The Opinions

Dead Squirrels, TikTok Bops and Raw Milk: The Internet Slop of 2024

Jan 1, 2025
In this lively discussion, Ryan Broderick, creator of the Garbage Day newsletter and host of the Panic World podcast, breaks down the chaotic landscape of digital culture. He delves into the absurd saga of Peanut the Squirrel, highlighting how bizarre narratives influence politics. The conversation also touches on the stark divide between fleeting TikTok trends and genuine experiences, while discussing the challenges of navigating a fragmentary internet where algorithms dictate our engagement. Prepare for a humorous and insightful look at the internet's strange power!
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INSIGHT

Fragmented Internet

  • The internet is now fragmented, giving users personalized content feeds.
  • This shift makes it difficult to discern widespread trends from niche interests.
ANECDOTE

Internet's Turning Point

  • Gamergate (2014) marked a turning point where online movements became serious business.
  • The 2020 pandemic brought more people online, further fragmenting digital spaces.
ANECDOTE

Peanut the Squirrel

  • The Peanut the Squirrel story highlights how right-wing media spins small stories into controversies.
  • A squirrel, seized for licensing issues and then euthanized, became a martyr.
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