Middle Schoolers Use NPR Podcast Comments as Group Chat

<figure> <img alt="Graphic illustration of students walking down a hallway in school." src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25332725/STK419_DEEPFAKE_CVIRGINIA_L.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Middle school students, possibly restricted from using other apps and social networks, have utilized the Spotify comment section of an episode of NPR's <em>Wild Card</em> as an informal group chat. In a <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/897/intergenerational-space-travel">new episode</a> of <em>This American Life</em>, host Ira Glass explores how the students ended up in this space and the reasons behind their choice. The situation reflects their creativity in navigating the limitations imposed on them.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When Glass inquired why they chose this specific podcast, one student responded, "We just, like, looked for podcasts that didn't have many comments," which elicited a somewhat emotional reaction from Glass.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Initially, showrunner Dave Blanchard perceived the comments as a …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/1001056/this-american-life-npr-kids-group-chat-comment-section">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>