What is the internet doing to us? The Times tech columnist Kevin Roose discovers what happens when our lives move online.
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Rabbit Hole
399 Subscribers
Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 Based on 350 reviews
petlover0914
5 out of 5 stars
Good show
I liked this show a lot! Entertaining and I learned a lot
run_amanda
5 out of 5 stars
Wow - this is a lot!
Thank you for helping listeners connect dots and think critically about how we live on the internet and in real life. I’d love another season revisiting these ideas with new perspectives, stories, and questions.
CiWa11
5 out of 5 stars
Rabbit hole review
This podcast was thought provoking and riveting all the way through. With the 1/6 Attack of the Capital congressional hearings now underway you should do a follow up with the subjects of your story.
JJ Seattle
5 out of 5 stars
Worth every moment
The first time I have heard about a successful forensic long-term search reassembly and it is done brilliantly with unmatched editing work.
TDey000
5 out of 5 stars
The podcast that got me into podcasts!
Brilliant!
backpacklife
2 out of 5 stars
Is The Times afraid?
Fearful that they are no longer the monopoly on the news and opinions for the people? Or that the people have found other ways to connect and discuss politics outside of their curating what can be said? Online finally gives a voice to the people. And they can be scary to those in power and the media that helps keep them in power. The New York Times never reported on the Holocaust. They have an elitist culture that wants to shape public opinion, not report news. YouTube and other platforms may be flawed, but it is our modern day public forum and does not need Big Media or Big Gov to restrict our voice. I understand they feel threatened by this.
derbstyron
4 out of 5 stars
Mesmerizing and deeply engrossing.
A deeply engaging look at an important topic in today’s America. Always interesting but at its base deeply concerning.
Michelebella1977
5 out of 5 stars
Great podcast!
I’m sorry to see all the reviews telling the hosts what should be included in their story. If they’re upset that there wasn’t a pro-Republican, right-wing viewpoint discussed then maybe they should do their own research and host their own podcast that discusses what they want to hear. I enjoyed listening. Fantastic work.
Jra4776
5 out of 5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Extremely fascinating and scary at the same time. Everyone should listen.
Spacekace
5 out of 5 stars
A switch flipped.
For the past few years this topic has been absolutely intriguing to me in a way that I can’t turn away. It amazes me how so many of us have had not only our opinions but lives completely shifted from the abundance of information available, true or false, and the impact it’s currently having on our society as a whole. This series is most definitely something I’d compare to a light being switched on in a dark room. There’s no way to tell what’s in it until you shed some light, and there no guarantee you’re going to like what you see.
angyyydreee
5 out of 5 stars
My thoughts
It sparked something new in me, not anger exactly more like the desire to step up and make life the most it can be while being aware of the control of the system.
podcastfam
4 out of 5 stars
Horrifying but important
This was seriously terrible to listen to (the subject not the pod which was very well done. It was suggested to me by a few people when I expressed disbelief that good people could be turned into nazis. It didn’t convince me but it certainly made me think and reconsider.
GrandMasterJS
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Sad, scary, and all true.
Wako2us
5 out of 5 stars
We are what we watch, live and experience
Heartbreaking to learn how much social media is molding our human race. But very insightful production.
BadKitty
5 out of 5 stars
Loved it!
Very well produced - really engaging!
Bay Step
5 out of 5 stars
So well done
The production, storyline, history and topics covered in this series were excellent. I listened to episode after episode while doing yard work. I didn’t want to stop working because I didn’t want to stop listening! Also, the way these reporters interact with those they interview seems very respectful and empathetic, yet they are still willing to ask hard questions and acknowledge the elephant in the room.
Msepicvee
5 out of 5 stars
Great Production and Informative
I really enjoyed the layout and production of this show. The host keeps you intrigued and doesn’t have you guessing what he’s talking about. The guests were great and it was extremely informative.
Sunny L Davis
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating
Extremely informative and well organized presentation of the issues surrounding the internet and misinformation campaigns.
Megan A. M.
5 out of 5 stars
Incredible.
This was my very first podcast. And I was amazed. The way it is narrated and the points it takes are not only eye opening yet, so incredibly detailed and intricate. I came into podcasts wanting something to challenge my current perspectives and fight the basis of normality. This is just it. It’s enticing, you’ll always be engaged. All I want is to find more podcasts such as this one. Truly hoping for a second season to come out. As a teenager in this internet run world, this was incredible to hear.
willemjohannes42
2 out of 5 stars
Minim I
Y no up here pink
Murraye1
5 out of 5 stars
Great Series
Great content in a very important issue and it is presented in a very listenable way.
@LibMike_Rants
5 out of 5 stars
PLEASE, MORE SHOWS
This was a great series and I look forward to the next batch.
mayor frey
1 out of 5 stars
Bash the competition
New York Post bashing all of its competitors... so so biased. I was hoping to see some information about both perspectives of the Rabbit Hole. Not just bashing every person who ever made a pro republican leaning viewpoint. My buddy suggested this and I got through 3 episodes before I couldn’t stand the bias anymore. Even Netflix the social dilemma has viewpoints of social media from both perspectives.
Katiemclady
3 out of 5 stars
Great....but
I would have like to hear how YouTube and the Internet Culture also has radicalized the left extremists as well? Like an interview with them? For balanced reporting?
shakenanddisturbed
5 out of 5 stars
A must listen!
The flow and story telling in this podcast is phenomenal. I appreciate the message and I can’t wait for more.
alex123fdsia
5 out of 5 stars
Best podcast of my year
Illuminating, captivating, a true deep dive into how the internet has shaped us
S. Hochman
4 out of 5 stars
Season 2?
I really enjoyed listening to this podcast. Hoping there will be a season 2 picking up where S1 left off.
Reicher Recording
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent
This is an excellent and well researched piece of journalism.
tmcendree
5 out of 5 stars
Very interesting podcast about misinformation and how internet companies try to change your behavior
This is a must listen podcast. It is scary at some points with how much we think we’re in control, but in reality, we’re just puppets.
Dosositos Texas
1 out of 5 stars
So sad. Another pamphlet disguised as a Podcast.
I’ve just listened the "Start Here" episode and part of the second, in both pieces I’ve heard "far right groups", ok, I’m leaving here. I’m sick and tired of all this propaganda. This is too much. Movies, TV Shows, News...it’s all the same script, same words, same message. NO, THANK YOU!. I’ll try to find something instructive and free from ideologies. Stop the brainwashing.
Sun= Star=me
5 out of 5 stars
A Must Listen
This is an amazing podcast a must listen for anyone from anywhere.
Waffles :]
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome Reporting + Stellar Production Value
This reminded me of the golden days of Radiolab! Really astounding reporting on a surprisingly related string of topics coupled with some seriously fantastic audio production.
jaypatty
5 out of 5 stars
Informative and enjoyable
Our current state of society is troubling. Listening to Kevin team dig into why we are where we are shed light on so many things. I do appreciate that they treated everyone they interviewed with dignity and were unbiased in their reporting.
Daniel Bashir
5 out of 5 stars
Incredibly Important
This was one of the many sets of stories that alerted me to some of the problems with our modern technologies and the impacts they have on real people that we don’t always think about. So glad Kevin Roose did so much hard work to bring this to us.
crkearney
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent reporting
Fascinating series. Was really refreshing to hear such excellent reporting on YouTube from young people who are actually familiar with the eccentric culture.
JamieNYCsugar
5 out of 5 stars
So good!!!
So!! Freakin!! Good!!
WindholzL83
5 out of 5 stars
Good listen!
Lots of good insight and conversation. I never felt like the host was too bias for one side or another, which is refreshing these days. There’s more than one rabbit hole. Note. I’d love to see more on extreme left though. Note: Not all pro gun Americans are psycho, far right people. Some of us just love to shoot and hunt and keep to ourselves in our simple lives, not obsessing with people on YouTube. :)
Miles the Boxer's Mom
4 out of 5 stars
Interesting but one-sided
The first episode was promising but when you get to the YouTube executive interview the only focus is on alt right channels and their misinformation. Surely there’s misinformation being spread on the other side. What about all the people who used BLM to burn down cities and wreak havoc last year? Shouldn’t that be tamed also? I don’t identify with either side just wish this was more balanced. I think our society is in real trouble with the internet taking over our brains.
A Blenker
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent
An excellent consolidation of what’s been happening on the internet over the past 10 years and how it has affected the political moment we are in currently. A very well produced and interesting format as well.
allyarnaiz
5 out of 5 stars
Sad I finished it so quickly!
I have had this podcast saved for a while and I am eagerly awaiting a second season if there will be one. Ever relevant and fascinating, I’m so glad for this honest journalism. Very well done.
metalheaddawson
5 out of 5 stars
Fell in the rabbit hole of a.. rabbit hole...
Well I devoured this in a day. Holy moly.... it’s funny how it’s about people falling into rabbit holes and that’s exactly how I felt about this podcast- couldn’t get enough of it. Thoroughly enjoyed, 10/10 would recommend. Makes me feel even better about deleting my social media accounts.
Beacher555555
5 out of 5 stars
Full circle
Of your kind and with your kind, makes tight little funnels into which ideas can be ceded. None escapes its reach.
Steve Brian 1111
5 out of 5 stars
This is the best podcast ever !!!!
The best podcast ever, thanks for the hosts.
courtywoods
1 out of 5 stars
Couldn’t get past the first episode
Interesting topic but I really don’t care about this kid’s story. I’d rather hear about the science and data.
HC172563626
5 out of 5 stars
NYT, you’ve done it again
Truly one of the best podcasts I’ve had the pleasure of listening to. Definitely worth the listen, you will fly through the 8 episodes. Thank you NYT for this wonderful listen!
EsmeShaller
5 out of 5 stars
Please return for an epilogue
I know I’m not the first to say this, but this reporting is needed now, following the terrorist attack on the capitol.
bigpeppermo
1 out of 5 stars
Lost my trust
Bias media. Sad the loss of journalism to activists.
Wander 01
5 out of 5 stars
Great reminder to think for yourself
Appreciate the idea of the show coming to life; it’s researched journalism but the show itself is sort of the process of researching how social media (YouTube being the focus) is impacting our society. There’s no conclusion as there’s a lot to figure out still by those creating the platform, users, and consumers. Story of this social experiment is still being written and we should think about how it’s impacting us. All I got from it.
hayreehoff
5 out of 5 stars
An important listen for the times we are in
I love and appreciate the way this podcast told the story of the internet’s role in our lives and how it has led us to where we are in this moment. Especially insightful on how we got to Q anon being a movement that is showing up and interfering with society and politics. It was great to listen to this the week of the insurrection on the Capitol. Production-wise, this show is incredibly high quality and enjoyable to listen to. Recommending to everyone!
Sarah 22222
5 out of 5 stars
Please come back!
Listening in mid-Jan 2021 and I’d love to hear your take on Parker and the storming of the Capitol. Feels like a logical epilogue. Please come back! This reporting and analysis is so important!
wee bugga
5 out of 5 stars
Eye opening.
I have never reviewed a podcast but I am shook by Rabbit Hole. Excellently reported. It is a combination of entertaining, terrifying, and eye opening. Highly recommend.
B3asy
1 out of 5 stars
Should be called: Here’s People Who Spend Too Much Time Online
There doesn't seem to be an overall thread to this podcast. Someone probably had a very good idea to start this but that is not what it became. This show is not: going to make you come to any conclusion about conspiracy theories, or who is susceptible to them, or how to stop them. This show is: a hodgepodge of random interviews of people who spend too much time on the Internet. Everyone involved in this podcast, from the producers to the writers to the subjects to the news journalists, think they are much smarter than they are. They have lied to themselves enough that they believe the facades they project. Overall delusional. Would not recommend.
Gjwwaer
3 out of 5 stars
Profoundly bad journalism
This is a hilarious caricature of many criticisms people level at nyt. The show starts off promising but gets completely unrooted by a difficult to listen to product placement episode for YouTube. It is grating and bad journalism. This is followed by an episode where the reporter disturbingly gushes over a YouTuber named PewDePie. They edit in quotes where pewdepie praises the reporter which feels superfluous, and then the host asks pewdepie beyond softball questions. I felt second hand infantilization listening to this, it was awful. I listened to most of the series and plan on listening to the final episodes soon. It touches on some interesting stuff and is well produced. It is from objective and unfortunately does not take a nuanced or complex read of pertinent issues. It’s entertaining but frustrating.
