[maybelsyrup]

The Atlantic has always been a kind of tabloid for people who fancy themselves intellectuals, especially with its cover stories. After seeming like they were really on the brink for a few years there, not really knowing how to do digital, they turned it around - apparently by doubling down on this approach. High-minded clickbait for right-thinking elites, in other words. Have a look at their "most popular articles" box and you'll frequently see some breathless, hysterical stuff.

It's a shame, too, because a majority of their content is probably still pretty good! Their pandemic coverage is a good example. But their editorial staff need engagement and they're gonna drive it by pushing the same "dark" buttons (fear, anger) that everyone else pushes these days. Ironic they're doing it in a critical article about Facebook.

[Balgair]

> The Atlantic has always been a kind of tabloid for people who fancy themselves intellectuals, especially with its cover stories

Case in point: Ghostbusters has a brief gag on The Atlantic and it's over the top writing in 1984.

Timestamp at 1:55 in this clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwKR_y93izs

[jackcosgrove]

> Ironic they're doing it in a critical article about Facebook.

They're both fighting for the same advertising dollar pile. And to be honest Facebook is walking away with it.

[trident5000]

Wait what? You think The Atlantic leans right?

floren - got it, whoosh right over my head. Read that too fast.

[floren]

"Right-thinking" means "agreeing with the Atlantic", not "politically conservative".