Craigslist, often dismissed as a relic of the early internet era, remains an unapologetically analog alternative to the likes of Facebook Marketplace and DePop. For millions of users, the site's simplicity and anonymity are a breath of fresh air in an increasingly curated online landscape.
The "ungentrified" internet, coined by Associate Professor Jessa Lingel, refers to this era before the proliferation of AI-powered algorithms and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In contrast, Craigslist eschews these features in favor of a more democratic, user-centric approach. The site doesn't rely on tracking users' interests or predicting their next moves; instead, it allows individuals to connect with others based on shared interests, without the need for validation through likes or shares.
This approach has led to an unexpectedly resilient community of Craigslist enthusiasts, many of whom have been using the platform since its inception in 1995. Comedian and writer Megan Koester, who got her first writing job reviewing internet pornography from a Craigslist ad, remains a devoted user. She credits the site's "random factor" – the unpredictability of connecting with strangers on the platform – for sparking meaningful relationships and creative endeavors.
While some may argue that Craigslist is outdated or even problematic due to concerns about safety and scammers, its most ardent fans see it as an essential, if anachronistic, part of their online lives. For Jessa Lingel, a longtime user who began researching the site after wondering why web 2.0 companies prioritize user data over autonomy, Craigslist represents a refreshing alternative.
The company's commitment to its early values – simplicity, privacy, and accessibility – has allowed it to maintain control and resist corporate interests. When eBay attempted to acquire a majority stake in Craigslist, the platform fought back, ultimately buying back its shares and regaining independence. This determination has fostered a loyal following that sees Craigslist as a bastion of internet integrity.
For those who have grown tired of curated online experiences or feel overwhelmed by the pressures of social media, Craigslist offers a rare respite. As comedian Kat Toledo jokes to her employer when asked about using Craigslist for gigs: "If I'm not doing a good job, just remember you found me on Craigslist." For Koester, this is a reason to continue using the platform – if only until Craig Newmark passes away.
The "ungentrified" internet, coined by Associate Professor Jessa Lingel, refers to this era before the proliferation of AI-powered algorithms and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In contrast, Craigslist eschews these features in favor of a more democratic, user-centric approach. The site doesn't rely on tracking users' interests or predicting their next moves; instead, it allows individuals to connect with others based on shared interests, without the need for validation through likes or shares.
This approach has led to an unexpectedly resilient community of Craigslist enthusiasts, many of whom have been using the platform since its inception in 1995. Comedian and writer Megan Koester, who got her first writing job reviewing internet pornography from a Craigslist ad, remains a devoted user. She credits the site's "random factor" – the unpredictability of connecting with strangers on the platform – for sparking meaningful relationships and creative endeavors.
While some may argue that Craigslist is outdated or even problematic due to concerns about safety and scammers, its most ardent fans see it as an essential, if anachronistic, part of their online lives. For Jessa Lingel, a longtime user who began researching the site after wondering why web 2.0 companies prioritize user data over autonomy, Craigslist represents a refreshing alternative.
The company's commitment to its early values – simplicity, privacy, and accessibility – has allowed it to maintain control and resist corporate interests. When eBay attempted to acquire a majority stake in Craigslist, the platform fought back, ultimately buying back its shares and regaining independence. This determination has fostered a loyal following that sees Craigslist as a bastion of internet integrity.
For those who have grown tired of curated online experiences or feel overwhelmed by the pressures of social media, Craigslist offers a rare respite. As comedian Kat Toledo jokes to her employer when asked about using Craigslist for gigs: "If I'm not doing a good job, just remember you found me on Craigslist." For Koester, this is a reason to continue using the platform – if only until Craig Newmark passes away.
craigslist is like a breath of fresh air for me, its all about the connection not the algorithm, you just stumble upon someone who shares ur interests and voila meaningful conversations 
. I swear I got some of my best connections through that site and its still as underrated as ever 
. The fact that it refused to sell out to ebay is like the ultimate middle finger to corporate America 
its refreshing to see a platform stand up for itself, and honestly I think thats what the internet needs more of 
, and i'm here for it. who needs algorithms predicting your interests when you can just scroll through random posts from people trying to sell their grandma's old furniture? it's like a digital flea market, minus the embarrassment of having to negotiate prices in person 
. and let's be real, it's not like craigslist is some kind of haven for scammers or anything... *cough* ebay 
. i mean, who needs corporate interests when you can have a bunch of old dudes running a platform out of a california garage? sounds pretty legit to me 
.
I've heard of people finding jobs and gigs on Craigslist, and it's like, totally not fancy or glamorous, but hey, that's kind of the point 
. I'm not saying it doesn't have its issues or anything...
? It's like a time capsule of internet weirdness and I am HERE. FOR. IT 
. And let's be real, the community is kinda intimidating...like, what if your landlord sees this stuff? 
i mean, can u blame ppl 4 still bein into craigslist? it's like a breath of fresh air in an online world where everyone's tryna present themselves as perfect. and yeah, the random factor can lead to some pretty cool connections 
but let's not forget, safety should always be the priority... still, there's somethin about craigslist that just feels old school, ya know? like a time capsule of the early internet era 
! It's like they took everything annoying about the website and put it into an app... same weird formatting and no way to search by location... can't we just stick with the site, please? 
. It's like they're trying to drive users crazy or something! Can someone explain to me why they still haven't fixed this issue from years ago? 
. I mean who needs algorithms telling me what to look at when you can just scroll through whatever's available? Plus it's so much fun trying to find those weird gigs or services without any fancy filter 
. I'm not gonna lie, some people might think its old school but for me its like a nostalgic trip down memory lane 
. And can we talk about how they just dont care what the government or corporations want? They just do their own thing and that's so refreshing 
.
. I love that I don't have to create an account or give out personal info just to make a simple purchase. And yeah, it's weird sometimes but there's something satisfying about finding someone willing to sell you a bike for cash without needing a fancy online profile 
. It's like the internet used to be before all the bells and whistles took over 
. Where else are you gonna find people sharing their old couches or asking for help with a DIY project? For me, it's all about the weirdness and unpredictability 
.
. And safety concerns are legit 
. It's like a nostalgic trip back to the wild west of the internet 
.
. Sometimes it's just about being human and seeing what happens