Reddit explained: What you need to know

What is Reddit, really?

That’s a question I’ve been asked a few times when teaching about social media. Is Reddit a social network?

Unfortunately, I can’t give a clear-cut answer.

At its core, Reddit is a massive online forum where users chat, share, and discuss all kinds of topics.

Subreddits

Reddit is made up of endless “subreddits,” which function as individual forums. There are subreddits about sports, gaming, and fitness—but also topics that are more obscure or controversial. You’ll find a subreddit by going to reddit.com/r/“topic”.

Reddit is largely self-moderated, meaning users play a big role in shaping the platform.

A classic example of a subreddit is r/funny, where users share memes and funny images. But you’ll also find more serious political discussions—even in languages other than English.

Each subreddit shows how many users are subscribed, and you can upvote or downvote threads based on what you find interesting.

Criticism of Reddit

Reddit has long faced criticism for hosting some of the internet’s darker corners, where extreme opinions have been allowed to flourish. Back in 2015, Reddit was forced to shut down several subreddits, even though the platform emphasizes freedom of speech.

Since that episode, the tone on Reddit has improved significantly. Much of the harsher content has shifted to platforms like 4chan instead.