possibility to many young users, fostering intense connection.
- PJ Vogt notes niche communities can still turn toxic but it's not inevitable and platform structure matters.
How Gadget Became A Fandom Object
- Gadget Hackwrench is introduced as a cute anthropomorphic inventor mouse who became a focal point of fandom desire.
- Early fans lacked broad access to the show and relied on memory, drawings, and fanfic to keep the character alive.
Furries Built Early Online Rituals
- The early furry movement organized on Usenet and created grassroots tools like a 9/11 check-in spreadsheet.
- These communities were early adopters of social coordination and crisis response online.