How Reddit's Am I the Asshole ate the internet

Plus: Beyonce's latest snub, Georgia mass shooter's father charged, and more.

September 10, 2024 View in browser  Aja Romano is a senior culture reporter for Vox, focusing on the ethics of culture as well as criticism and commentary on internet culture, movies, TV, theater, and other media. Aja Romano is a senior culture reporter for Vox, focusing on the ethics of culture, as well as criticism and commentary on internet culture, movies, TV, theater, and other media.   Inside the internet's Am I the Asshole ecosystem Westend61/Getty Over the last few years, R/AmItheAsshole (AITA) — Reddit's one-stop clearinghouse for internet drama, comeuppances, and popcorn gallery judgments on the behavior of strangers — has ascended rapidly from niche forum to mainstream forum to omnipresent cultural juggernaut.   The subreddit, as Reddit's topic-based forums are known, boasts 20 million members ready to decide who's right in a given situation and who's wrong.   The stories are typically both specific and archetypal: There's the bride feeling upstaged on her wedding day, the woman whose husband insists on bringing his sister with them on their honeymoon, the airline passenger who wonders if she should have given up her first-class seat for a stranger's child.   AITA has prompted numerous spinoffs — not just advice subreddits and confessional subreddits that get at the same yen for revelation and judgment, but subreddits devoted to filtering only the best (or worst) stories.    This Reddit sprawl has spilled over outside of the platform, spawning a whole internet AITA ecosystem. TikTok is full of automated accounts that read stories from AITA in monotone against weirdly hypnotic footage of games. Twitter and Instagram are replete with screenshots of Reddit stories, while dozens of audio podcasters and YouTubers have sprung up to retell and comment on the latest scandalous post.   The ecosystem has also spawned endless merch, from coffee mugs to children's book parodies to self-help journals.    What is it about these endlessly tawdry tales that have us so addicted?    For one, AITA built on the promise of previous advice subreddits by streamlining the comment section debates into a simple, clean voting system that cut down on lots of needless arguing and got to the point: Were you the asshole or not?   As a cultural phenomenon, the impact of AITA, which was created in 2013, has been wide-ranging: It's been the subject of philosophical and demographic study; it's been credited with helping people leave their own toxic and unhealthy relationships. The dynamics of the forum have even drawn their own obsessive scrutiny.    The recent gossip trend aligns perfectly with AITA's rise in popularity. AITA, however, is meta-gossip: gossip that's not about a person we know, not about a famous person, and quite frequently not even about a real person. It is gossip in the abstract — gossip about the idea of a person and about human nature.    Often the sagas take up multiple posts, spawning entire mini-arcs across the website as what began as a single story becomes an ongoing narrative. Such updates can be piecemeal, incomplete, and scattered across the forum, a user's profile, or the comments. It can take work to even find them, much less curate them.   It's no wonder, then, that, increasingly, audiences of this type of melodramatic content are turning to sources outside Reddit to get it.    Dustin Storm, a.k.a. YouTuber and podcaster Dusty Thunder, says he was "never a Reddit head." It was his wife and daughter who loved the site's stories. Now, Storm reads them on his podcast. In order to react authentically to the stories as he reads them on air, Storm actively avoids the Reddit advice subs so he won't get spoiled.   The formula has paid off; since he started his show in 2022, his audience has topped 30,000 subscribers on YouTube and nearly a million TikTok followers.    "It's a different kind of entertainment," he said. "Instead of tuning into Grey's Anatomy, now they're jumping on and listening to some of the crazy stories that have been going on Reddit, and it's just a completely different form of content that people have latched onto."   Many of the off-platform content creators trawl the meta forums because they have serialized stories and a sense (sometimes) of resolution. Their appeal makes sense; not only are Redditors churning out a bottomless well of free content for podcasters and other creators to curate, but the stories themselves reside in that irresistible space between the real and the fictional: just believable enough to seem plausible, but escalated enough to feel like pure escapism.    Of course, there's no way to fact-check the veracity of these Reddit stories. You might think that the growing influx of stories that seem to be total fakes would make them less appealing to readers, but the opposite seems to be true.    "For us, it's entertainment, number one. And number two, it's an exercise in being able to make better decisions and relationships," Storm said. "And if it serves that purpose, I give zero shits if it's real or fake."  