Internet bad - Today, Explained Recap

Podcast: Today, Explained

Published: 2026-01-04

Duration: 30 minutes

Guests: Craig Silverman, Max Reed, Nick Plant

Summary

The internet, once a space for discovery, has devolved into a platform where rage bait content thrives, manipulating emotions for engagement. The episode explores whether it's possible to return to a kinder, more curious online environment.

What Happened

The episode opens with a nostalgic look at the early days of the internet, where platforms like StumbleUpon and MySpace offered serendipitous discovery. However, the host, Jonquilyn Hill, observes that current online content often provokes anger through bizarre and unsanitary food videos, among other things. This 'rage bait' content is intentionally crafted to elicit strong emotional reactions and increase engagement, according to Craig Silverman, a co-founder featured in the episode.

Silverman explains that rage bait acts as a currency in the online world, driving engagement and audience growth even when the content is offensive or enraging. Examples include offensive public stunts recorded for viral content and politically charged videos that provoke outrage. Such content thrives because it attracts both critics and supporters, ensuring high levels of interaction.

The episode discusses how platforms have relaxed their oversight, with companies like Facebook rolling back fact-checking in favor of 'free expression,' which further amplifies divisive content. Mark Zuckerberg's decision to replace fact-checkers with community notes is highlighted as part of this trend, making the internet feel more combative and less about discovery.

A comparison is drawn between the past and present internet landscapes, noting that earlier, there were fewer mega-platforms and more opportunities for genuine exploration. Max Reed, a guest on the show, reflects on his experiences with early internet communities that offered a more joyful and less commercialized experience.

The episode also examines how algorithms, especially those used by TikTok, have shifted the online experience from social to anti-social, prioritizing engagement metrics above meaningful interactions. This has led to a less diverse and more homogenized internet experience, where rage bait content is prevalent.

Nick Plant, a 25-year-old organizer, shares his experiences of disconnecting from social media through 'Delete Day,' where people gather to purge their online presence. Plant argues that reducing online dependency has allowed for more authentic and serendipitous real-life interactions, challenging the notion that constant connectivity is necessary.

The episode concludes by questioning whether the current state of the internet is inevitable or if alternatives like Wikipedia, which maintains a non-profit, community-focused model, offer a different path. It highlights a cultural shift in Silicon Valley that prioritizes profit over community values, contrasting with previous internet cultures that valued exploration and connection.

Key Insights