DigitalMonkeys
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent Show
One of the best. Kudos for everyone who worked on this.
olivejuice678
5 out of 5 stars
Truly fascinating
I am 26 this year and also found the internet during my high school years to be a refuge, but never went too far into YouTube or message boards, mainly just tumblr. I’ve only listened to the first episode but this podcast is one that seems to chronicle my generation’s coming of age, from 9/11 and sandy hook conspiracy theories to Qanon, and really opened my eyes to what was beneath the surface that I wasn’t paying attention to. My parents have always subscribed to our local newspaper, the New York Times (in print!) and listened to NPR as the authority news sources, so I had an example to follow, but I never really read or followed traditional news platforms until 2016, when I was 21 and on the cusp of graduating college. I just could not understand how people could morally think this way and was so angry all the time, but I can see now how if you never had an example to follow in terms of how to get your news and facts, you could so easily get sucked into this stuff. Thank you for this, I’ll be recommending to literally everyone I know because after the insurrection it is even harder for me and the people in my life to wrap our heads around.
ipfuzz
2 out of 5 stars
Political
This is not unbiased. It’s wrought with political agenda. No thank you.
LoveAGoodApp894566200
4 out of 5 stars
The design is a replica of the algorithm
By the end of the second episode you’re like wait where is the end? Did it just cut off? Then I realized, “oh they are doing what they are exposing...creating a way to fall down this rabbit hole”. Clever and not. For the reasons they outline in the episodes. It is informative; explains what is happening to folks. I don’t watch YouTube videos unless it’s a tv show clip that I choose (not recommended).
KStew614
5 out of 5 stars
Great podcast
Helps explain how many younger ppl get mobilized toward extreme right and how modern internet algorithms effect our culture.
Misdawn69
3 out of 5 stars
Seems NYT has an angle too...
You touched a bit on progressive minded people getting sucked into the extreme groups but you focused much more of FAR right groups. Did you even touch on Antifa or BLM? They have used technology to gather to destroy cities and MSM doesn’t refer to them as extreme left groups. very one sided and typical of NYT
Cbbass27
5 out of 5 stars
Well Done
Each episode links together to tell an engaging story about our current world and its relationship to the internet. It introduces us to characters and stories we know and others we don’t to demonstrate the intricacies of the cyber world, its vulnerabilities, and our shared responsibility of its existence.
malloryallen
5 out of 5 stars
Beyond amazing!
This is the perfect podcast for this time. It’s kind of Social Dilema-ish. It really opens your eyes to a spiral we all experience on the internet, but opens your eyes to the severity of the situation.
Dannerzz
5 out of 5 stars
Eye opening
Great engaging sound design. I’m 26 and I had no idea any of this you tube stuff was happening and I was just so unaware. Also I am FULLY convinced that the YouTube creator who did the fascist stuff is a COMPLETE psychopath and megalomaniac
TShaneRogers
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating
Great podcast. It’s not breaking any new ground, but does provide interesting perspective by focusing on individuals who have gone down the internet rabbit hole. Also, excellent editing and production value.
trix224
5 out of 5 stars
Episode 8 is scary!
Yes the woman interviewed has “left” Q, but the way she got there — via a long YouTube interview of Senator Elizabeth Warren - is scary. Sen Warren is smart, perhaps even effective as a Senator (and/or professor), but her ideology doesn’t just translate into direct political action IMHO. Democracy doesn’t reflect ideals/idealism but a negotiated consensus with input from all angles - meaning, from actual individuals with actual human experiences (and not algorithms; tiktok, YouTube, Twitter or other).
mych661111
5 out of 5 stars
So important
I was fully engrossed in this podcast. It was entertaining and informative at the same time. Plus, it really shed light on an issue that we all should more be aware of.
Zin G
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating and important
I loved this! I binged it all in one night! Well done!
jmike03
1 out of 5 stars
YouTube advertisement
Listened to most of this, seemed pretty interesting to start. I’m fairly undecided on a lot of this, but then it just became an ad for YouTube. Which doesn’t really make sense considering how the first episode began. I went into this with an open mind and I know NYT is left leaning so I anticipated that skew. Did not anticipate the YouTube propaganda.
STLJake
4 out of 5 stars
It’s good.
I like it. Well done. Just wondering why this direction chosen vs the many other directions of radicalism that are happening as much. Would love to hear the same investigative with others.
ednomx1
5 out of 5 stars
Insightful, thought provoking, beautifully made!
This show is very powerful from start to end. It left me lingering with a need, or at least an urge, to do something about the massive misinformation that is taking place before our very eyes. The reality is that there isn’t much we can do directly: listening to the show, I came to realize informing ourselves and paying attention to the sources we use to do so, might be a powerful enough weapon to, at the very least, not fall pray to it ourselves; It also filled me with hope that we maybe able to steer those we love in the right direction if we have enough accurate information, although, sometimes, it’s just way out of reach.
irianjayakid
5 out of 5 stars
Great Audio Storytelling
The use of Claire de Lune as an audio motif in this podcast is *chef’s kiss.* Great condensed analysis of how the way we use the Internet is changing our cultural perceptions of reality.
bruuu333)/
1 out of 5 stars
Bruh
It’s so funny, the ad for the nyt talks about how they’re unbiased, but it’s so clear they only are concerned with the left point of view. They don’t even interview a conservative YouTuber.
Mike7425
1 out of 5 stars
Disappointingly shallow
This show had promise, but instead we get a lengthy and tedious effort to resuscitate the reputation of PewDiePie, who we learn is not a Nazi (he’s not “political” he assures us). This after coming dangerously close to creating a false equivalence between white supremacy content and left leaning content in the early episodes, each of which are dismissed as “political” by the reporter. This show is suffocating in whiteness—I couldn’t finish.
imjustaporegirl
5 out of 5 stars
This was so good!
Please put out more podcasts like this!
OhWhatALovelyDay
5 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
Great podcast, highly recommend!
Will Scrillz
5 out of 5 stars
A Journey Worth Taking
Stellar show. Well told and ultra relevant. While certainly not the only show to tackle this top, this is probably the best. In terms of scope, perspective and narrative it stands above everything else I have found.
mad wills
5 out of 5 stars
Wow
Everyone needs to listen to this podcast. This isn't "leftist propaganda", it's a combination of experiences by people who have been through brainwashing by media and how easily false information is spread. Very well done. Informative, thought provoking, truly amazing journaling. Well done.
mangoman63
3 out of 5 stars
Good, but......
Liked most of the angles that you hit on, but I have to say that I really don’t get where you were going with “Sam”. Were you looking for the most ignorant person you could find to hit your narrative for that segment? Not sure what that narrative would be, but......
KB$_
2 out of 5 stars
Disappointing and too flashy
I wish they had let people talk without all the random clips. The editing is just so extreme. The only reason to do that is because the content isn’t all that interesting without it. The information was really surface level. I could have gotten more information off of... YouTube. The most disappointing thing is that they bombed all the interviews with awful questions. Especially the pewdiepie interview; almost unlistenable.
john's friend
4 out of 5 stars
Good podcast
Good podcast
brenna6872
5 out of 5 stars
fantastic
made me think about the issues of tech in a new light
Jedi363
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome
Really well put together, podcast of the year for me
Bashmann61
5 out of 5 stars
Kudos to NYT
Huge kudos to the makers of this podcast. Wonderful and thought provoking first rate story telling. This is the reason I keep my subscription up to date on NYT. Great investigative jounalism and well researched reporting. Keep up the good work.
AgathePercyMortimer
5 out of 5 stars
fascinating
A topic that concerns everyone, with a clear and thorough exposition of well researched information. I am not a social media friend, have refused long ago to join YouTube, Facebook etc (pups, I like to stay away from murky pools and fetid air). Now I can explain CLEARLY my friends why and how.
ChrisERivers
5 out of 5 stars
Most Compelling Listen!
Started to listen just for something to do on a walk and was immediately sucked in. The timeline and story telling are incredible and have me feeling so much compassion for people I wouldn’t have before. A must listen.
!Tony2guns!
1 out of 5 stars
Hilarious
The antidotal example of that kid kith or what ever his name was was hilarious. What a clown swayed by whatever you tube hack he last subscribed to. Never mentioned any real intellectuals like Jordan Peterson or the Weinstein brothers. Pretty pretty pretty funny.
_thealliegator_
4 out of 5 stars
Worth the Listen
A good reminder that social media sites aren’t the innocent, well-meaning entertainment that we often believe them to be. Although I don’t agree with all points made, this is a truly eye-opening perspective.
bean-farmer
5 out of 5 stars
Artistic and enthralling
Love + Radio influence apparent. Way to tell a story. Awesome.
Cabby009
1 out of 5 stars
Too much
Leftism, no thanks.
DietMilk
1 out of 5 stars
One-sided
Hilarious. Entirely built to instill doubt in conservative viewpoints. A candidate running on a social platform is important to keep progressing us as a human beings, but conservative economics are just important. No, most elected conservatives haven’t been great examples of its necessity, but where is a great example of socialism? Bring your “best” liberal youtubers vs. the “best” conservative youtubers. That’s what you’re trying to act like this is, but it’s just great liberal debaters beating up on sub par conservative debaters.
suchagreatguy
5 out of 5 stars
Favorite podcast of 2020.
I was hooked instantly and I love how the story is told.
hans-hick
5 out of 5 stars
Most impactful series I’ve ever listened to
Rabbit hole was such a powerful series that I have not stopped thinking about and recommending to basically everyone. Excellent reporting with empathy for all subjects, even the listeners, all of which interact with the internet and are affected by its algorithms. Should be mandatory listening for... everyone on the internet.
Bpricelbc
5 out of 5 stars
Truly well done. Radiolab meets Reply All
Must listen. Great audio work and landscapes like Radio Lab, but focused on more current and internet and political issues.
Marktbfl
4 out of 5 stars
Enjoyed it
Good production quality. Interesting and informative as far it goes. But it falls short in that it doesn’t really drill down very far in answering its central question. How is the internet changing society?
mshinal17
5 out of 5 stars
Intriguing and Informative!
Really well researched and totally bingeable
Taygrine
5 out of 5 stars
Phenomenal
I wasn’t expecting it to be this good!!
Di-Ro
5 out of 5 stars
Profound and Reflective!!
Listening to this podcast made me feel like I heard a mirror to my life. The sad reality of what technology and algorithms have led us to is really somewhat frightening. Thank you for the great insights shared!! Such a great guide for listeners on how to be more intentional as we use these different platforms
Automaticsteam
3 out of 5 stars
First Impression
Just now listening to Episode 1 and it occurred to me that, will listening to the Rabbit Hole series regularly, become an internet obsession..? See, I really don’t like these kind of questions popping into my mind, but reality is becoming more difficult to discern as time passes. Who knows what online is ‘true’; genuine; not a rabbit hole obsession. So judgement is still out for me. Thanx
#1podcast addict
5 out of 5 stars
Love your reporting. Thanks for all your research!
I value a trusted resource. Thank you for your integrity and fascinating stories. This is a fantastic podcast. This is how schools should teach the students on line! Podcasts rule!
Sassyoxford
3 out of 5 stars
Interesting but 100% far left viewpoint
I enjoyed it but rolled my eyes at how it is more only the left viewpoint is correct. As someone who leans conservative, I laughed at how the author clearly was liberal. He chose to highlight only the extreme far right.
Kevinp999
5 out of 5 stars
Testing
Just wanna see what my name is on here
C hates timehop
5 out of 5 stars
Great podcast
I was hooked immediately and could not stop listening. They do a wonderful job of looking into everything.
thomasadrian
5 out of 5 stars
Chilling
Just finished the first season of Rabbit Hole and I’m sitting here on my couch, stunned. The deep analysis, production, and delivery all exceeded my expectations. This podcast is exhilarating and thought-provoking, well-researched by The New York Times’ finest. Kudos to Kevin Roose for this labor of love. I have no doubt that Season Two will be just as amazing!
Amber-82$$n
5 out of 5 stars
Truth
If you wanna really go down the hole you will NOT trust the times” for any real info!! Dead serious.. they’re a huge part of the deep state.. the whole media is.. why? Because the deep state owns all 6 corporations that own all the media, cable shows ect.. it’s crazy I know.. dig deeper guys, do the proper research and you’ll find the real answers good luck
Huacha215
1 out of 5 stars
Trash
NYT is fake news
Emma Goldsmih
5 out of 5 stars
I’m new to this...
This seems like a podcast that I would love and the reviews are good and this will be my first podcast and I’ve already downloaded all of the episodes to it so far! I know I’ll love it!
Johnsonadjohnson
1 out of 5 stars
Mockingbird Ziomedia strikes again
I had a good laugh reading titles to episode and their description. Legacy media in its final death throws trying to start a podcast. Podcasts exists to escape NYT and CIA talking point fed corporate state media. We hate you! How about telling us what happened with Jeff Epstein and his chomo friends like James Alafontis or his REAL podesta emails or his real tweets sexualizing children using pedophilic lingo and chomo dog whistles or Laura silsby earning a Clinton bail from Haitian jail after trying to smuggle a bus load kids out post earthquake. Real journalists face life sentences from foreign governments while fake journalist have complete media blackout on his trial lecturing us on what is approved for consumption by the security state and their billionaire newspaper owners.
ElizaJane72
5 out of 5 stars
Hooked
After the first episode I was hooked . Very provocative subject , storytelling superb. A must listen for anyone wondering why so many friends , loved ones , and acquaintances become mouthpieces for the most radical and absurd theories found on the internet .
Jenniferb147
5 out of 5 stars
Incredible
I binged this entire show in a day and a half - really well researched and produced. Definitely recommend!
frenchpress215
5 out of 5 stars
Distorted reality in a pandemic
What this podcast does is reveal founding principles of why we as humans are so drawn to the internet, particularly now that we have more time on our hands due to Covid-19. Unpacking the layers requires time and commitment to understanding how conspiracy theories are popularized. Excellent reporting, will forward to my friends.
Nicolita7654321
3 out of 5 stars
Not a Hot Take
So much production $$ for a podcast that feels bizarrely out of touch in 2020? Turns out the internet is dark, deep, and complicated? A genuinely interesting topic and really good source material that feels wasted or surface level. Uncharacteristically weak reporting masked by glitchy sound effects.
NewLeaf13
5 out of 5 stars
Eye opening
I had an idea about what this podcast was going to be about, what sort of conclusion this podcast was going to give me. I thought it was going to further support beliefs and opinions I had about QAnon supporters and such. I was so surprised at how it illuminated the path and process people take towards subscribing to these ideologies. It allowed me to have an increased empathy for people I greatly disagree with. I can’t stop talking about this podcast and trying to get anyone and everyone I know to listen to this. I feel it’s extremely important for our country to understand and empathize with one another before solutions towards resolution can be truly made. Absolutely wonderful journalism.
ferrisbuelleryouremyhero
3 out of 5 stars
Perfectly fine
I really enjoyed several parts of this podcast and I learned a lot about how algorithms work, especially on YouTube. But I think there was too much of a “social media bad” angle on a lot of the episodes. I’d like to see more exploration of why some individuals are susceptible to extremist views while even more media users don’t ever go down that path. Overall I’d recommend this podcast despite the criticisms above.
Kayash99
5 out of 5 stars
Phenomenal
The intensive research and extreme work put into this podcast is evident. Definitely a must hear!
brittersmc
3 out of 5 stars
Meh
I wanted so bad to like it but another reviewer said it best... very "clutching your pearls" feel the whole way through
AngTahoe1
5 out of 5 stars
Eye Opening
I often wondered how the changes to social media algorithms were affecting the general public. This podcast is informative and really makes it clear how difficult managing what we consume can be. This is a podcast everyone should listed to.
Works well 😊
4 out of 5 stars
Great information. Easy to listen to. Lots to think about
Great information. Easy to listen to. Lots to think about
brlebrutau
4 out of 5 stars
Great content, over edited
I applaud the journalistic approach as well as the time and effort that went into this. Thank you for creating this series! I truly learned a new point of view. Although, I did not enjoy the voice over effects, fades, etc. Quite jarring to the ears.
real_estp
2 out of 5 stars
Hmm
Interesting I’ll say that but for sure left wing
tiredwriter
5 out of 5 stars
A perfect podcast- totally hooked.
Really informative and interesting, went deeper into subjects I had surface knowledge about but wanted to know more. Excellent listen.
AlexTheHumanMan
4 out of 5 stars
Interesting, but at times frustrating
The PewDiePie episode is particularly maddening because the interviewer seems to be tip toeing around Felix’s resentment of the media. The result is an interview so delicately trying to not to upset the subject by pressing him on the tougher issues. Ultimately nothing really gets said other than PewDiePie clearly not grasping (or at least pretending not to grasp) his own responsibility for the alt-right culture he has attracted. The lingo (“cringe” and “WoMAN”) and discourse on his channel are subtle enough to go unnoticed by most, but there’s an insidious quality to the seemingly innocent content. There’s a story here that’s defined by more than PewDiePies overt gaffes, but that all gets lost because the culture he’s built is nuanced and to the unacquainted - innocuous. The episode takes no real effort to explore the heavy misogyny and bigotry that is deep seeded in his fan base and often dog-whistled in his content. Little can be learned from a guy pretending to have accrued some personal growth when he clearly hasn’t achieved any. It also doesn’t help that he clearly resents the conversation.
Danermal
5 out of 5 stars
FANTASTIC; unpredictable !
Got a tad boring some episodes in. I persisted. IT WAS WORTH IT! This is the only media format in which I could stomach learning about Qanon. I appreciate the work that clearly went into this.
Ohlv
5 out of 5 stars
Great but waiting on new episodes!
When will new episodes come out? Patiently waiting
Kevonski
5 out of 5 stars
More
Content!
podcastjunkie321
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing podcast!
A must listen.
odaeseh
3 out of 5 stars
Overproduced but intriguing
What the title says...all the editing becomes pretty annoying.
Chattanooga62
5 out of 5 stars
When will more episodes come out?
When will we get more?
Amphimixus
4 out of 5 stars
Right/Left Radicalization exposed
Fascinating how overdosing people with “News” will push them further and further away from communal civilization. And then they are ready to kill!? I’ll admit that I listened to most of it at 1.5, just because it does seem to get winded occasionally (especially the last episode) but still a stunning piece!
sarlynn
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent REALITY check for America!
I’d say this is equal parts: Behavioral Psychology, Automated Intelligence (AI), Social Psychology, and REALITY CHECK. Everything is so confusing these days, and this podcast provides so much proof that the confusion and shift in politics and culture is originating and being fostered within YouTube and Social Media. If it has ever crossed your mind that technology might be at the core of what is slowly eroding our democracy, our values, and perhaps even the goodwill of society as a whole…you need to listen to this podcast. And if you happen to read this review somewhere in 2020ish, do yourself a favor and start with episode 7, then 8, and then go back to 1. If you’re an extra nerdy person like I am, you’ll end up listening to 7 and 8 twice anyway just because it was so helpful in explaining our current culture of QAnon and US politics. I hope this was helpful for someone!!! Thank you for the amazing podcast!!!
Geoffrey Dewan
5 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended
Engaging and informative. I have a nephew who has gone down this rabbit hole. It's like the Invasion of the Body Snatchers. A show like this brings some explanatory power- I sense some possibilities of throwing him a lifeline now. Maybe a futile hope but it's more than I've had up until now. Thanks
Freddie bag of donuts
1 out of 5 stars
Remember last election when NYT apologized to their readers?
The NYTimes claims Trump’s finances are tied to Russia on Friday. Then on Sunday claim to have his tax returns. And not one mention of Russia in them. Just last week the NY AG started an investigation of Trump’s taxes concerning Russia. The NYTimes is for highly educated, but low IQ. The more time people spend in school, the more indoctrinated, and no common sense. Weird that Biden’s family has ties to making millions and NYTimes is silent. I don’t know if most Americans know because of media, but Joe Biden is a defendant in a court in Ukraine for corruption in their country.
Rokelso
5 out of 5 stars
Like a good YouTube suggestion algorithm
I can’t stop listening to the next episode; well produced, highly informative and slightly alarming!
1_no_name
3 out of 5 stars
This is the last name left
The episodes are over produced, and to short. Such a surface look at a deep subject.
ramdom human
5 out of 5 stars
So addictive
I can’t stop listening
t-rex-loves-sugar-cereal
5 out of 5 stars
A podcast everyone should hear
This is such fantastic podcast about how people get themselves immersed in internet extremest ideologies. I wish I could make this required listening for everyone!
mattrhames
5 out of 5 stars
Listen to know
This is worth your time. A good understanding of the evolution of algorithms and social media platforms.
brother-dan
3 out of 5 stars
Good start
Poor finish.
InconsistentlyMe
5 out of 5 stars
A must for anyone wishing to be informed.
We live in a world run by algorithms. Learn about them here.
Anarchyseeds
1 out of 5 stars
The Regime’s Newest Propaganda
Absolute hogwash in every episode. No time spent addressing claims of you tubers. Only pearl clutching and the narrator saying over and over again “here’s what he said.” It’s all true so... what’s wrong with listening to it?
applepride
3 out of 5 stars
This story deserves better story telling
The material is compelling: we’re in a new era of radicalization of otherwise “normal” via newly formed media sources. However I’m worried the listening experience on this podcast is rough enough that the people who SHOULD hear this won’t sit through it long enough to get the message. Don’t get me wrong: the sound quality is great - the producers were clearly aiming for radiolab level production. Unfortunately they overshot with the editing to the point you can’t follow along. Instead of helping to tell the story, the non-stop cross fades, voice overs, and sound effects interrupt every minute of narrative. It was a genuine chore to get through the first episode, and was so bad I actually turned it off, and waited a week to return when I was in a better mood. Again, I think this story should be told and more people should hear it, but it deserves to be told better. Maybe a re-edit?
Jetiek
5 out of 5 stars
Very Binge Worthy!!!
This podcast is incredibly binge worthy and important to understand how technology has us all in its grasp. One of my favorite in recent memory.
SharkByteMusic
5 out of 5 stars
Incredible work
The content is timely, deeply fascinating, illuminating, and provides an empathetic look at the world of internet conspiracy theories and algorithmic social media. On top of that, the production and presentation was riveting and incredibly well done. Quality journalism in the form of a podcast.
FuriousZ
5 out of 5 stars
One of my favorite podcasts
This was a great insight into what the internet has done to modern culture. I used this podcast to help rescue my father from Q-Anon sites.
treefiddy420
5 out of 5 stars
Woke
This series kept me glued in every way. It really opens your mind up about today’s differences in the world media.
D@da
5 out of 5 stars
Thank you for this podcast
Please make more episodes. There's not enough conversation on how the technologies we love are affecting people emotionally and on a deep psychological level and also on the identities and motivation behind the companies that are designing these algorythms. And what they do with people's information. I wish there was an episode on how posting farms in Russia influenced the 2016 elections and how what the delegitimization of mainstream news by this administratiom has fed all the conspirators and powered up vigilante alt right groups.
Tara Gem
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing
I loved this podcast and am now telling everyone in my life to listen to it. I feel a lot more sympathetic to those who fall down the “rabbit hole” and have a much better, more holistic understanding of how a group of people with completely different political leanings think, as well as the role of technology in influencing their (and everyone’s?) thoughts.
snmattern
5 out of 5 stars
Topical & So Important
This podcast is well worth your time and could not be more topical. Excellent reporting.
Ken 4444
5 out of 5 stars
Rabbit Hole
As a person who doesn’t spend a lot of time on YouTube, this was a fascinating look at how its algorithms can take you places you didn’t expect, and how on line communities can lead to places like QAnon. I couldn’t stop listening.
asdfflflflf
5 out of 5 stars
An important podcast.
Excellently produced/edited/put together: absolutely entertaining. But the real reason to listen is the content: for someone like me, who doesn’t pay much attention to online social media, this is a real eye opener. The arguments are persuasive and illuminate a lot of the “crazy” behavior I’ve seen in so many, and helped me to understand them more-and frankly, treat them with more understanding and, perhaps, patience. This is one of those rare treats that can transform how you understand the world, and how to act towards people.
Beckster0101
5 out of 5 stars
Best and most relevant podcast of 2020
To say everyone should listen to this podcast feels understated. Side note and feels important to mention: The fact that organizations back by Russia (our enemy) amplify QAnon conspiracy theories says everything. It would be really amazing to see the NYT do a deep dive into Trump/Russia, by the way. *hint hint* Also, the editing didn’t bother me as some have complained. The information was too important.
kaylackoch
5 out of 5 stars
So Good
A rabbit hole about rabbit holes. Incredible work.
ozmodiar77
5 out of 5 stars
Top 1%
Some of the finest and most important storytelling done in the podcast medium.
Every Rose
5 out of 5 stars
Both my now adult kids had this experience
I consider myself a writer activist and both my kids got to high school and started espousing seriously Right viewpoints. I tried not to react with emotion about it and would discuss this with them, trying to figure out what was happening. Their dad is what I would consider a liberal, too, and even though we were divorced, they obviously weren’t getting it from him. Eventually, both of them tried to get me to watch Jordan Peterson videos, and with my son, who’s experience in life prarllels Caleb’s, we would argue or debate endlessly about those and Sargon’s videos. At one point, I actually said that Jordan Peterson was boring for being an I’m empathetic man, and my son was surprised. Peterson was exciting to my son, but here I was expressing boredom. Daughter pulled out of this by eventually listening to Contrapoints! So many similarities, means this is happening a lot! It is explained so well! Loved it!
Samantha Wynn
5 out of 5 stars
Best podcast this year!
Thanks for making 2020 a little better.
VivMinton
5 out of 5 stars
Engrossing and profound
I was riveted by this podcast right from the beginning. And pretty much terrified by the end. As a Gen Xer I’m glad I was able to spend my youth free from slavery to a screen, even if I now spend too much of my adult life sucked into the vortex.
maniaclibrarian
5 out of 5 stars
THIS!
This podcast deeply delivers.
b cowell
3 out of 5 stars
Editing
Sounds a lot like Radiolab
nuloefre
2 out of 5 stars
Good plot, awful editing
The subject and story are good but it’s sooo over-edited. Why is there constant music and other noise layered over people talking? I also literally can’t tell anyone’s voice apart.
Juliekg1776
5 out of 5 stars
Compelling
I didn’t know what to expect but I was totally engrossed in this podcast. The “internet” is the defining feature of our time; I’m so glad I got to have a childhood before it existed.
alsuhr
4 out of 5 stars
Good, but felt it could have examined the problem and solutions much more deeply
I enjoyed this podcast and examines the problems with automated systems. It definitely made me think more about it (and caused more anxiety about the future especially in terms of increasing internet use during the pandemic). I just wish they devoted one or two episodes to talk about what could be done to mitigate these problems , e.g. by interviewing researchers who work on recommendation systems (more recently than the ex-Googler who worked there several years ago). It would also be interesting to examine these tech companies more closely in terms of their policies on fact checking, what it’s like to be a content moderator, etc. What are they (and not just YouTube, although that seems to be a focus of this podcast) doing *right now* ahead of the election and during COVID to address this?
ssdrafiki
5 out of 5 stars
Enlightening and terrifying
Well it’s settled. I’m buying a farm off the grid and never allowing my children to use the internet. We are now beet farmers... Terrific podcast, amazing interviews. I could listen to a whole second season right now!
berngall
5 out of 5 stars
Yup, binged this one
Really enjoyed this series. I plowed through all the episodes working in my yard. Artfully designed narrative that included cliffhangers that had me hooked. Nice work – I look forward to more that these folks might do whether it be this topic or any other.
daisyrosetulipp
5 out of 5 stars
Love this
Hoping for more episodes! This podcast is so entertaining and timely
79stanger
1 out of 5 stars
Good idea, poorly edited.
The idea was really interesting, but it’s edited by a crack addict. There’s not a single sentence without something else playing over it. Waste of time.
Maggie Lally
5 out of 5 stars
First podcast I binge listened
I listen to a lot of podcasts but this is the first one I binged. Really amazing reporting, story telling, sound design. It’s one that I would listen to again. One that makes you reflect. Hope more come out like it!
HaadyPotter
5 out of 5 stars
When is episode 9 coming out???
This podcast is one of the best I have every listen to. It is our Sunday family tradition to listen to one episode during brunch. But when is the next episode coming out??? We need our weekly fix, please!
bennyhanna31
5 out of 5 stars
This may be the most important podcast I have ever heard
Not only did I find this podcast fascinating and fun to listen to, I believe it is one of the most important investigative journalism podcasts I have ever heard. More people should listen to this and gain the context it provides on how the internet is rapidly changing our culture and polarizing our politics. Thank you, for reporting on this.
g26815
4 out of 5 stars
Great topics but messy storytelling
Interesting and important subject matter. The cadence felt a little like the creators were crammed for time, and often I got lost in the storytelling as the episodes jumped from one thing to another. That aside, I’m excited to see how this podcast continues into its next season.
scottmoulthropsipod
5 out of 5 stars
Rabbit Hole
This is scary. People need to get outside more. Capitalism is, of course, evil. But it’s the lesser of other evils. We live in a VERY imperfect world. But this is the boat we decided to get into a LONG time ago. Best of Good Luck to all those who’ve apparently decided to go swimming, you’re going to need it✌️
tippakayak
5 out of 5 stars
Equal Parts Fascinating & Terrifying
A work of amazing and engaging storytelling through thoughtful interviews. It offers insights on difficult parts of the internet’s impact on people and the presentation really encouraged me to think deeply about my engagement with the internet.
The Clifton girls
5 out of 5 stars
Very educational helps me see how many have got sucked into QAnon
Who thinks trump or Russian is behind QAnon to help with his support and reelection? No way it was just some random person. It was orchestrated misinformation.
masha-devushka
3 out of 5 stars
Why isn’t there more?
I really liked this podcast but why isn’t there more? I feel like they left you on a point here they were going to interview people and haven’t updated at all I want more from this and yet it’s not updated. I want more from this podcast.
Amber Sage
5 out of 5 stars
IMPORTANT
This podcast is so incredibly important to listen to. I hope everyone gets a chance to hear this!
pitosupergun
5 out of 5 stars
Must listen
This show is really interesting. The way is narrated and constricted is very professional and it answers to a lot of things about the internet that I noticed but didn’t know
luckiley
3 out of 5 stars
Kinda Cringe but interesting POV.
I enjoy hearing different sides of issues, so your perspective on this is kind of interesting. I find it really strange when reporters have to make the story about them.. their feelings.. their opinion. Inserting themselves into the story. This came up during the PewDiePie section. You seem to take his POV on the media personally and suggest that this appeared to be a “turning point” for him. The digs he made regarding the fake media reporting was specifically in response to the baseless claims they made about him. How could you possibly take that personally? If you have a guilty conscious, then why not pledge to change yourself and be an honest journalist? So odd that you expect him to change but won’t accept that journalists have to take personal responsibility for their actions. He literally did nothing, hurt no one and they slandered him.
uconnhuskyforever
3 out of 5 stars
Interesting concept, music was too much
I stumbled upon this podcast as an ad. I’m a millennial, but not a gamer or super into internet culture. I learned some things and got a better understanding of terms I’d heard before (like pizzagate and pewdiepie) but I was very ready for the show to be over. The music/sound effects were excessively long, like it was really trying to prove a point and frankly, it was annoying and detracted from the show. It took me a long time to realize it’s really 2 episodes per topic, and four topics. There doesn’t seem to be any coherent connection tying them, except they’re about the internet. Overall, not impressed but I still listened to the whole thing, so I guess it wasn’t terrible. Probably wouldn’t recommend.
Jill-Pod🐳
5 out of 5 stars
Loved every minute!!
Was sad when it ended!! Definitely know some people in my life that need to learn from the experiences of the people interviewed. YouTube can be a scary place!
Thamara Gutierrez
5 out of 5 stars
What I’ve been missing
I try to gain my information from credible resources, read the newspaper still, and take what’s put on the internet with a grain of salt. I’ve seen how radicalized some people have become and I myself was very closed minded when I was younger. I prefer to be more logical in my way of thinking when it comes to politics and social issues but social media has this way of herding people towards things they “should” be looking at. This is a refreshing and professional take of how effective media can be. Will definitely recommend this podcast.
Jess, Food Heaven Podcast
5 out of 5 stars
Haven’t binged a podcast like this since serial!
My Mom seems to have fallen prey to the YouTube conspiracy theories as well. It’s bad. This podcast made me feel less alone because I realized where this is coming from. Such great reporting. I like I finally understand this craziness now.
BradenLuBell
3 out of 5 stars
Sound design uncomfortably intense
Very well done but the sound design is distractingly intense (at least in the first episode ) and actually was so frenetic that it triggered an anxiety attack for me. Which, ya know... powerful and effective stuff, but not really an experience I’m trying to have. Great content for anyone not dealing with anxiety, panic disorder , or PTSD.
IRunforChocolate
5 out of 5 stars
Listen to this!
Absolutely listen to this. It's terrifying and so important.
goldberh
5 out of 5 stars
Informative and relevant
Really eye opening and well produced. Hope there is more to come.
Daanab
5 out of 5 stars
Deeply disturbing
The pervasiveness of misinformation online runs deep. The fact alone that pew die pie has garnered such a following blows my mind. Such an utterly blithe and unthinking person yet wielding so much influence, and for what? To laugh along with memes and provide “friendship”? It’s truly scary what is popular in today’s times.
Suitcase Murphy
4 out of 5 stars
Quixotic reality I totally got sucked in to
I binged this—I mean we’re talking two day, full work days, binged. Horrifying and so good—I just kept thinking that I was listening to some Quixotic nightmare and yet it isn’t fiction. There is something so disturbing about our reality now that creates these situations, thoughts, etc. Yes some of the music backgrounds are weird. Yes some of the off-hand conclusions may not be exactly what I think. Yes maybe they should have brought it back to the beginning at the end to make it feel more like an end. But hey, nothing is perfect. Bravo—you had me from episode one!
Tomama915
5 out of 5 stars
Well done
I want more!!!! Loved it!
whatyouneedtoknowtoday
5 out of 5 stars
More episodes please
I’m a 66 year old, white female living in rural MN starving to hear more rabbit hole episodes.
TerrorXsharK
3 out of 5 stars
Mostly pretty cool.
I’m with the general idea, and though it’s a bit entry-level and the pacing has a tendency to meander a bit, I’m still glad I listened. However, the editing is completely ADD bananas. I think that may have been what they were going for, trying to reach people who are used to that level of chaos online, but to my ears the absolutely cacophonous level of audio clips was quite hard to get past at times. That said, again, it was still worth a listen, and I would likely tune back in for a season 2.
Mario Spina
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating and well made
Very good show, I hope they make new episodes
LivingD3adGrrl
1 out of 5 stars
too distracting
there’s way too much background audio edited in. i don’t understand how the producers thought that was a good idea! can’t even listen long enough to say if the main content is good or not.
~cevd~
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent and Engaging
So many things I didn’t know. Expertly produced and a pleasure to listen to.
Earthmover70
5 out of 5 stars
Eye opening
Everyone should listen to this!
tried to be patient
5 out of 5 stars
Everyone needs to listen to this!
This is so well done and so, so informative! I’ve almost binged the whole series in one day.
VirginiaVirginia13
5 out of 5 stars
Great listen, engrossing subject + wonderful editing.
Wish there were more episodes. As a few others have said, the only thing I wish is that we could've heard from Caleb a final time at the very end, to bring everything full circle. Wonderful season, I hope they make more.
Chillpack
5 out of 5 stars
As a Engrossing As The First Serial
I’m watching several family members go down the rabbit hole and it’s terrifying. This podcast gives me hope and made me feel like I wasn’t alone with my concerns.
MarkoNarko209
4 out of 5 stars
Waiting...
Just hoping for a proper ending!
Steve29
1 out of 5 stars
Terrible
This awful podcast attempts to portray a fairly normal youtube addict in his 20s finding his political views by viewing a lot of fairly innocuous and in some ways thought-provoking content, and in other ways more controversial/subversive/offensive but certainly nothing that is out and out klan recruitment stuff, as a guy who almost became the New Zealand shooter! That in and of itself is an awful and dangerous assertion. It also blames youtube for its evil money-grab of generating watch time as if the New york Times is not doing everything it can to win the content war in its own way with popup ads urging you to subscribe to get the "real" story and paywalls, which is hypocritical
Saint deVille
5 out of 5 stars
En fuego 🔥
For all of us who’ve got friends and relatives who drop Q-Anon propaganda into every convo...here’s the explainer you need to understand why. Thoughtful with excellent production-this podcast gets at the heart of how algorithms paired with personal misery and pain create conspiracy armies willing to deny the most glaring evidence in the flesh world for a fantasy that manipulates people into believing a fantasy future.
SpamControl
5 out of 5 stars
Super interesting, careful...amazing sound design
I’m a podcast junkie. I loved this series. Since others have commented on the content, I’ll highlight the amazing sound design. The use of audio clips from YouTube, news clips, and other sources really compliments and amplifies the narrative/argument.
Erin7920
4 out of 5 stars
Excellent production, not fully realized
I really enjoyed this podcast although I felt it could have delved a bit deeper in analysis, perhaps gone a bit further. By the end of the 8th episode, I didn’t really feel satisfied by any type of conclusion or summation of the whole experience. Episodes 1-4 were the stronger half. Still enjoyable to listen to, and the content is very thought provoking.
@M33shed
1 out of 5 stars
Not what I expected, in a bad way
I thought this podcast would be about how we spend SO much time on social media and maybe studies... statics... it’s all about one man I’ve never heard of before. To me, this podcast is just amplifying his voice and cult. Too bad. This podcast had potential.
chemitzi
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating
There’s a whole YouTube culture radicalizing young people. Here’s how it happens.
wtfifgn
4 out of 5 stars
I don’t like the background music
The music is so scary and it makes me very uncomfortable :(
Sam Satterfield
5 out of 5 stars
One of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to.
Great topic. Editing is really well done. It all flows together so well.
pennyconfessions
5 out of 5 stars
Wow. So good.
I really identified with the shows so much and haven’t found anything like that lately! I felt at the point of you was equally left and right which is so nice to find! I’ve binged the first four episodes upon listening. Can’t wait for the next one!
Edinabailey
5 out of 5 stars
Issues with podcasts cutting out before the end
Anyone else having issues with the podcasts cutting out and going dark, anywhere from 2 to 8 minutes before the end. Super weird, and frustrating as I want to wrap up these episodes.
Danny_1985
5 out of 5 stars
What a Bingeable show!
Great story, great investigative reporting, exquisite sound production, and most of all a great set of topics! I highly recommend this show to anyone who wants to know what effects the internet is having on our social lives, our political views, and our relationships.
DFrankl
2 out of 5 stars
And the clencher is in the third episode.
I give this two stars only for the production quality which is really good. The content is trash. The NYT glorifying communist thought. That’s when I turned it off. Please show me a country where communism is working and people have freedom. Pathetic.
sholditch
3 out of 5 stars
Lacking content
And focus. It’s a great idea but not fully realized. Is it about only technology and how algorithms manipulate the mind? About conspiracy theories and their hold on micro-communities? About traditional media waning and social media waxing? There is so much fertile ground here and such a compelling subject.
nnnosh
5 out of 5 stars
Good and Succinct
After listening to this, I feel caught up on all of the internet conspiracy stuff that I normally ignore. More importantly, I have a better understanding of the dynamics around the negative ways that the internet is affecting people these days.
estherhonig
5 out of 5 stars
There has to be more ... right?
It’s been a few weeks since the last episode and I need an update as to what fresh hell is breaching from which corner of the dark web? More please.
micaorellana91
5 out of 5 stars
Very interesting
Loved exploring the rabbit holes one can go down in the internet! Please bring more episodes!
Dday...
2 out of 5 stars
Why is this called "Rabbit Hole" ???
Yawn... there's not much to see (or listen to) here...
lion rock heart
5 out of 5 stars
Elucidating
A thoughtful look into the technological causes of our social fracturing.
thisiszacharyt
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent
10/10
Sing16
4 out of 5 stars
A-
Bringing back Caleb in the end may have put a big bow on this podcast. He was the most interesting subject in all this. Also, spending less time with Pewdiepie and more on Destiny would have made it more interesting.
TXN NYC
4 out of 5 stars
Would have given it 5 stars
But it feels like something is missing. I want more episodes. It’s absolutely fascinating and enlightening. I had no idea how people could buy into so much misinformation, but they actually examine it forensically and you can see how it happens. But it feels unfinished. My only other complaint is the music. There are some lovely pieces, but the original score is overly dramatic and painful to hear.
Tori1205
5 out of 5 stars
This millennial learned so much
I’m in my 20s and had never heard about many of the Internet phenomena, subcultures and conspiracy theories discussed here. I found myself enthralled and the story telling was excellent. I would love to see the producers dive into other corners of the Internet or conspiracies with their excellent reporting and style.
prima77198
2 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
The mirror image episode is where I stopped listening. This “both sides” argument that there’s an mirror image of the far right feedback loop that is a far left parallel world is a conservative liberal argument, one strikingly similar to what Trump and others make. I wouldn’t expect anything but the most moderate, hence conservative, perspective from the NYtimes, which surely is incapable of understanding its own time.
Pickles005
5 out of 5 stars
Wished it’d been a docu series
Great podcast, but it’s the first time I’ve ever listened to a podcast and wished I had a visual. I mean, they are telling the story of a visual medium without visuals.
Trlboss
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating
I listened to the entire series over the past week. I was amazed at the things I'd never heard more than an inking about. I'm an old guy with grandchildren and I mostly was shocked to realize things they were saying came from sources like PewDiePie. Thanks for broadranging story.
Ozwego
3 out of 5 stars
Frenetic editing undermines storytelling
Great topic, insightful and infectiously curious hosts — but the relentless cross-cutting between VO, in-situ interview bites, and archival sound-ups (many times per sentence, it seems) are incredibly distracting, frustrating, and distancing, at least to this listener. This seems to be a stylistic choice — what defines the Internet age more than our own fractured attention spans, after all? — but I don’t think it makes for a compelling storytelling device. Still going to stick with the show given that there’s so much fascinating ground to cover here.
The other JB in LA
5 out of 5 stars
Well done
Shout out to Kevin Roose and the NYT team. This series reinforces the concept of ‘Locus Of Control’ / “I-E scale” proposed by Julian Rotter in 1966. And that E people in particular are fertile soil for manipulation and monetization by corporations, politicians, and cultural personalities. True freedom is freedom from our own limiting beliefs.
BryTheAudioGuy
5 out of 5 stars
If you’re interested in the social repercussions of tech, this is a must listen!
There are only a handful of podcasts that have captivated me so much I’m compelled to listen to episodes back to back. This is definitely one of them! As a techie and programmer, the way this podcast explores how tech is not in fact the neutral player many think it is and how content creators have found out how to play the algorithms is super intriguing
sablethompson123
5 out of 5 stars
A necessary listen
Anyone who uses the internet daily should be aware of the ways it can shape our lives and opinions. Really well done and interesting.
Skh88
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic!
Really enjoyed this deep dive into our internet obsessed culture and how it’s shaping (or manipulating) our minds. Please keep this podcast going! The subject matter is so poignant.
otisbird
5 out of 5 stars
Addictive & SO Necessary Now
Rabbithole is riveting. Makes me wonder why there aren’t more podcasts, documentaries, etc that delve into this fascinating, goose-bumpy subject. It’s a paradigm-exploring deep dive into the power of “INTERNET” that manages to feel intimate and highly personal all the way through. More please!
NabeehH
5 out of 5 stars
Such a riveting and thoughtful narrative!
Rabbit Hole offers an amazingly sober view into the ways the internet, specifically algorithms supporting video apps and growing political agendas, shaped and influenced modern social life. I look forward to each thought-provoking episode, and I can only hope for more!
Wyatt brooks.
5 out of 5 stars
5 stars
Feels so fresh. A much needed podcast for today’s age.
CKC245
5 out of 5 stars
Eye-opening
Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before... But no seriously this was really good. This is a really thought provoking piece and I am so glad I stumbled upon it. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Thank you for all of the hard work and care that was put into this. The editing was beautiful and everything connected back together to create this stunning narrative. Well done!
Human Catnip for Pets
5 out of 5 stars
Validating
This podcast really spoke to what I’ve experienced with some of my friends and family. Definitely worth the listen in this age of algorithms on Facebook and YouTube
Kevvvvv55
5 out of 5 stars
Continues to Impress
With each episode, the scope of their reporting expands in fascinating new directions — can’t recommend highly enough!
joegerobles.92
5 out of 5 stars
Wish this podcast was translated to Spanish
Wish this podcast was translated to Spanish. Good investigation. Wish it was translated in Spanish, there is a lot of people who need to hear this
MissionManSF
5 out of 5 stars
More please
Feels like you’ve just begun the descent—there’s seasons more here
savage__1
5 out of 5 stars
A must listen.
One of the most fascinating and significant pieces of journalism I have ever encountered. As someone who has been devoted to engaging with the internet as little as possible this was eye opening for me.
Kyliemale
5 out of 5 stars
Required Listening
One of the best Podcasts out there. Everyone needs to hear this!
Michal J Fox
4 out of 5 stars
Very good
I really like this but they should make the episodes longer, sometimes it feels like you are just getting into a story and then the episode ends but I have enjoyed it a lot otherwise.
rsmykowski
5 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
One of the best produced podcasts I’ve heard to date.
KShush8888
4 out of 5 stars
Fun and informative
I’ve really been enjoying this podcast. If you like it, listen to ReplyAll. Many of the stories touched on in Rabbithole, have full, more in depth episodes on ReplyAll.
Doodle yo
5 out of 5 stars
Keep going
Funny this podcast is called rabbit hole, because i feel like even by episode 8 we just started getting into the rabbit hole. This podcast needs to keep going. It’s a reality check. MAKE MORE EPSIODES!!!! :)
Vanessa Noritz
1 out of 5 stars
Wanted so bad for this to be good
Fascinating topic with lots of potential that was never met. Every episode ended with the thought “wait that’s it”? Seems to scratch the surface of a few disconnected topics without ever getting to any real meat. Someone please revisit this idea!
Hockey9966
5 out of 5 stars
Overdue
This is a topic relevant to me as the father of nearly teenaged boys. I look at the internet with a fair amount of skepticism, and the title “rabbit hole” is the reason why. Kids the ages of my sons couldn’t do any worse than if they were addicted to a drug.....Only, very few drugs that I grew up with were engineered to be as innocently compelling. These kids are nearly defenseless to hold up to the algorithms used by YouTube Internet to achieve the goal of eyeballs and hours of lost childhood down the rabbit hole. Of course it’s not all bad, but the down sides and the risks seem to far outweigh the entertainment value. Adults who should know better get sucked into an online cult like Qanon, so what chance does the average kid have against online manipulation.
Dobie303
2 out of 5 stars
Annoying
This podcast has the most annoying sound effects I’ve ever heard. I literally couldn’t handle it.
Cameron Garretson
5 out of 5 stars
Compelling and aurally illustrious
I caught this on a whim from the Daily podcast. I thought the description sounded a little contrived but my hands were full when my podcast player started automatically playing it after the previous episode of the Daily was over. I’m proud to say that I was very wrong. This effort and love and sophistication is what podcasting is all about. It’s a deep dive into the very thing that brings us together - the internet. And how this thing can widen our divides, manipulate us without knowing, and so on. It’s very compelling while still presenting information with professionalism and maintaining journalistic integrity. Also the sound quality is some of the best I’ve heard in a while. To the team: good job guys. Recommending this to all my family and friends. Thanks for doing what you do. :)
#1Zepp Fan
2 out of 5 stars
Bummer
The show doesn’t have an arc, it regularly feels like it’s going somewhere then doesn’t and on top of that it’s also hard to follow at time. Seems like the whole thing was rushed and half thought out. It’s a great team that made the show but it goes to show that these things take time. Finally minor note, the reporter asks a lot of leading questions and steps on the tape.
jldela85
5 out of 5 stars
Really good work
Thanks for the good work
LorryRE8s
1 out of 5 stars
Goes Nowhere
Meandering collection of mostly superficial clips from right wing internet users, 2 whole hours of pewdie pie saying nothing — just another ‘alt right’ human interest story with almost no commentary or analysis, irritating, fractured editing, sure to leave you unsatisfied and vaguely depressed. Don’t waste your time.
john154826
2 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
Excellent topic and NYT-level production value. Unfortunately the story often loses focus and spends too much time on characters that aren’t compelling (specifically, pewdiepie). I look forward to another podcast taking this topic (white nationalist radicalization seeded in social media platforms) and hitting it out of the park. This show isn’t it.
xgavenx
2 out of 5 stars
Redundant
This is a great podcast, but they play every episode on The Daily as it is. Save your phone the clutter and just subscribe to The Daily instead.
jfs8663
5 out of 5 stars
Now THIS is Podcasting
Great editing, amazing storytelling. This is imo better than Serial season 3. Thank you for the unbiased look at how the internet is shaping modern life!
Doom Control
5 out of 5 stars
Strongly Approve - So Fascinating!
As a technologist who works primarily with AI and machine learning, I simply could not be a bigger advocate for factual podcasts, like this one, that give people insight into the technology they use for hours a day. I loved the episode following the guy who was unknowingly radicalized via YouTube vids. His entire story was so well-told, and I was absolutely fascinated with his own narrative of slowly coming to consciousness. The fact that he went on YouTube to tell his story too, was incredible - I definitely want to watch his vids now. One thing I’d love to hear more about are some of the other subcultures that have formed on the Internet. I loved the episode on QAnon and wish several episodes were dedicated to covering that whole complex web. Incels would be interesting too; again, complex, but important for people to know. Anyways, really hope this podcast is here to stay, because I’m a huge fan.
jonahkraut
5 out of 5 stars
Binge listen to this one
The endings are so jarring, wish I could have listened to this all at once. Excellent production start to finish
grl4ster
5 out of 5 stars
Spectacular and worthy of awards
I am tech savvy but I have no television. I use Twitter to get news. I broke up with Facebook awhile back. Have never been on TikTok and only rarely do I use YouTube. The things I learned, listening to this podcast...... I was CLUELESS about the use of YouTube by the Q followers. I found the interview with YouTube’s CEO excellent. She was honest and open. The last episode rocked my world. That so many young people want to be (gasp!!!) a TikTok or YouTube star - as their JOB???? I knew NOTHING about pewdiepie (like, I assumed the host was saying “cutie pie” until the end of that episode) and find this cultural change disturbing and wonder, where the hell are we headed??? I mourn the loss of true journalism and serious reporting and fear the deliberate destruction and mistrust of real journalism. So thank you, NYT!!!!!
Acethekid
5 out of 5 stars
Very interesting - consider a stand alone deep dive into Q
Found this very interesting, the algorithm info and Q information especially. YouTube & Q have effectively ruined my relationship with my mother and I would love to see you take a deep dive into Q and it’s followers. I was hoping for more of that from this last episode. Perhaps you could do an entire episode or series on that topic. It would probably help a lot of people understand how & why their loved ones have changed so dramatically over the last couple of years. Thank you for a great podcast.
Gennanicole
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating
If you’re interested in the internet and how it increasingly is shaping our lives and society, please listen. Fascinating and jarring.
L@FH
4 out of 5 stars
Almost got it
This is an exploration of a topic fascinating to many - how affected our lives are by technology - from minute daily discussion to major life choices. Specifically, the complicated world of social media & how it affects the way we communicate - & live - is becoming dominant to a scary degree. I don’t use social media & work in info sec & it was still astonishing. The one thing I wish the show offered was - opinions - I think we tip toe around critical issues too much, & while I understand the value of reporting, @ some point there comes a time for strong, fact-based debate. If the NYT reporters don’t feel it appropriate for their journalistic process to offer strong opinions - I don’t mean fighting meaninglessly or especially aggressively, but it’s time to go beyond just describing events. Even the weatherman occasionally says: “Don’t forget the umbrella”. Our society is not the healthiest in terms of communications, many are angry and stressed - we are becoming a very unkind society, so it’s time to start taking stronger stances. There used to be a time we said: “the way people behave on the internet so rudely, they’d never be like that in real life” - actually the internet seems to have won. We are more aggressive, people hardly know how to have conversations anymore. 1 other point - & of course I am biased as a professional who specifically works in this area - but the astoundingly fast rise of cyber crime that affects a lot of people - often traumatically - is extremely dangerous to ignore. Yes, companies are affected, new technologies are invented - but nobody talks about the profoundly traumatic effect on people affected by cyber crime. Many don’t recover fully - I mean, they can be successful professionals, but I have data from colleagues in the EU & the trend is alarming - people who were affected by cyber crimes are less likely to speak up in meetings, pursue scientific research, they are afraid to voice opinions, they primary psychological impact is predominantly the desire to be “invisible” - it’s been extensively studied. Cure for a disease might not get found sooner because somebody was afraid to voice a hypothesis, incredible tech innovations that would benefit many humans will never get pursued because somebody will be afraid to raise a hand in a meeting. I wish there was more attention paid to that as well if we are taking about the internet.
cwiley81
5 out of 5 stars
Welcome to the desert of the real
I fiend for this podcast every Thursday. Bravo
Autumn Flew
5 out of 5 stars
Slow Burn
And so worth it. Subscribed before #1 and #8 was the best yet! Can't wait til the next episode.
maspethmagician
5 out of 5 stars
Fun for nerds
Please come back for another season!!
kkuyosh
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome
Super
DBean83
5 out of 5 stars
Brilliant soundscape
This podcast uncovers a world I knew very little about. At times dark but also optimistic. The soundscape between the “scenes” is pure art.
Shibuyagirl
5 out of 5 stars
I like it
This podcast has the usual NYT excellent research and reporting style. Definitely very interesting. I just wonder why so much attention was given to that pewdepie guy. I had to look him up and though he has 100 million subscribers his videos only seem to get about 5 million views, and his content is really meh. Other than that the podcast is great.
john visher
1 out of 5 stars
Boring
Very
@toad.and.cake
5 out of 5 stars
Captivating!
This podcast is so captivating and fascinating! I look forward to every episode and never know where the rabbit hole will take me!
jillkadoll
5 out of 5 stars
I have to hear the end.
Interesting. Relevant. Mesmerizing.
NikkiO82
5 out of 5 stars
An amazing dive into the world of online conspiracies
A great listen
HipsterHickster
4 out of 5 stars
Great start...then loses it’s way
As many others have already shared, the first 4 episodes are great. Good storyline and purpose and very right progression. Once it gets into the pewpiedie stuff it completely loses its focus unfortunately. It doesn’t help that peepiedie isnalso insufferable and there are other controversial you tubers they could’ve focused on it in addition to, rather than putting all their eggs in his basket.
Tony Adame
5 out of 5 stars
Great work
Got here from The Daily - fascinating work we lie it
davmav01
2 out of 5 stars
Pick up the pace
This is a fascinating topic, but the producers drag things out to an unnecessary degree. There is never enough actual content in any one episode — they bulk it out with mood music or unattributed sound clips. I suppose that if they make it twice as long as it needs to be, they can sell more ads. Too bad. This started out so promising.
NicoleLL83
2 out of 5 stars
This needed better story-boarding and organization.
This show started out interestingly enough, but it has completely lost its thread. Such a disappointment.
bjohns383
4 out of 5 stars
Great Topic
I’m not a fan of the production, but there’s some really good stuff hear. In particular, the QAnon episode was appropriately sympathetic. It was so shameful to hear people my age say that they’re not on speaking terms with their parents just because the latter have some cooky views about politics, conspiracies, etc. Who’s to blame for all these angry old cranks shouting lock her up? Answer: their smug, selfish children Adult children who watch John Oliver and who aren’t nearly as smart as they think they are. The fruits of American social decay has taken the form of lonely old folks on Twitter, misguided and desperate to make their country great again.
SonnyBones
5 out of 5 stars
SO GOOD!
This podcast threads together so well the weirdening that has been happening online over the last 10 years. But they manage to handle it without demonizing or belittling those who have been caught up in it
Allstateballstate
4 out of 5 stars
Interesting Topic, but not tightly written
I give 4 stars because the topic is very interesting and the NYT has the ability to dig in ways we cannot, however it can bounce from topic to topic without tying things together. I constantly feel like I’m watching a show on Netflix where they ultimately wait until the last 15 minutes of the final episode show to reveal the main point/plot/what has been happening the whole time. Please, get to the point, or outline the journey in some way. Many commenters are annoyed by the Pewdiepie interview, but I’m not sure why. This podcast covers YouTube extensively; he’s the most popular youtuber ever, by far, and has been involved in deep controversy relevant to what this podcast is covering. Didn’t like his answers or that he didn’t take responsibility? How is that the NYT fault? And the “giving him a platform” gripe is old and laughable in this case - the man has 104 million subscribers. He is wholly relevant and the interview was necessary.
Cecirino
5 out of 5 stars
SO HERE FOR THIS PODCAST
Topical and exquisitely crafted, giving urgent and fresh take on on how fast the world’s changing. I work in tech and think he’s asking some critical questions. Not one to skim/ talk over. Chock full of questions & potential insight. 🐇🕳
kt joe
4 out of 5 stars
Thought provoking
Would be really interested to hear an episode regarding female influencers on Instagram marketing brands. #Ad
myotherrideisyourmom.
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating
One of my top 3 podcasts. Very revealing and well produced.
ejd56
1 out of 5 stars
The NYT once again handle's violent white extremists with kid gloves
This podcast will be enshrined as a pristine example when history tries to explain how poorly the media understood the danger of the trump era. I skipped the episode where the Swedish Nazi was given a nurturing platform - but I just listened to episode seven and what began as an interesting idea has turned into a revolting mess of Cletus huntin’ nonsense. The beliefs of QAnon followers are dangerous. They regularly preach violence towards perceived enemies, hatred of minorities, and disgust for women - but if you were to take the NYT at their word this conspiracy is just a way for lonely old grandpas to connect online. It’s reminiscent of the longform article from 2016 (before Charlottesville) where “journalists” followed an avowed white supremicist around for a few days and made every excuse in the world about how he couldn’t actually be a real white supremicist bad guy - “he lives with his mom in Ohio! There can’t be white supremicists in Ohio!” Similarly a man who has posted cartoons with Obama eating watermelon in front of the White House and Clinton with a noose around her neck - is portrayed as an old man who pauses video chats because he doesn’t want to miss a call from his wife. Awe, so sweet. The NYT regularly treats the alt right and their repugnant beliefs as if they were ethnographers documenting an exotic tribe upon which they, the ethnographers, are not permitted to pass judgment. If the Holocaust were to happen today the NYT would find a charming anecdote about every participating German.
Cleopadeez
5 out of 5 stars
Rabbit Hole
Love this podcast. I wish they were longer and more in depth. #7 was just confusing. Seemed incomplete and didn’t offer any even possible closure. I have every confidence that you can do better. Still an appreciative fan.
Sobum
5 out of 5 stars
No idea what I was getting myself into
This podcast is outright disturbing. YouTube is turning our fellow citizens into radicalized political soldiers.