Listen Revenge of the regulators The arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov by French authorities is part of a broader shift away from the free-speech absolutism long championed by Big Tech. The Washington Post's Will Oremus explains. Listen now Brynn Anderson/Getty Images Should parents be held responsible for school shootings? Colin Gray, the father of alleged Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray, has been arrested on charges including two counts of second-degree murder. Gray allegedly gifted his son an AR-15-style rifle, despite knowledge he was a threat to himself and others.   Beyoncé snubbed: While other pop crossover artists including Post Malone made the cut this year, Beyonce received zero nominations for the Country Music Awards despite the historic, chart-topping album Cowboy Carter. And this isn't the first time the singer has clashed with the award show. The backlash to her 2016 CMA performance may have fueled some of her inspiration for the project.   I couldn't help but wonder… What would it be like if Carrie Bradshaw had Tiktok? Online content creators are providing viewers with a real-life glimpse at their dating lives, chronicling the ups and downs in dating diary-style vlogs with juicy details for their dedicated viewers.   Everybody's a cynic: It might feel like negativity is a reasonable response to the state of the world, but there are many reasons that outlook is counterintuitive.  Psychologist Jamil Zaki explains why cynicism can be destructive to individuals and societies, and how to prevent sinking further into your own skepticism.   Why we can't kick our Kennedy fixation: Americans have a parasocial relationship with the Kennedys, who are the closest thing they have to a royal family. If you're wondering  why Jack Schlossberg, RFK Jr., and Kick Kennedy are captivating the media lately, here's an interview with a "Kennedy expert." And elsewhere ... The end of the e-cigarette era? According to the Youth Tobacco Survey, less than 6 percent of kids now vape, a decline of 70 percent from 2019, when usage was at its peak. Crackdowns on e-cigarette supply chains and counter-marketing have made a significant impact on curbing youth use, but the tobacco industry is targeting teens with new products as a result. [NPR] How the sleep-curious become sleepmaxxers: Sleep is a multibillion-dollar industry. As health-related interest in sleep has grown, many are turning to trackers, pillow mists, mouth tape, and other forms of "sleep tech" in pursuit of the perfect night's rest.  [New York Times] LaylaBird/Getty Ad How Infrastructure Works Famously, the quality of the stuff we buy has largely been getting worse. Complaining about it is one thing. Finding solutions is another.   I've been obsessed with the idea of what it would take to create a system where buying something doesn't mean that item would end up in a landfill months or even years from now.   How Infrastructure Works: Inside the Systems That Shape Our World by materials scientist Deb Chachra is a book mostly about making better energy and transportation systems, but there's also a little bit about the challenge of recycling certain materials. You've probably heard that some plastics or textiles aren't recyclable. And that's true — but it doesn't mean that our current buy-toss-repeat cycle is set in stone. Her book informed me on the possibilities of abundance and what it would take to build a future where recycling is taken to a whole other level. Although my latest piece is more focused on the fashion waste problem, Chachra's work helped shift my mindset. —Izzie Ramirez, Future Perfect deputy editor Antonio Cossio/Picture Alliance via Getty Images Explain It to Me podcast Explain It to Me is Vox's new series focused on answering your questions. Check out the trailer here.    The podcast is your hotline for all of your unanswered questions, and host Jonquilyn Hill is your friendly guide who will find you the answers you're looking for — and maybe even the ones you don't expect.  You can always call us at 1-800-618-8545 or fill out this form and tell us what's on your mind.   The podcast launches on September 18. Are you enjoying the Today, Explained newsletter? Forward it to a friend; they can sign up for it right here.  And as always, we want to know what you think. Specifically: If there is a topic you want us to explain or a story you're curious to learn more about, let us know by filling out this form or just replying to this email.    Today's edition was produced and edited by senior editor Lavanya Ramanathan, with contributions from staff editor Melinda Fakuade. We'll see you tomorrow! Become a Vox Member   Support our journalism — become a Vox Member and you'll get exclusive access to the newsroom with members-only perks including newsletters, bonus podcasts and videos, and more. Join our community Ad This email was sent to comercialyventas.aliperiodicos@blogger.com. Manage your email preferences or unsubscribe. If you value Vox's unique explanatory journalism, support our work with a one-time or recurring contribution.   View our Privacy Notice and our Terms of Service.   Vox Media, 1701 Rhode Island. NW, Washington, DC 20036. Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.

