Modern Wisdom #1032 - Joshua Citarella - The Dark Subcultures of Online Politics
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Dec 13, 2025 
In this fascinating discussion, Joshua Citarella, an artist and cultural researcher known for his work on internet subcultures, dives into the intricate world of online politics. He explores how Gen Z's political landscape differs dramatically from previous generations. Joshua highlights the rise of right-wing populism and the radicalization pathways found in niche meme cultures. He critiques the simplistic views on radicalization, revealing how online communities influence real-world politics, while also discussing the challenges the left faces in this evolving landscape.
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Early Meme Activity Predicts Big Trends
- Early teen meme activity predicted broader political trends years later.
- Joshua Citarella used 'early detection' to trace niche memetic communities into mainstream politics.
The End Of A Political Consensus
- The post-1989 liberal-democracy consensus has splintered, creating space for new political blocs.
- Citarella argues this renegotiation produced both leftward and rightward radical currents in advanced countries.
From Bernie Memes To Dangerous Discords
- Citarella followed a group from Bernie-supporting teens to a private Discord sharing eco-terrorist writings and bomb manuals.
- That deep ethnography revealed how memetic posting can lead into extremist niches.
