Is Craigslist the Internet's Last Frontier?

Over 15 years ago, comedian Megan Koester stumbled upon her first writing gig—a job reviewing internet pornography—through a Craigslist ad. Fast forward a few years, this platform helped her secure a rent-stabilized apartment which she continues to occupy. As she ventured into property ownership, it was through this same site she discovered a plot of land in the Mojave Desert. Her use of Craigslist extended to furnishing this abode, relying solely on the free listings section, a decision that led to installations such as laminate flooring previously utilized by a film crew.

Koester, who's now in her 40s, often highlights her allegiance to Craigslist, a sentiment shared via her social media which frequently features bizarre screenshots from the site’s free section. Donning a cashmere sweater procured at no charge exemplifies her commitment—it’s about the leap of faith required to respond to virtually invisible ads. Her embrace of the site is unwavering: "I’m fully committed," she says.

Millennials' Haven Amidst Algorithmic Overload

Countless Craigslist enthusiasts, particularly those in their 30s and 40s, continue to find value in this seemingly antiquated avenue for classifieds. For them, it's more than a digital bulletin board—it's a realm where anonymity thrives, transactions can be non-monetary, and unique connections flourish. Whether it's finding love, securing jobs, or casting ambitious artistic projects, users appreciate how Craigslist operates without the influence of tracking algorithms that have become ubiquitous on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Etsy.

Craigslist fosters an environment devoid of social recognition elements prevalent in modern media. There are no profiles with followers, likes, or shares—features that often fuel status-seeking behaviors on apps such as TikTok and Instagram. This simplistic approach harkens back to a purer form of the internet, attracting those disenchanted by today’s data-driven digital spaces.

A Space Untouched by Algorithms

Jessa Lingel, a University of Pennsylvania communication professor, has described Craigslist as the 'ungentrified' part of the web. As AI continues to refine personalization on the internet, platforms like Craigslist stand as rare exceptions that resist these changes. This distinction as an outdated yet endearing platform only adds to its allure for many.

Actor and comedian Kat Toledo shares this sentiment. She frequently uses Craigslist to find cohosts for her Los Angeles comedy show and appreciates the uncomplicated and community-focused nature of the site. Toledo’s longstanding relationship with Craigslist dates back to the 2000s, having used it to seek romantic partners, housing solutions, and even stable employment as a forensic psychology assistant. To her, Craigslist's unpredictability and the random encounters it facilitates are precisely what make it valuable.

Craigslist's Timeless Business Model

Despite not engaging in mainstream advertising, Craigslist remains a popular site with over 105 million monthly users in the U.S. alone, ranking as the 40th most visited website nationwide. Though its revenue has seen a downturn in recent years, the platform continues to operate profitably, largely through nominal ad listing fees for select goods and services in major metro areas.

Lingel highlights Craigslist as a profitable enterprise that respects user privacy and autonomy, challenging the notion that success hinges on the monetization of user data. Her interest in the site led to extensive research and a book exploring its history from its inception as an email newsletter in the mid-'90s to its evolution into a full-fledged service.

Guardians of an Authentic Experience

The enduring design and ethos of Craigslist owe much to founders Craig Newmark and Jim Buckmaster, who have resisted corporate takeover attempts, most notably from eBay. Their determination has maintained Craigslist's core values of simplicity, privacy, and equal access.

Koester, like many users, is drawn to the site for what she perceives as its leadership's unwavering integrity, free from corruption. To her—and countless others—Craigslist is something they will turn to as long as these principles remain intact.