The Morning: 24 questions for Trump

Plus, tonight's debate, an Israeli airstrike and the Princess of Wales.

View in browser|nytimes.com September 10, 2024 By David Leonhardt Good morning. We're asking 24 questions that we wish Donald Trump would answer — and covering tonight's debate, an Israeli airstrike and the Princess of Wales. Donald Trump Roger Kisby for The New York Times Unanswered questions Two weeks ago, The Morning published a list of questions that we wished Kamala Harris would answer. Today — the day of the debate between Harris and Donald Trump — we're publishing questions for Trump. As before, my Times colleagues who are covering the campaign helped put this list together. The economy 1. The signature legislation of your presidency was a tax cut that disproportionately helped the wealthy. Now you want to make this legislation permanent — and expand it. How will a tax cut geared toward the rich help most American families? 2. The federal debt is already large, and your tax cut would expand it. Do you have any plans to reduce the debt? 3. You have sent mixed signals about whether you will again try to repeal Obamacare. Will you? And when will you release your own health care plan, as you've long promised? 4. You have proposed a big tariff on goods coming into this country. Many business executives and economists say it will raise consumer prices. Why do you think they're wrong? 5. You have signaled that you want to end the Federal Reserve's independence and help set interest rates yourself. When other countries have politicized their central banks, inflation has tended to rise. Why do you favor this idea? 6. You promised to pass an infrastructure bill as president but didn't. President Biden did — along with bipartisan laws on veterans' health, manufacturing and more. Why has he been a more bipartisan president than you were? Other domestic issues 7. You've said that you are proud of the demise of Roe v. Wade and that states should decide abortion policy. Will you promise to veto any congressional bill that imposes new restrictions on states? 8. Many abortions occur through prescription medications. Five months ago, you said you would announce a policy on medication abortion, but you haven't. Will you take executive actions to restrict its availability? 9. You promised to build a border wall — a policy that many voters support — but you completed only modest sections of it. Why should voters believe you will succeed in a second term? Trump in Arizona. Doug Mills/The New York Times 10. You have called for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants. Whom exactly would you deport — everybody who's in this country illegally, including children and people who've been here for years, or only some groups? And how would you identify and apprehend people? 11. Extreme heat, severe storms and flooding have all become more common. Yet you've called climate change "not our problem." Are you worried about the world you're leaving to your grandchildren? Foreign policy 12. You've suggested that Vladimir Putin should have a freer hand to do what he wants in Europe. Would you try to withdraw the U.S. from NATO? 13. You have criticized U.S. military aid to Ukraine and pledged to end the war there in a single day. Isn't this effectively calling for Ukraine to surrender and accept a peace deal favorable to Putin? 14. You have promised to bring home the hostages in Gaza. How would you persuade or force Hamas to release them all? 15. Middle East policy during your presidency often followed the wishes of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister. His unwillingness to compromise on big questions appears to be an obstacle to peace. Do you disagree with him on anything? 16. If Iran appeared to be building a nuclear weapon, would you order a military attack? 17. You were tougher on China than your predecessors. But you also recently abandoned your opposition to China's ownership of TikTok, evidently after being lobbied by a Republican donor. Are you willing to stand up to China even if it costs your allies money? Trump himself 18. You tried to overturn the 2020 election result after Biden beat you. Do you believe in American democracy? 