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Area Man Feels Joy Online for First Time in Years
The Onion CEO Ben Collins and comedian Patti Harrison discussed political satire, online culture and the value of humour at the WIRED World Fair in Miami. Collins said recent Democratic midterm wins had given him hope as The Onion continues its legal fight to take control of Infowars, while both speakers described comedy as a way to cope with political despair and make difficult ideas easier to reach.
The Onion won Infowars in a bankruptcy auction, but a federal judge in Texas overturned the deal; Collins said a new decision from the state’s attorney general might change its prospects. He also said the publication was close to buying a Division I college football bowl game. Harrison recalled how MySpace connected her with like-minded people growing up in a rural community, while criticising today’s social media as abusive; Collins called the current internet a “joy vacuum” and said real-world friendships and creative work bring him the most enjoyment.
In short
- Collins says midterm wins have renewed his hope.
- The Onion’s Infowars takeover remains tied up in court.
- Harrison and Collins see satire as a way to cope.
Explained simply
The Onion is a US satirical news outlet, and Infowars is a media platform founded by Alex Jones. The Onion won Infowars in a bankruptcy auction, but a federal judge in Texas overturned the sale, leaving the two outlets at the centre of a legal dispute.
Political satire uses humour to comment on public life, while social media has changed how people find news and connect with others. The discussion also touched on whether online spaces can bring people together or contribute to distress, and how humour and friendships can help people cope with difficult events.
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