Rebecca Jennings, a senior correspondent at Vox, and Luke Winkie, a staff writer for Slate, dive into the complexities of gender dynamics in the Gen Z era. They discuss how influencers are reshaping perceptions of masculinity and femininity, alongside the darker aspects of internet fame and misogyny. The conversation also touches on the bizarre links between gambling culture and dating, the effects of dating apps on young people, and the implications of controversial figures like Andrew Tate. Their insights shed light on the evolving landscape of online culture and its real-world impacts.

Join Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson, co-hosts from Endless Thread, as they dissect the fascinating rise of Mr. Beast, the YouTube sensation known for extravagant giveaways and viral stunts. They explore how his blend of philanthropy and spectacle reshapes audience engagement, while also questioning the sustainability of his content model. Delve into the complexities of influencer culture and the ethical implications of performative generosity. Can Mr. Beast maintain his dominance as he navigates traditional media and the chaotic landscape of online fame?

Dive into the fascinating world of PerfumeTok, where fragrance influencers are unexpectedly navigating political waters. Explore the quirky persona of a TikTok fragrance influencer and the evolving standards of authenticity in scent marketing. The discussion highlights the pressure of personal branding, especially as political beliefs clash within this creative community. With humor and insight, the hosts unravel the complexities of identity and influence in a culture deeply shaped by social media.

Vera Drew, director and star of The People's Joker, shares her journey as a trans person navigating online communities like Tumblr. They explore the conspiracy theory that claims Tumblr influenced a generation's gender identity, dissecting how misinformation shapes perceptions. The conversation dives into the evolution of digital spaces for queer youth, touching on both their empowering aspects and the challenges of modern identity politics. Drew also reflects on generational gaps in understanding youth trends and the complexities of authenticity in today’s online culture.

Ryan and our producer Grant dig into the election and have some comments about whether or not we can simply create the "liberal Joe Rogan."Full episode can be found at: https://www.patreon.com/PanicWorld Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taylor Lorenz, a renowned journalist and podcast host, dives into Silicon Valley's peculiar midlife crisis. She humorously unpacks the bizarre innovations and health obsessions gripping tech elites, from youthful experiments to extreme surgeries. The rise of transhumanism and the ethics of tech giants are dissected as Lorenz highlights how these obsessions clash with pressing societal issues. She also critiques the problematic male individualism in wellness culture and explores the complex personas of influential figures like Elon Musk.

Travis View, host of QAA (QAnon Anonymous), dives deep into how conspiracy theories have reshaped American politics. He discusses the origins of QAnon and its rise during pivotal political moments like the 2016 elections. View reveals how online platforms like 4chan transformed playful fabrications into powerful political narratives. With sweeping implications, he explores the radicalization around key events, like January 6th, and how conspiracy theories have become normalized, permeating every facet of political discourse.

Tide Pods were the king of the forbidden candies. The items that looked delicious despite being disgusting, or poisonous, if you actually bit into one. For a few months in 2018, it seemed like the biggest threat to American teenagers was the temptation to participate in the "Tide Pod Challenge," i.e., bite into the Gushers-like laundry pod on camera before calling poison control. Local news was all over the story, police were making videos warning teens of the dangers, an NFL star made a PSA. But, was this actually a real problem? Were teens across the country really this gullible? Was anyone actually being hurt or dying because they ate a Tide Pod?Our guest PJ Vogt is the host of Search Engine. Find it wherever you listen to podcasts, and you can follow him otherwise @PJVogt.Want even more Panic World content? Like ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to the Garbage Day Discord? Sign up for a membership at https://www.patreon.com/PanicWorld.Want to sponsor Panic World? Ad sales & marketing support by Multitude ⁠http://multitude.productions⁠.Credits- Host: Ryan Broderick- Producer: Grant Irving- Researcher: Adam Bumas- Business Manager: Josh Fjelstad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blair Witch Project stands alone in the kind of panic it caused. No film before or since has quite hit the same fevered pitch, where many people actually thought it was real. What made it so magical? How did it come to be, and why did it freak us out like it did?David Sims joins us to talk urban legends, predecessors to The Blair Witch Project, and the found footage films that have since tried to recreate its culture-gripping moment since.Our guest David Sims is a culture writer at The Atlantic, and also hosts the podcast Blank Check. Follow his work @davidlsims and find @blankcheckpod wherever you listen to podcasts.Want even more Panic World content? Like ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to the Garbage Day Discord? Sign up for a membership at https://www.patreon.com/PanicWorld.Want to sponsor Panic World? Ad sales & marketing support by Multitude ⁠http://multitude.productions⁠.Credits- Host: Ryan Broderick- Producer: Grant Irving- Researcher: Adam Bumas- Business Manager: Josh Fjelstad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caroline Calloway became internet famous for living a fantasy, at least that's how it appeared on Instagram. Then, she became infamous when the public turned on her. We talk with Caroline about the long history of the women and teenage girls this has happened to before, and what it's like for this generation's version of E Girls, the Simp Queen.Our guest Caroline Calloway is an author. You can buy her new book Elizabeth Wurtzel and Caroline Calloway's Guide to Life online at https://carolinecalloway.com/ or at your local bookseller, and you can and should follow her @carolinecalloway.Want even more Panic World content? Like ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to the Garbage Day Discord? Sign up for a membership at https://www.patreon.com/PanicWorld.Want to sponsor Panic World? Ad sales & marketing support by Multitude ⁠http://multitude.productions⁠.Credits- Host: Ryan Broderick- Producer: Grant Irving- Researcher: Adam Bumas- Business Manager: Josh Fjelstad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices