ICYMI cover image

ICYMI

The Boys Are Not All Right

Jul 27, 2024
Candice Lim chats with Luke Winkie, a Slate writer exploring cultural phenomena, and Max Read, a Substack writer who coined the term 'Zynternet'. They dissect the peculiar 'Zynternet' community—fratty, provocative young men hooked on college sports and nicotine pouches. The trio discusses whether this group's antics are merely performative or a genuine cultural shift. They delve into themes of toxic masculinity, apathy, and the online behaviors that define these millennials and Gen Zers, questioning the balance between entertainment and political engagement.
41:30

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Z-Internet represents a unique online culture among young men that balances humor and lightheartedness while rejecting conventional political norms.
  • Zin nicotine pouches play a significant role in shaping the Z-Internet lifestyle, symbolizing both party culture and consumer habits within this community.

Deep dives

Understanding Z-Internet

The Z-Internet refers to a specific online culture primarily associated with young men from middle America who engage in apolitical and often humorous content. It encompasses various platforms, including Barstool Sports and podcasts like Call Me Daddy, and is characterized by a somewhat right-leaning, yet not rigidly partisan attitude. This community thrives on lighthearted content that distracts from political discourse, which often overwhelms other online spaces. The term originated from writer Max Reed, highlighting the necessity of a female figure like the ‘Hawk Tua Girl’ to represent the unique dynamics between Z-Internet boys and girls.

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