Malariel
5 out of 5 stars
A walk into a world that is taking over the world
I’ve really enjoyed this podcast. I’m 33 years old and know nothing about the YouTube world but my 13 yo daughter sure does. It is very interesting to hear how the world is changing and to see how in some ways it is returning to a hateful place. My daughter knows who pue di pie is, of course I’ve never heard of him. I hope to see that he really understands his influence and that his jokes may be very real as opposed to jokes to young impressionistic people or maybe to those who are teetering on the line of hate towards others. Maybe it isn’t the best thing to joke about.
scbon
1 out of 5 stars
Downhill
This started out interesting and has gone downhill with every episode. Also, its like really like annoying that like the reporters like say like like every third word in an interview. Why would the NYT hire people who cannot use the English language at a level beyond high school?
Opete95
2 out of 5 stars
Really?
You’re giving people like Pewdepie a platform? Nope, I’m done.
Loraine1971
3 out of 5 stars
Stop Censoring Content
I really enjoyed the first few installments of this podcast but with this episode comes the high minded justification for the censorship that’s forcing the technocratic agenda down all of our throats. End censorship. Bring back the unfiltered information that we used to have access to
t-ro206
4 out of 5 stars
V. good, rhythm is different every ep
The people.complaining about PewDiePie are missing the point. He was a "bad" interviewee, not particularly self-aware or smart, or even articulate. But the greater point is that this is a person who has the biggest platform in the world and he's not at all taking any responsibility for his words or actions and it's all a big joke. That's how it ties into the rabbit hole theme. If you end up at the place where you are listening to this guy and others like him, you are at the mercy of people who do not have a huge amount of care for their audience.
mynicknameeastaken
3 out of 5 stars
Rabbit Hole
Provocative way within this medium to end a series.
Ihatethatihavetohaveanickname
3 out of 5 stars
Peaked early
The story started out great but lost steam quickly. It then switched gears and by episode 6 was a full blown “very fine people” interview.
brittany napier
3 out of 5 stars
Listen to 1-4
Agree with what everyone has said - episodes 1-4 were amazing, 5 was okay and 6 was boring and unnecessary. Didn’t tie into the whole concept and felt like more of an excuse to include the interview of a youtuber they’d been trying to get.
Alyssawf
4 out of 5 stars
Down hill
I’ve been listening to this podcast on the Daily and ended up really enjoying it in the beginning and looking forward to new episodes but the last episode, episode 6 was kinda boring and wasn’t really tied into the story. Hope it gets better soon.
ubique13
5 out of 5 stars
“I Blame The Media.”
I blame oxygen, for giving breath to those who might profit off of their own media content, while simultaneously undermining the legitimacy of media outlets that don’t turn impressionable children into mass murderers. Totally fascinating series, though.
DJ JoePop
5 out of 5 stars
Worth the listen
If you’ve grown up with the internet you’ll enjoy this podcast.
🤷🏽♂️🤪🙈
2 out of 5 stars
Pewdiepie Interview
Enjoyed episodes 1-5. The interview episode with Pewdiepie seems unnecessary and was not interesting.
Kunal Duggal
3 out of 5 stars
PewDiePie Interview
This interview didn’t go anywhere. I don’t think any valuable information came out of it. It is pretty clear Felix felt that he wasn’t responsible and it’s not his job to be responsible for his subscribers from the start. So it comes as no surprise at the end that he takes back his donation to keep his subscribers happy.
Seramarche
3 out of 5 stars
Needs Work
I loved this podcast at first, but as I’ve listened through the weeks the podcast has gone downhill. There’s increasingly more fluff and increasingly less meaningful content. Dedicating entire episodes to an interview with Pewdiepie and another with the lady from YouTube is incredibly boring. The Pewdiepie episode was exceptionally bad and interviewing him was unnecessary. It felt like the podcast creators were just trying to force content any way they possibly could, which is unfortunate because this podcast started off really interesting. Snooze fest.
jbarley113
5 out of 5 stars
Where is the user responsibility?
Interviews and format alone are five stars. I felt slightly biased reporting but nothing unreasonable. The biggest problem is no one is mentioning the responsibility of a person on the internet. Suggestions are powerful but guide someone into a way of thinking but that person is still responsibility at the end of the day.
larrywayne10
5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely fantastic
In depth, extremely well researched. Must listen for anyone interested in the power of the internet
missemilyteehee
1 out of 5 stars
Pewdiepie interview
Y’all really missed the mark...
NickShifrin
4 out of 5 stars
Mostly good
Sound on ep 6 is horrific and unlistenable.
StefMMandC
5 out of 5 stars
incredible and frightening
this was really valuable information on how “ You Tube Culture” feeds and facilitates conspiracy theorists refusing to be taken down by a fictional “Democrat Deep State” Many autistic kids ( including my son) engage by watching others play video games. Mu son’s vocabulary and conversational skills blossomed, as he modeled a sweet-natured guy named Troy play Mario Kart. But then he moved on to NicoBBQ, an entertaining contrarian, who delivers conspiratorial diatribes about characters in the game world with “proof” that the game creators are “lying“ and “want you to “believe” Mario is a hero when he’s actually a villain. i wrote it off as just irritating nonsense by some guy who spends waaay too much time thinking about Mario and Luigi. But for my son, whose autism leaves him socially isolated, this guy’s rants are gospel, not shtick. Our sons other interest is American Presidents. he’s a walking encyclopedia of facts gleaned by puri g over books about the lives of the presidents. There’s a signed letter from Obama on his bedroom wall in Brooklyn where we live. Then one day he announced that he’s a Trump supporter. People are out to get him and we need to watch Fox news. No amount of fact about this President sink on o this presidency sink in. This podcast opened my eyes as to how the false reality of posting, commenting, and popularity on You Tube, inevitably turns up controversy followed by lashing out against those who “don’t get it”, and pulling those “who do” alone as things get dark and paranoid. Someone like my son is fodder for conspiracy theorists they offer simple answers to a confusing, and anxiety-provoking world. I have grown to dread finding him on You Tube when he promised he’d be listening to music or playing an approved game. Every visit to you tube leaves him agitated an unhappy if we don’t support the Sh*t that’s just been shoveled at him. that You Tube doesn’t allow its consumers to block content is ridiculous.
Kedghill
5 out of 5 stars
Seriously, so good.
I listen to dozens of podcasts and this is one of the ones that makes me excited about Thursday. Thank you for an amazing story and an informative and interesting podcast.
Leetle Lolo
5 out of 5 stars
BEST PODCAST
I have never been so obsessed with a podcast before! As a 25 year old who loves YouTube, this is super interesting to me. I also think it speaks to the larger issue of the ways in which politics is becoming more and more polarized. This is the most neutral journalism I’ve heard from the NYT in podcast form and is so, SO well done. It’s hard to find journalism that doesn’t blatantly lean one way or the other. While I know NYT is left-leaning, this podcast was a breath of fresh air in its neutrality. Absolutely loved everything about it. Can’t help myself but listen as soon as a new episode drops. Disagree with everyone regarding the sound bites being annoying - I think most of the clips add necessary and interesting context. Highly recommend to all! Gripped by this one.
none yo biznazz
1 out of 5 stars
This is really dishonest
Caleb is a fraud
Vcrsays
5 out of 5 stars
Investigative journalism of the internet at its finest
I was surprised at how unbiased this podcast is, giving seemingly equal airtime to each side. In contrast to The Daily, which is primarily from the left, this seems fairly balanced. Each episode is engaging and keeps me on the edge of my seat. I have been fascinated with internet culture and how it has affected our ability to determine facts from opinions for a long time. For reference, I’m in my 20s, and spend a good deal of time online for work and for fun. Definitely worth a listen. I would recommend it to anyone, left, right or center. Start at the beginning and work your way through. It doesn’t really make sense to listen to backwards. My only small criticism, which has been echoed here by many other reviewers, is that the sound clips can be jarring and take away from the overall engagement of the podcast. I’m already hanging on to every word, there’s no need to put dozens of different versions of the same clip on top of each other to make a point. One or two clips is enough. The pew di pie episode made me want to turn it off at several points because I don't want to listen to that guy’s stupid voice over and over again. This doesn’t mean the pod is not worth listening to, only that if the producers are reading these comments, that this is something to take note of.
Johann Kim
5 out of 5 stars
Masterpiece
This podcast is just what I needed in this strange and confusing time. It’s obvious that politics and media in general have become dangerously polarized and this podcast explores that topic in such a gripping eye widening manner. I read some reviews that said the podcast was scattered and hard to follow but I believe that is perfectly accurate for how the internet is changing us as a society. The narrative goes down internet rabbit holes always coming back to the bigger picture in such a beautiful way. Granted, some of the edits and audio mixing of internet memes may only be understood by millennials, but it is an idea that needs to be better understood because of the power the internet holds. I would absolutely recommend this podcast, thank you Kevin for your engaging reporting.
EJamesJr
5 out of 5 stars
Binge worthy!
Stumbled upon this podcast while listening to The Daily (highly recommend). For years, I’ve jokingly told friends that “I fell into the rabbit hole” after getting drawn into YouTube and wasting an evening. Never did i consider that I was seduced by an algorithm. So eye opening and, at times, scary. Huge NYT fan and subscriber. Thanks for this work. Amazing
Spicy Wit
4 out of 5 stars
Very good with a very particular complaint
I’m surprised by how interested I am in this podcast and look forward to each episode. However, I have one complaint—can you please stop with the edgy, cacophonous, mashed up audio at the beginning and interspersed throughout the entire podcast? I get it. The New York Times is relating to the young, hip, internet-using YouTubers of 2020. I don’t need or want World War 3 going off in my car during my commute when you could just do some quiet music or something to transition between segments. Explosions, loud bass, probably relevant clips of YouTube videos I don’t care about, crashing together in extreme rapid fire in a way that only disorients me and makes me turn the volume down to half, only to miss the next thing Caleb or Kevin says (not even getting into the confusion between who is who when their voices are so similar and they cut back and forth at a similarly hysterical pace). I’m 26 and barely use YouTube so maybe I’m just not the target demographic so feel free to disregard if everyone else loves this part. Otherwise I like the podcast a lot.
JKBones
5 out of 5 stars
Totally in the Rabbit Hole rabbit hole
This podcast is incredibly engaging and takes us through the rise of internet politics and pop culture and the crossover between the two. I am hooked and can’t wait for each episode to release!
A.J Shaw
5 out of 5 stars
Sensational & profound
Thank you so much for this work Kevin, hearing Caleb’s story was profoundly familiar to me and my story, & compels me - as an elected official - to spread this awareness in a pragmatic, thoughtful, and collaborative way
Sunnycreek
5 out of 5 stars
I’m loving this podcast
Very well done and I learned a lot
L. MG
5 out of 5 stars
Important and Interesting
The title is perfect-we’re all Alice falling down the Rabbit Hole with the internet. Every episode has stunned me with storytelling and reporting. Few podcasts are so simultaneously entertaining and educational. I can’t wait for each new ep. What I am learning from Rabbit Hole is making me a wiser more thoughtful person as I engage the wild World Wide Web.
New Hampshire Listener
1 out of 5 stars
Too difficult to listen to
I’m 62 year old white guy was is technically savvy. I really wanted to enjoy this series but found it annoying with the audio clips, constant switching of topics, etc. I listen to a lot of podcasts but this requires too much energy to enjoy. Producer needs to rethink approach.
Mutineer27
5 out of 5 stars
Great Podcast
Another great Podcast from NYT. Insightful, enlightening and terrifying in turns.
delaneyrh
5 out of 5 stars
Another Amazing NYT Series
This is such a fascinating summary of the history of YouTube and it’s influence on culture and politics. Thanks for another amazing series NYT
Pokestar Fan
5 out of 5 stars
Cool and informative
I learned a lot and they try to cover both sides of the argument.
PTbass75
5 out of 5 stars
I’m hooked!
Fascinating stuff! Where’s the pew die pie interview?
ForrestfortheTrees
5 out of 5 stars
Invaluable
This podcast is fantastic - from highlighting one man's radicalization through YouTube to pulling back and showing how his example is a microcosm for a larger culture war, one fought largely between online echo chambers representing extreme viewpoints on the left and (especially) the alt-right. Very informative. The sound effects can be a bit cheesy at times.