19. On Jan. 6, 2021, rioters attacked police officers at the Capitol. You've praised those rioters, raised money for them, pledged to pardon them and met with their relatives. Do you understand why this angers officers who were injured in the attack and the families of those who died afterward? 20. A jury found that you had sexually abused E. Jean Carroll. Another jury convicted you for falsifying records to cover up an affair. And you have a long record of demeaning women. Do you regret any of this behavior? 21. You used your power as president to enrich yourself and your family, including by holding events at your properties. Will you do so again? 22. The governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the U.A.E. have invested billions of dollars with a fund run by Jared Kushner, your son-in-law, even though he has little relevant investment experience. Do you think they're trying to curry favor with you through him? 23. Four years from now, you would be 82. In public appearances, you sometimes give incoherent answers, including a recent one about child care. Will you release your complete medical records? 24. Multiple people who watched you up close as president — including your vice president and a chief of staff — say that you're unfit to be president. Why do so many of your own appointees feel this way? Tonight's debate Tonight's debate is high-stakes: It's the only one scheduled between Harris and Trump, and they are virtually tied in the polls. It starts at 9 p.m. Eastern. Will Trump restrain himself? Will Harris distance herself from Biden? Here's what else to watch for. Trump has recently mixed up names, stumbled over words and rambled, raising questions about his age and cognitive health. In past debates, Harris was unafraid to instigate attacks, but could be unsteady when receiving one. More on the election What do Harris and Trump say about each other? Harris has mostly stuck to policy critiques, while Trump has insulted her — as "crooked," "crazy" or "stupid" — more than three times a day. Harris's campaign website now has an "Issues" page. It mostly mirrors Biden's stances and also criticizes Project 2025. Trump said he would vote for a Florida ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana, CNN reports. THE LATEST NEWS Israel-Hamas War Israel struck inside a humanitarian area in the southern Gaza Strip, saying its target was a military command center. An official in Gaza said the strikes killed at least 40 people. Violence is escalating in the West Bank: Palestinian militants have made bolder, more sophisticated attacks, and Israel has intensified its military raids. Politics The eccentric, right-wing German princess who hosted Justice Samuel Alito and his wife at her castle last summer praised him as "pro-life in a time where the majority follows the culture of death." Justice Elena Kagan said Americans were right to worry about the Supreme Court soon limiting contraceptive access and same-sex marriage. Several congressional Republicans, including JD Vance and Ted Cruz, have spread a false story about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio. War in Ukraine In Kyiv. Oksana Parafeniuk for The New York Times For some women in Ukraine, a visit to a nail salon — which often involves navigating power outages and air-raid sirens — is an act of defiance. A Ukrainian drone attack near Moscow killed at least one person, a Russian official said. Ukrainian civilians increasingly support negotiations with Moscow to end the war, but soldiers are skeptical about a deal, The Wall Street Journal reports. More International News Catherine, Princess of Wales Tolga Akmen/EPA, via Shutterstock Catherine, the Princess of Wales, said she had completed chemotherapy. She has revealed few details about her cancer diagnosis. Seventy-nine environmental activists were killed in Colombia last year, a new report says. Sixty were killed the year before. Nearly half the population of East Timor attended the Mass that Pope Francis held there, according to the Vatican, The A.P. reports. Weather A wildfire in San Bernardino County, Calif., forced schools to close and residents to evacuate. Another erupted in the hills of Orange County. Tropical Storm Francine is growing stronger in the Gulf of Mexico, and could make landfall in Louisiana tomorrow. See the storm's track. Other Big Stories James Earl Jones in 2012. Todd