A darker evolution of the "Ask a Rapist" format occurred in now-banned subreddits like r/Incels and r/Braincels. In these spaces, users did not ask "Why did you do it?" but rather "How can I do it too?"
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In the aftermath of the controversy, consider:
The thread exploded. Within three hours, it garnered over 3,000 comments. Reddit’s then-CEO, Yishan Wong, was forced to intervene. The thread was locked, then deleted. Wong later posted a public apology, stating: “I have just personally reviewed the thread and the comments. I am appalled… We have removed the AMA and banned the user.”
Many comments actively rationalized the crimes. Users blamed the victims for their behavior, clothing, or intoxication levels, reinforcing harmful myths about sexual assault. Ask A Rapist Thread Reddit
The "Ask a Rapist" thread provided a stark look at the "online disinhibition effect." This psychological phenomenon explains how anonymity causes people to behave more maliciously online than they would in real life.
The thread sparked intense controversy and criticism from many users and outside observers. Some of the concerns raised included:
The brutal truth is that these threads will not give you closure. They will give you nightmares.
Almost immediately, the existence of the thread provoked a furious ethical debate. On one side were those who argued that any insight into the mind of a rapist was valuable for prevention. On the other were those who saw the thread as an unforgivable act of harm and re-traumatization. A darker evolution of the "Ask a Rapist"
The thread immediately drew widespread condemnation from internet users, advocacy groups, and mainstream media outlets. Several factors contributed to the intense backlash:
The thread quickly gained thousands of comments, featuring graphic first-person accounts of sexual assault.
The "Ask a Rapist" thread has left a lasting legacy on Reddit and the wider online community. While the thread itself is no longer active, it continues to be remembered as a pivotal moment in the conversation about sexual violence and online discourse.
The "Ask A Rapist" thread was a turning point for Reddit and the wider internet. It proved that complete anonymity combined with a democratic voting system could yield deeply harmful real-world consequences. Policy Changes If you share with third parties, their policies apply
The purpose of the thread was to facilitate an open and honest discussion about rape and sexual violence. The moderators of the thread aimed to create a safe space for users to ask questions and receive answers from individuals who had committed rape.
Many survivors reported feeling traumatized by the thread, fearing that their own attackers might be among the anonymous posters receiving support or upvotes.
Beyond survivors, critics and journalists from publications like Jezebel and The Huffington Post argued that the thread was a harmful echo chamber that trivialized sexual violence. A psychiatrist named Dr. John Tarzwell weighed in on the thread, arguing that such forums could act as a trigger for would-be offenders. He stated that providing an audience for illicit fantasies "is very likely triggering rape cravings in rapists" and could serve as a form of mental rehearsal. The thread, along with other controversial communities, became a symbol of the platform's "free speech" policies running amok.
Legal experts still debate the thread today. Because the posts were anonymous and often lacked specific details like dates or real names, law enforcement was largely unable to use the confessions to make arrests. It highlighted a major loophole in how digital platforms handle admissions of violent crime.
The public nature of the thread meant that survivors of sexual assault stumbled upon detailed accounts of trauma. This caused widespread emotional distress across the platform. The Psychological and Social Aftermath
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