Elle.Ow
1 out of 5 stars
Worst podcast in a long time.
People only go down - and stay down - the rabbit holes they want to. Ex: the writers and hosts of this very non-thought-provoking podcast. Even in these challenging Covid days where we want intellectual meat to chew on, this is a sour grape. #NYTIMEStryharder #basicbrains #notnews #notinteresting
Invisib Fan
5 out of 5 stars
Don’t miss out on this
This is an incredibly smart and illuminating podcast. Do yourself a favor and listen.
Jared0789
5 out of 5 stars
A view from all sides
Looking forward to many more
Back bay
5 out of 5 stars
Provocative and Fascinating
I am old media. A longtime broadcast reporter & radio news anchor as well as, now, an intermittent blogger. I live on Twitter. I download & try new apps. But I had no idea about the internet (YouTube) (sub) culture portrayed here in the episode I just heard about PewDiePie. I subscribed to hear the rest. And learn something. The production itself is extremely well done. Actually - although the young NY Times people who made the series don’t want to hear this - the production values are- gasp- old radio drama. I highly recommend this as well as the gold standard Times podcast - The Daily.
jctrain129
5 out of 5 stars
Much needed
I’ve listened to three episodes so far and find The Rabbit Hole to be nothing short of compelling. I appreciate the honest look and the intersection between internet subcultures and “the real world.”
Elvis and his Watches
2 out of 5 stars
PewDiePie , left hanging with no answers
So i am a fan of The Daily and I listen to it everyday. So to get more listeners to various NYT sub podcasts, they bait u to down load the Rabbit Hole to finish the interview and they don’t finish the interview, but want u to scroll through past Rabbit Hole episodes in hopes u will keep the podcasts subscriptions. Bad move....
Ottski
5 out of 5 stars
Great show - lots to think about
This is a very well researched and produced show about a dangerous part of our life: the internet and more specifically, YouTube. I think the reporting will infuriate the conservative die-hards, but the show accurately discusses how this medium is being used for political purposes and even contributing to the conversion of young people to hostile ideologies.
estellebellep
5 out of 5 stars
Key to understand today’s culture
Insightful exploration into the ways internet based media with its trends, algorithms, tribes, influencers and abuses impact our political views, culture and even our behavior.
dwntherabbithole
1 out of 5 stars
Episode 5 is awful
Gave the show a try, thought it had potential. But episode 5 completely turned me off. So much cursing, and I realize now they’re mainly trying to fill in air time...
britonart73
1 out of 5 stars
No idea what this is about
Listened to the trailer and it immediately lost my attention with the hosts engaged in idle chit chat. No idea what this is supposed to be about.
chetkozl
1 out of 5 stars
Redundant, structurally devious
Expected much from this NYT series, but found it employs the same mind-numbing (-influencing?) techniques as those it criticizes: overlapping layers of sound, the “just dropped in to interview you” faux interview techniques, don't. know who's saying what. Why trust this any more than those it seeks to call out? Post modern podcast BS.
PWHHH
1 out of 5 stars
Sensalitionalized Crap
These guys get so much wrong while reporting on how wrong everyone else is. They are exactly the thing they are against. And Kevin’s insanely-dramatic voice is just awful.
themarkknight
1 out of 5 stars
Enough is Enough
This podcast is well researched and well made. It is with regret that I can’t listen to it any further. The New York Times has become somewhat a parody of itself, giving air time to any seemingly any person who has said something anti-Semitic. PewDiePie paid someone to write “death to Jews” and then uploaded that video. There is no reason to “hear his side of the story”. Please stop.
LabRatMatt
5 out of 5 stars
Listen Thoughtfully
This is a great podcast! Very thought-provoking and presents a fair view of what is going on with mass information spread and internet culture. People are saying this podcast isn’t balanced, but they clearly aren’t thinking about what they’re listening to. The story is not about “YouTube needs to shut down misinformation and knows best.” The message is really about the shared responsibility of it all and where the solutions come from. It raises that question and presents information that makes you think about it more thoroughly. They do present the view that YouTube has a responsibility for not furthering misinformation, but they do also subtly encourage listeners to understand that you have to always be aware of what you are doing as an internet user. It’s a great way to understand how internet culture affects our everyday lives and how it easily ripples out to society. My main recommendation is that you listen to it thoughtfully, rather than going in with the idea that this podcast is going to answer the question of “who’s to blame for extremist content spreading on the internet?” It won’t answer that question because it can’t, but it gives great information as a PSA to its listeners about how they consume content.
ACOLVER
5 out of 5 stars
Really Capturing YouTube
Cliffhangers literally get me every week. Love it!
Fglkhi
5 out of 5 stars
Illustrative of the times we live in
Exceptional podcast with the exact content I was looking for. How Youtube/internet culture is shaping human culture, our brains, our lives, our beliefs and what does it all mean? Look forward to each episode and can’t wait to listen again once th series wraps.
tricky-p
5 out of 5 stars
Completely opened my eyes
Brilliantly produced. Incredibly important. The new S-Town.
moonvoice
4 out of 5 stars
Good info, but really annoying to listen to
The meat of the podcast is great. The info is fascinating. But there are so many audio clips in the episodes that are soooo annoying. Its an assault on your ear drums. Episode 5 for example is just almost intolerably irritating.
yoyoyorambler
5 out of 5 stars
Just great reporting
Very good reporting and investigative journalism, and also very important for most of us. Wild to see behind the curtain, as it were. There aren’t many podcasts that I recommend to everyone, but this is one.
Deedlelu
5 out of 5 stars
Exceptionally good
You guys kill me with the sudden suspenseful stops but this is part of what makes it so good. Just wish the episodes were longer, I could listen to these stories for hours.
sarahandsylvia
5 out of 5 stars
AMAZING! I have been “WOKE” & now I understand!
This was the most eye opening podcast I have ever listened to. I’m type person who has never really invested in technology or really understood social media. I saw what was happening here and that more hate was being acted upon but I can’t believe that this podcast found some of the reasons why! This podcast should be required listening in ALL schools! Parents make ur kids listen! Please do more podcasts like this...Reddit maybe? Thank you to the writers & producers!
KAK6666
2 out of 5 stars
Poorly Produced
The constant sound clips make this unlistenable. Just tell the story.
Tynanja
3 out of 5 stars
Background noise
Very good podcast looking forward to more. Some things others have mentioned that could make the experience better is less background/ambient noise. In the first half of episode 4 my dog was freaking out because of a high pitch sound that was playing repeatedly in the background.
AC Abbott
5 out of 5 stars
I listened to it multiple times. It’s that good.
The highest achievement possible in podcasting in my opinion. Stimulating and exceedingly resonate
MarcCooper79
5 out of 5 stars
Great Troll Of Easily Triggered Right Wing Youtube Addicts
This podcast shows how Youtube’s algorithm is like crack cocaine, which has the side benefit that the podcast deeply annoys right wing social justice warriors. These Richard Spencer fanboy snowflakes are very triggered by any criticism of the platform they spend 10 hours at a time binging but are not addicted to and could stop binging whenever they want. I think the podcast does a great job of introducing the dangers of an algorithm that gives people more and more of what they want with never the risk of an alternative view that might make them click away leading people down this rabid hole of increasingly aggressive one sided views. With a similar platform and its algorithm, TikTok, in the hands of Red China this is an issue that could become even more of a problem in the future.
MissStizzle
5 out of 5 stars
Great
Insanely informative, great quality, great narration. I look forward to every new episode.
Katielikescorn
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing
One of the most interesting podcasts I’ve listened to in a long time. So good. Everyone should listen.
Jbd789
5 out of 5 stars
Finally, something good from NYT
I have avoided NYT content after listening to their daily show podcast a few times. This is an excellent series that you can listen to even if you cringe at their other stuff. They do a good job of letting the story tell itself rather than using the story as a platform for the producer/writer’s agenda. Please produce more stuff like this and you will regain trust!
andrea_in_brooklyn
5 out of 5 stars
Interesting topic
And maybe I kind of understand why YouTube seems to dumb down everything for me, and show me cheesy videos that differ with my POV. For example, it insists on showing me videos that proclaim Michael Jackson’s innocence when I’m searching for stories that validate child sex abuse. They really don’t want to be responsible for radicalizing anyone by being in an echo chamber. It’s not a one size fits all fix. Further proof that we have to do more research and not from any one source.
nakedmountainkeeper
4 out of 5 stars
Excellent look inside the way YouTube AI manipulates
I am not a YouTuber and at 72 have a lifetime of commitment to getting my news via recognized mainstream sources. I do, however, regularly use social media and rely on the internet for locating the best information on a host of topics every day. I recognize that younger people typically are not getting their news via mainstream sources and this podcast really explains how these folks can be pushed down various rabbit holes of false, alter world realities that warps their sense of truth through AI manipulation. The podcast, appropriately in my view, exposes the now pressing need to correct the harm these marketing algorithms are doing.
ChoffWisco
5 out of 5 stars
Explains this moment
Youtube and social media platforms and their algorithms are corrosive to democracy. Government by the people, for the people can't work in a media ecosystem where the gatekeepers are algorithms designed to monetize content. This podcast tells this story effectively. Only negative is that it's overproduced, with sound effects and other gimmicks that I personally found distracting. But the overall message is something I think everyone should hear.
John S Wren
5 out of 5 stars
Yes
5-stars, I wouldn’t want to miss this next week. More than old media attacking new media. Thanks!
good.solutions44
5 out of 5 stars
Incubation time
(It = the podcast) I want it to have time to percolate. The voice is yet to speak in a pure through line. If I’m interviewing the Wizard behind the curtain I want to be conscious that the POV the viewers wish to see may well be that of the Wizard herself. Should the question be What is Being Done to Clean Up the Platform? Or is it Should Anything be Done to “Clean Up” the Platform at all? And if so, Who Does the Cleaning? Instead of warning and removal of the Provider’s voice, should Cleaning it consist of a warning from the Platform to the Viewers that the Content bears unsubstantiated claims. I don’t like running into the half-vast Lies of Cadet Bonespurs, unannounced, any more than anyone else does, but I am equally uncomfortable with an unelected Oracle.
rodewyrk374
4 out of 5 stars
Interesting.
But I have to agree with the majority of these other reviews. The background sound effects really detract from the enjoyability of the podcast.
Tamg88
4 out of 5 stars
Not bad
I’m only an episode in but reminds me of old radiolab meets reply all. I shall keep listening
123425475
1 out of 5 stars
Interesting but unfair
This show places to much responsibility on YouTube and too little on the consumers who are engaging with the platform. The fourth episode really showed how biased NYT is and how they already took a position of blaming YouTube for polarization before even investigating thoroughly. It’s a mammoth task to track and filter all content on YouTube and this show doesn’t empathize that or on how a part of their success in removing extreme content relies on the consumers to report the videos they see as inappropriate. YouTube is trying to monitor but we also have a responsibility to report any content that we believe is offensive or inappropriate or misinformation.
cathyshapiro
5 out of 5 stars
Hits home
My mothers fundamental values have changed drastically over the past 4 years. She went from being a rational liberal Democrat to a radical conspiracy theorist. She’s retired and watches YouTube all day. Thank God for this expose so we can finally figure out what happened instead of thinking she has lost her mind.
Podcast information
- Amount of episodes
- 10
- Subscribers
- 399
- Verified
- No
- Website
- Explicit content
- No
- Episode type
- serial
- Podcast link
- https://podvine.com/link/..
- Last upload date
- October 7, 2022
- Last fetch date
- February 4, 2023 8:06 AM
- Upload range
- MONTHLY
- Author
- The New York Times
- Copyright
- © 2020-2021 THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY; The New York Times encourages the use of RSS feeds for personal use in a news reader or as part of a non-commercial blog, subject to your agreement to our Terms of Service.
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© 2020-2021 THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY; The New York Times encourages the use of RSS feeds for personal use in a news reader or as part of a non-commercial blog, subject to your agreement to our Terms of Service.
