Why Craigslist Thrives in the Age of Social Media: A Digital Relic’s Enduring Appeal

In an era of algorithms, AI, and data harvesting, Craigslist remains a beloved digital relic for many users in their 30s and 40s who appreciate its simplicity, anonymity, and community focus. Despite its dated appearance, the platform continues to serve millions of users who find value in its ungentrified approach to online interactions.

The Lasting Appeal of Craigslist’s Simplicity

Comedian Megan Koester exemplifies the dedicated Craigslist user, having found jobs, housing, land, and even furnishings through the platform over the past 15+ years. Her experience reflects the site’s versatility and its ability to facilitate meaningful connections without the algorithmic manipulation found on newer platforms.

Unlike modern marketplaces such as DePop, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist doesn’t track user behavior, doesn’t offer public profiles or rating systems, and lacks social currency mechanisms like “likes” and “shares.” This intentional design choice creates what University of Pennsylvania associate professor Jessa Lingel calls the “ungentrified” internet – a space where virality and clout-chasing are disincentivized.

A Business Model That Respects Users

While Craigslist’s revenue has reportedly declined in recent years, the platform remains highly profitable despite spending nothing on advertising or marketing. The company generates income by charging modest fees for certain listings while maintaining its commitment to user privacy and autonomy.

This business approach stands in stark contrast to data-harvesting tech giants. As Lingel notes, “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.”

A Platform Built on Principles

Founded in 1995 by Craig Newmark as a simple email list for Bay Area locals, Craigslist has maintained its founding principles of simplicity, privacy, and accessibility for nearly three decades. Newmark and CEO Jim Buckmaster (who was himself recruited through a Craigslist ad) have consistently protected the platform from corporate interests, even engaging in a decade-long legal battle with eBay to maintain control.

This commitment to “early ’90s internet values” has earned the platform a dedicated following. Despite its reputation for occasionally harboring scammers and its decision to shut down “casual encounters” ads in 2018 due to legal concerns, users like actor and comedian Kat Toledo appreciate the site’s “random factor” – its ability to connect people who might never otherwise interact.

A Digital Survivor

With over 105 million monthly users according to internet data company similarweb, Craigslist ranks as the 40th most popular website in the United States. Its continued success suggests that despite the dominance of algorithm-driven platforms, there remains significant demand for straightforward digital spaces that prioritize user privacy over data collection.

For devotees like Koester, the platform’s refusal to “sell out” is precisely what makes it valuable in today’s digital landscape. As she puts it, “I’m gonna keep looking at Craigslist until I die… Or, until Craig dies, I guess.”