Internet bad

January 4, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

🎙️ The Voices & The Context

The Format: This Vox podcast episode weaves host-led narration with sequential expert interviews to dissect the internet's transformation from quirky discovery hub to rage-driven machine, fostering a nostalgic and critical atmosphere.
The Format: A host-driven interview series blending personal anecdotes, expert insights, and reflective storytelling.
The Key Players:
- Craig Silverman: Co-founder of Indicator, a site probing digital deception; shares expertise on rage bait mechanics and platform manipulations.
- Max Read: Tech and culture writer with Substack "Read Max"; contrasts early internet serendipity with algorithmic dominance.
- Nick Plant: 25-year-old NYC organizer resisting tech dependency; recounts grassroots "Delete Day" events and personal detox journeys.
- Host John Glenn Hill (JQ): Guides conversations with relatable rants on food feeds and dating cringe, sparking "water cooler" nostalgia.

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What you'll learn

1 **(00:01) 🎙️ Episode Intro: The Rise of Rage Bait**
2 **(01:26) 🎙️ Introduction: Craig Silverman**
3 **(04:39) Rage Bait as Internet's Core Engine**
4 **(07:03) Platform Changes Amplifying Rage**
5 **(08:17) Loss of Serendipity and Discovery**
6 **(11:32) 🎙️ Introduction: Max Read**
7 **(13:46) Pivotal Shifts That Ruined the Internet**

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

Once a place of serendipity and discovery, the internet now thrives on feeding us toxic rage bait designed to piss us off. Can we get the good internet back?

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Photo by Fairfax Media via Getty Images.

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