Reddit is undeserving of its reputation
Reddit is a popular social media forum site that is composed of a variety of pages or “subreddits” which cover things from popular media like Love is Blind to giving situational advice, such as in the infamous Am I the Asshole (AITA) subreddit. Now, the general public seems to give Reddit a bad reputation for being a space that is prone to hosting the chronically online or inundating its users into the manosphere, but I would like to counter that thought process. I feel that it is unfair that Reddit's users are automatically seen as “undateable losers” just because of the website they choose to use.
Recently, I was searching around for new meme formats inside of the subreddit r/funny and while doing so, was seen on Reddit by a roommate. During this, they made some snide comment about how Reddit is “full of people with first-world problems and bad takes,” but I feel that is very insensitive. I was offended that my roommate and supposed friend would think to attack me over something as small as a Reddit account. How could I ever feel safe enough to inform him that I also act as a moderator to r/creepyasterisks? I feel like they have made my living situation a hostile and judgemental space and I do not know if our relationship will ever recover.
This situation, though, is only one of many unfortunate occurrences where I have been revealed to be a Redditor. Last semester, I was totally on a date with this really beautiful female whom I had met in one of my gen. ed. courses. We went over to Goodwill because I know thrifting is kind of trendy right now. I figured this decision might make her think I am a really thoughtful person with unique date ideas and not some normal guy who brings all their prospects out to dinner or some sticky-floored house party. Throughout the date that totally occurred because I am able to attract females, she seemed to be really interested and actively listening as I told her about all the hard classes I am taking, and how I—honestly—don’t even really have to try because all of it is just so basic. I added the fact that I call my mom almost every day while I make my dinner because she gives me instructions to make it—basically the same as a home-cooked meal. My very real date spent her time picking out a variety of shirts and a couple of pairs of pants while I followed her around the store carrying them in my arms. I even paid because I wanted her to know that I was a high-value man.
Due to this actual, real date’s total success, I thought I might get vulnerable with her while I drove back to her off-campus apartment. Throughout this 10-minute drive, I explained to the female how I have always struggled to date because I am too nice and the people I like either friendzone me or don’t think I’m “cool enough.” I mentioned how I am glad this totally material female is not as superficial as those other females, but still takes the time to look attractive in a way that is intended to attract the gaze of other men. I finished it off by saying that because of this, I felt comfortable enough to confess to her that I am a Redditor. After this pouring out of my heart, she asked me to stop the car and told me she would rather walk the rest of the way home, before grabbing the bag full of the clothes I paid for and starting down the sidewalk. When I tailed her with my car to make sure she got back, she yelled at me saying I am just, “some weirdo creep.” Obviously, this just goes to show she is just a low-value female, but it still hurt me to see that she didn’t even notice how lucky she was to have me interested in her in the first place despite this glaring flaw.
At the end of the day, people need to stop being so judgemental about the things other people enjoy. The websites I browse say nothing about who I am as a person and I feel that in the year 2024, everyone needs to stop oppressing Redditors.