Reddit will keep old Reddit online ‘as long as people are using it,’ says CEO

The Verge - May 7th, 2025
Open on The Verge

In a recent post titled “Reddit’s next chapter,” CEO Steve Huffman assured users that the classic Reddit layout, old.reddit, will remain online despite jokingly suggesting its shutdown. This comes amid various platform updates including core product improvements and evolving subreddit functions. Huffman emphasized a shift in the role of moderators from policing to community cultivation, supported by enhanced AI-driven tools. Additionally, Reddit plans to request more identifying information from users to comply with regulatory requirements without compromising anonymity.

These developments highlight Reddit's commitment to maintaining a user-friendly interface and enhancing community engagement. Despite fears of unwelcome AI presence, Huffman reassures that human interaction remains central to Reddit's identity. The announcement of changes to Reddit Chat, including the replacement of user PMs with Chat and the introduction of allowlists, reflects ongoing efforts to adapt and improve user communication. These strategic moves indicate Reddit's proactive stance in evolving with technological and regulatory landscapes while prioritizing user privacy and community integrity.

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RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and generally accurate overview of Reddit's potential changes, particularly regarding the old Reddit interface and the company's future plans. It effectively highlights key statements from Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, offering reassurance to users concerned about platform continuity. However, the article could benefit from greater balance by including perspectives from Reddit users or industry experts, which would provide a more comprehensive view of the potential impacts. While the article is clear and readable, it lacks transparency in sourcing and could improve its engagement potential by inviting reader interaction. Overall, the article addresses significant public interest topics but could enhance its impact and engagement through more detailed analysis and diverse perspectives.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article is generally accurate in its representation of Reddit CEO Steve Huffman's statements. It correctly notes that Huffman made a joke about shutting down old Reddit, which he later clarified. However, the article could benefit from more specific details or direct quotes to enhance precision. For instance, while it mentions Huffman's jest, it does not provide the exact language used, which would help in verifying the tone and context of the statement. Additionally, the claims about planned changes to Reddit, such as core product improvements and shifts in moderator roles, are presented without direct evidence or quotes from official announcements, which slightly detracts from the accuracy. The article's mention of Reddit's approach to user information collection aligns with known regulatory trends, but it lacks specific details on the third-party services involved, leaving room for further verification.

6
Balance

The article primarily reflects the perspective of Reddit's CEO, Steve Huffman, and does not present any counterpoints or perspectives from other stakeholders, such as Reddit users or moderators who might be affected by the changes. While it mentions user concerns about AI and privacy, these are not elaborated upon or supported with quotes or data from users themselves. The article could achieve better balance by including reactions or opinions from the Reddit community or experts in social media management, which would provide a more comprehensive view of the potential impacts of the discussed changes.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its presentation of information. It follows a logical structure, beginning with the context of user concerns about old Reddit's potential shutdown, then moving on to Huffman's statements and the planned changes to the platform. The language is straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of technical terms and concepts, such as 'AI-driven automation' and 'regulatory requirements,' to ensure all readers fully understand the implications of the changes discussed.

5
Source quality

The primary source of information in the article is Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, which is appropriate given the context. However, the article relies heavily on Huffman's statements without corroborating them with additional sources or data. This reliance on a single source limits the depth and reliability of the reporting. Including insights from other credible sources, such as industry experts or Reddit community leaders, could enhance the article's reliability and provide a more rounded perspective.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the basis of its claims. While it references a post by Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, it does not link directly to this source or provide detailed excerpts, which would allow readers to verify the claims independently. The article also lacks information on the methodology used to gather its information, such as whether the statements were obtained through an interview, a public post, or another medium. Greater transparency about the sources and methods used would improve the article's credibility and help readers understand the context of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.outreachbee.com/old-reddit-back/
  2. https://www.marketplace.org/episode/reddits-ceo-on-why-its-partnering-with-openai-and-google