Endless Thread cover image

Endless Thread

Black Pilled

Oct 4, 2024
Elle Reeve, a reporter known for her deep dive into online extremism, discusses her book, shedding light on the disturbing rise of alt-right groups. She explores the unsettling recognition she faces from these extremists and how online hate has twisted political landscapes. Reeve delves into the Charlottesville rally, revealing how isolation can lead individuals to radical ideologies. She also investigates the impact of de-platforming extremists and shares hopeful reflections on creating a better society, even amidst darkness.
27:06

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The manipulation of Microsoft's Tay chatbot by alt-right users exemplifies how online communities have transformed extremist ideologies into a formidable political force.
  • The events surrounding the Charlottesville rally reveal how mob mentality and community cohesion among extremists have dangerous real-world implications for society.

Deep dives

The Rise of Online White Nationalism

The podcast discusses the emergence of a younger, internet-savvy form of white nationalism, described as being middle-class and cleverly manipulative. This new variant was particularly evident during the 2016 launch of Microsoft's chatbot, Tay, which was manipulated by members of the alt-right to express hateful and sexist remarks. Observing this phenomenon highlighted the numbers and organization of these individuals, who thrived on trolling and fostering a sense of community online. This online cohesion translated into real-world connections, where individuals with shared extremist views found comfort and camaraderie, effectively normalizing their ideologies.

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