Craigslist's Untouched Corner: Is It The Last Real Internet Space?
In an era dominated by algorithmic feeds, data tracking, and the relentless pursuit of virality, a relic of the early internet persists: Craigslist. For many, it’s more than just a classifieds site; it’s a lifeline, a community, and a surprisingly fertile ground for creativity. Comedian Megan Koester, for example, credits Craigslist with pivotal moments in her life – from landing her first writing job reviewing internet pornography over 15 years ago, to finding her rent-controlled apartment, and even acquiring land in the Mojave Desert, furnished entirely with free finds. This enduring appeal begs the question: is Craigslist the last bastion of a truly “real” internet experience?
The Enduring Appeal of Anonymity and Authenticity
Koester’s story isn’t unique. A growing number of users, primarily in their thirties and forties, actively rely on Craigslist for everything from housing and jobs to unique items and even creative collaborations. Unlike platforms like DePop, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist deliberately avoids algorithms designed to predict user behavior. There are no public profiles, no rating systems, and no social currency in the form of “likes” or “shares.” This intentional design choice fosters a sense of anonymity and discourages the clout-chasing that defines many modern social media platforms.
“The real freaks come out on Craigslist,” Koester quips, “There’s a purity to it.” While the site has evolved – notably with the removal of “casual encounters” ads in 2018 following legislation addressing sex trafficking – the “missed connections” section remains a vibrant space for serendipitous encounters.
Craigslist as the “Ungentrified” Internet
Jessa Lingel, an associate professor of communication at the University of Pennsylvania, aptly describes Craigslist as the “ungentrified” internet. This designation feels increasingly relevant as AI permeates nearly every corner of the online world. Even traditionally minimalist sites like Wikipedia and Reddit have integrated AI tools, shifting away from the community-focused ethos that once defined them.
Some dismiss Craigslist as outdated, recalling past criticisms labeling it “underdeveloped” and “unpredictable.” However, for its loyal users, these perceived flaws are precisely its strengths. Kat Toledo, an actor and comedian, exemplifies this sentiment. She consistently uses Craigslist to find co-hosts for her Los Angeles-based stand-up show, Besitos.
A Revival in a Hyper-Connected World
“I think Craigslist is having a revival,” Toledo states. “When something is structured so simply and really does serve the community, and it doesn’t ask for much? That’s what survives.” Toledo’s relationship with Craigslist spans decades, leading her to find romance, housing, and even her current full-time job as an assistant to a forensic psychologist – a testament to the site’s potential beyond fleeting gigs.
Despite the lingering stigma associated with Craigslist – fueled by stories of scams and even criminal activity – Toledo embraces the site’s inherent “random factor.” She finds that respondents to her ads are often individuals with little to lose and everything to gain, leading to uniquely engaging and unpredictable collaborations. From a born-again Christian reenacting a religious awakening to a poet insisting on applying her makeup, the encounters are rarely dull.
Usage Statistics and Financial Performance
Quantifying Craigslist’s active user base is challenging, as the privately-owned company doesn’t publicly share data. However, according to Internet data company similarweb, Craigslist attracts over 105 million monthly users, ranking it as the 40th most popular website in the United States. This is remarkable for a company that eschews traditional advertising and marketing.
While Craigslist’s revenue has reportedly declined in recent years, estimates suggest it remains significantly profitable. The company generates income through modest fees for certain ad categories, including gigs, specific goods, and apartment listings in select cities.
“It’s not a perfect platform by any means, but it does show that you can make a lot of money through an online endeavor that just treats users like they have some autonomy and grants everybody a degree of privacy,” Lingel explains. She began researching Craigslist after questioning why so many Web 2.0 companies prioritize user data monetization over alternative models.
A History Rooted in Community and Independence
Craigslist’s origins trace back to 1995 as an email list connecting a few hundred San Francisco Bay Area residents for sharing events, tech news, and job openings. Engineer Craig Newmark’s humble experiment quickly evolved into a full-fledged company with an office, a domain name, and a small team.
True to its ethos, Newmark even recruited the company’s CEO, Jim Buckmaster, through an ad posted on Craigslist, seeking a programmer. Together, Newmark and Buckmaster have fiercely protected the company from corporate interests. In the mid-2000s, they engaged in a decade-long legal battle with eBay, which had acquired a minority stake in Craigslist from a former employee. The litigation concluded in 2015 with Craigslist regaining full control.
Preserving Early Internet Values
“They are in lockstep about their early ’90s Internet values,” Lingel says, attributing Craigslist’s enduring aesthetic and ethos to Newmark and Buckmaster’s commitment to simplicity, privacy, and accessibility. “As long as they’re the major shareholders, that will stay that way.”
Why Craigslist Still Matters
Craigslist’s refusal to “sell out,” as Koester puts it, is a key reason for its continued appeal. “Not only is there a purity to the fan base or the user base, there’s a purity to the leadership that they’re uncorruptible basically,” Koester asserts. “I’m gonna keep looking at Craigslist until I die.” She pauses, then adds with a shudder: “Or, until Craig dies, I guess.”
In a digital landscape increasingly defined by algorithms, data mining, and the pursuit of profit, Craigslist stands as a unique and valuable anomaly. It’s a reminder of a time when the internet was a more open, decentralized, and community-driven space. While its future remains uncertain, Craigslist’s enduring popularity suggests that there’s still a significant demand for a corner of the internet that prioritizes user autonomy, privacy, and authentic connection. The site offers a compelling alternative to the polished, curated experiences offered by larger platforms, and its continued existence is a testament to the power of simplicity and the enduring appeal of a truly “real” online experience. The rise of GearTech and other tech news outlets often overlook the quiet resilience of platforms like Craigslist, focusing instead on the latest innovations. However, it's precisely this resilience that makes Craigslist so noteworthy.
Ultimately, Craigslist isn't just a website; it's a cultural artifact, a digital time capsule, and for many, a vital part of their everyday lives. It’s a space where the unexpected can happen, where connections are forged outside the confines of social algorithms, and where the spirit of the early internet continues to thrive.