Heisler/The New York Times James Earl Jones, who stuttered badly as a child but became one of Hollywood's great voices, roaring life into "Star Wars" and Shakespeare, has died at 93. Read his Times obituary. SpaceX launched a mission to carry a billionaire astronaut further from Earth than any human since the Apollo project. At least seven counties in southeastern Kentucky closed schools as the authorities search for the suspect in a highway shooting. Teenage girls' brains aged rapidly during pandemic shutdowns, probably from the stress of isolation, a study found. Opinions Liz Magic Laser traces the political history of the raised fist, from the Black Panthers to Trump. The arrest of the Telegram chief and Brazil's X ban shows that social-media titans are nearing the end of impunity, Alexander Howard writes. Harris should focus on swaying people who don't like Trump personally but plan to vote for him based on policy, Kristen Soltis Anderson writes. Here's a column by Michelle Goldberg on Trump's disrespect for the anti-abortion movement. Readers of The Morning: Don't miss out on a full year of savings. From in-depth coverage of Decision 2024 to unlimited news and analysis, Games, Cooking, The Athletic and more, subscribe now for only $1 a week for your first year. MORNING READS An iPhone 16. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images iPhone 16: Apple says its new phone has A.I. to make Siri more useful. Tech Fix: You don't need to buy a new phone to use A.I. tools. Our columnist explains how to get them. Ask Vanessa: "Are special clothes you don't wear anymore worth keeping?" Lives Lived: In the 1970s, Maria Redo single-handedly convinced thousands of New York City retailers to offer discounts to older people struggling to make ends meet, starting a nationwide trend. She died at 99. SPORTS N.F.L.: The San Francisco 49ers spoiled Aaron Rodgers's season debut in a 32-19 win over the New York Jets. Read a recap. Deshaun Watson: A Texas woman sued the Browns quarterback, accusing him of sexual assault. Tyreek Hill: The police in Miami released bodycam footage of the Dolphins star's arrest during a traffic stop on Sunday. The team said officers' actions had been "overly aggressive and violent." ARTS AND IDEAS The "wet martini" at Eel Bar in Manhattan. John Taggart for The New York Times Many adjectives have been attached to martinis — dirty, smoky, filthy, flaming — but few bartenders, Pete Wells writes, would have thought it was a good idea to sell a wet martini. "It implied that the bartender had allowed too much vermouth to creep into the glass," Pete writes. "It was a synonym for anemic, sloppy, wishy-washy." A martini served by a new restaurant, however, reflects an appreciation of vermouth that's been a long time coming. More on culture Jorge Ramos is preparing to leave Univision after 40 years at the network. He is known for questioning leaders including Fidel Castro. "You know these are strange times when Dick Cheney and Barbra Streisand are voting for the same person," Jimmy Fallon joked on his show. THE MORNING RECOMMENDS … Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich. Serve this brown butter peach cake at brunch. Avoid these rookie running mistakes. Store files on a USB drive. Enjoy a good night's sleep on these mattresses. GAMES Here is today's Spelling Bee. Yesterday's pangram was typeface. And here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle, Sudoku, Connections and Strands. Thanks for spending part of your morning with The Times. See you tomorrow. —David P.S. Has faith shaped your life? The Times wants to hear from you. Tell us what you believe in, whether you're religious or not. Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox. Reach our team at themorning@nytimes.com. Editor: David Leonhardt Deputy Editor: Adam B. Kushner News Editor: Tom Wright-Piersanti Associate Editor: Lauren Jackson News Staff: Desiree Ibekwe, Sean Kawasaki-Culligan, Brent Lewis, German Lopez, Ian Prasad Philbrick, Ashley Wu News Assistant: Lyna Bentahar Saturday Writer: Melissa Kirsch Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for the Morning newsletter from The New York Times, or as part of your New York Times account. To stop receiving The Morning, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018