The 10-Year-Old Tweet That Still Defines the Internet

The 10-Year-Old Tweet That Still Defines the Internet

9/15/2022

link

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/06/spam-twitter-account-horse-ebooks-human-internet-relationship/661409/

summary

In this article, the author explores the fascinating story of a Twitter account called @Horse_ebooks, which gained a significant following despite being a spam account. The account initially started as a bot designed to generate random phrases to promote e-books. However, over time, it gained a cult following as people marveled at the strange, nonsensical tweets it produced. The article delves into the human fascination with @Horse_ebooks and how it symbolizes our complex relationship with the internet. It discusses the appeal of randomness and unpredictability in an increasingly algorithm-driven online world. The author also reflects on the impact of @Horse_ebooks and questions whether its unique brand of internet eccentricity can still exist in today's digital landscape.

tags

social media ꞏ internet culture ꞏ spam accounts ꞏ twitter ꞏ online deception ꞏ internet history ꞏ digital folklore ꞏ viral phenomenon ꞏ digital culture ꞏ online identity ꞏ internet subcultures ꞏ online manipulation ꞏ bot accounts ꞏ digital communication ꞏ meme culture ꞏ online communities ꞏ social media algorithms ꞏ internet memes ꞏ online engagement ꞏ online behavior ꞏ fake accounts ꞏ digital literacy ꞏ online scams ꞏ online influence ꞏ information dissemination ꞏ online propaganda ꞏ internet conspiracy theories ꞏ digital ethics ꞏ online trust ꞏ online authenticity ꞏ digital hoaxes ꞏ online surveillance ꞏ online anonymity ꞏ internet research ꞏ digital journalism ꞏ online censorship ꞏ online privacy ꞏ digital security ꞏ media literacy ꞏ online advertising ꞏ online marketing ꞏ data manipulation ꞏ online interaction ꞏ digital sociology