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

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