Daily Alpha · Substack

Noah Smith argues AI-curated short-form video feeds have replaced mass and meme culture

Smith argues an AI-curated, passive short-form video feed has replaced mass and meme culture, isolating users and possibly driving fertility collapse. The last Seinfeld episode drew 76 million viewers in 1998, versus fewer than 20 million for Game of Thrones' finale.

Smith argues short-form feeds such as TikTok and Reels have displaced the shared culture of mass media and memes.