Craigslist, the once-thriving platform for classified ads and connections, is struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly changing online landscape. Despite its reputation as a hub for scammers and sketchy deals, many users still swear by its raw, unfiltered nature.
For some, Craigslist represents a nostalgic link to a bygone era of the internet, where anonymity was valued and transactions were straightforward. Users like comedian Megan Koester, who has been using the site since 2000, find value in its simplicity and lack of algorithmic manipulation. Koester recalls finding her first writing job through an ad on Craigslist, as well as scoring a rent-controlled apartment and even buying land for a DIY project – all with ease.
The "ungentrified" internet, coined by associate professor Jessa Lingel, describes Craigslist's unique appeal to those who reject the slick, curated experience of more modern platforms like TikTok or Instagram. Unlike these sites, which prioritize user data collection and monetization, Craigslist remains largely ad-free and doesn't employ algorithms to drive engagement.
However, this DIY ethos also means that Craigslist often attracts its fair share of sketchy characters. As Koester notes, "The real freaks come out on Craigslist." The site's personals section was shut down in 2018 due to concerns about potential sex trafficking, but the "missed connections" section remains active.
Craigslist's enduring popularity has led some to argue that it's an outdated relic, ripe for disruption by newer platforms. Yet, users like comedian Kat Toledo continue to swear by its benefits, particularly its ability to facilitate genuine connections and transactions outside of traditional social media networks.
Toledo started using Craigslist in the early 2000s and has since used it to find romance, housing, and even a job as an assistant to a forensic psychologist. She credits the site's random factor – its ability to connect users with people from diverse backgrounds – for creating meaningful connections that might not have been possible otherwise.
The company behind Craigslist remains committed to its values of simplicity, privacy, and accessibility. Founder Craig Newmark and CEO Jim Buckmaster have resisted efforts to sell out or compromise on these principles, even in the face of a potential takeover bid from eBay.
For many users like Koester and Toledo, this commitment is precisely what keeps them loyal to Craigslist – an unapologetic rejection of the slick, curated world that dominates much of online life.
For some, Craigslist represents a nostalgic link to a bygone era of the internet, where anonymity was valued and transactions were straightforward. Users like comedian Megan Koester, who has been using the site since 2000, find value in its simplicity and lack of algorithmic manipulation. Koester recalls finding her first writing job through an ad on Craigslist, as well as scoring a rent-controlled apartment and even buying land for a DIY project – all with ease.
The "ungentrified" internet, coined by associate professor Jessa Lingel, describes Craigslist's unique appeal to those who reject the slick, curated experience of more modern platforms like TikTok or Instagram. Unlike these sites, which prioritize user data collection and monetization, Craigslist remains largely ad-free and doesn't employ algorithms to drive engagement.
However, this DIY ethos also means that Craigslist often attracts its fair share of sketchy characters. As Koester notes, "The real freaks come out on Craigslist." The site's personals section was shut down in 2018 due to concerns about potential sex trafficking, but the "missed connections" section remains active.
Craigslist's enduring popularity has led some to argue that it's an outdated relic, ripe for disruption by newer platforms. Yet, users like comedian Kat Toledo continue to swear by its benefits, particularly its ability to facilitate genuine connections and transactions outside of traditional social media networks.
Toledo started using Craigslist in the early 2000s and has since used it to find romance, housing, and even a job as an assistant to a forensic psychologist. She credits the site's random factor – its ability to connect users with people from diverse backgrounds – for creating meaningful connections that might not have been possible otherwise.
The company behind Craigslist remains committed to its values of simplicity, privacy, and accessibility. Founder Craig Newmark and CEO Jim Buckmaster have resisted efforts to sell out or compromise on these principles, even in the face of a potential takeover bid from eBay.
For many users like Koester and Toledo, this commitment is precisely what keeps them loyal to Craigslist – an unapologetic rejection of the slick, curated world that dominates much of online life.
I think this whole thing just shows us how our online preferences are kinda like our voting habits - either we want that straightforward, no-frills experience or we're cool with a more curated, algorithm-driven world 
. It's interesting to see how people like Koester and Toledo can still find value in Craigslist despite its flaws, almost like they're embracing the democratic nature of it all 
. On one hand, you got those who think it's old news and needs disruption, kinda like how some folks might say a certain candidate is due for a shake-up 
. But I think what's keeping people on board with Craigslist is its commitment to simplicity and privacy - that's like voting for the underdog 
!
I mean, who needs all those filters on Instagram when you can just post a simple ad and get results? It's like the OG internet platform, you know? And yeah, sure, there are some sketchy characters out there, but that's part of the charm, right? The anonymity is what makes it so appealing to me. I've found some great deals on Craigslist over the years, from a sweet apartment to some awesome concert tickets 
. It's like the wild west online, and I'm here for it 
it's not all sunshine and rainbows, you know? Sure, it's raw and unfiltered, but that also means it's a breeding ground for scammers and weirdos 
I mean, have you seen the personals section from 2018? 
Yeah, no thanks. And don't even get me started on the missed connections section – it's like a digital version of a bad blind date 
And hey, if finding a rent-controlled apartment or buying land through an ad on Craigslist sounds cool to you, more power to you 
So, while I can appreciate its nostalgic value, I'm good with passing on the Craigslist craze 
. And yeah, it's not as polished as tiktok or instagram, but there's something charming about the old-school vibe 
. Plus, you never know who you're gonna meet or what you're gonna find 
!
. People love its raw, no-BS vibe and the fact that you can just post up what you need without all the extra noise. It's like a time capsule, but in a good way!