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Angertainment: How social media outrage ruined everything
We were promised a global village; we got a gladiatorial arena.
No longer just a tool for connection, social media has spawned an entire outrage industry harvesting and monetising our worst impulses. Welcome to the era of Angertainment.
Angertainment shows how our emotions are being hijacked to build political and cultural capital by those who know how to game the outrage economy. How ‘rage bait’— the 2025 Word of the Year—can change how you vote, what you buy and who you hate.
In this high-stakes, highly entertaining journey through our new reality, Ed Coper unmasks the architects of this new power—from manosphere gurus to political demagogues—who have realised that in the attention economy, your anger is the only currency that matters.
Darkly funny and terrifyingly urgent, Angertainment is a groundbreaking manual for dismantling the outrage machine.
First, we must understand it. Then we can work to defeat it.
No longer just a tool for connection, social media has spawned an entire outrage industry harvesting and monetising our worst impulses. Welcome to the era of Angertainment.
Angertainment shows how our emotions are being hijacked to build political and cultural capital by those who know how to game the outrage economy. How ‘rage bait’— the 2025 Word of the Year—can change how you vote, what you buy and who you hate.
In this high-stakes, highly entertaining journey through our new reality, Ed Coper unmasks the architects of this new power—from manosphere gurus to political demagogues—who have realised that in the attention economy, your anger is the only currency that matters.
Darkly funny and terrifyingly urgent, Angertainment is a groundbreaking manual for dismantling the outrage machine.
First, we must understand it. Then we can work to defeat it.
Audible Audio
Published May 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 2, 2026
As much as I agree with the premise and concepts explored within the book regarding social media being used as a way to fuel hatred and divide among every sector of society. I just did not vibe with the way it was presented, it split everyone into a very black and white “MAGA, and NOT MAGA” which I think heavily discounted some arguments as “extreme right” that are not necessarily so… it also does nothing to address the reason behind some of the specific events mentioned that caused “MAGA” to go on a social media “rampage”.
I think the execution could have come from a less political divide viewpoint in my opinion…
I think the execution could have come from a less political divide viewpoint in my opinion…
June 29, 2026
Everyone needs to read this!
July 28, 2026
Outstanding and important read for anyone who likes a doomscroll or parents kids who want to. Did it as an audiobook and Ed’s voice is fantastic too.
June 24, 2026
Angertainment: How Social Media Outrage Ruined Everything by Ed Coper is a timely, thought-provoking, and highly relevant book that examines one of the most significant issues facing modern society: the growing influence of outrage-driven media and its impact on public opinion.
What made this book particularly engaging for me was how closely its themes reflect what is currently happening in politics, social media, news reporting, and public discourse. I have always found books more enjoyable when I can directly relate their content to real-world events, and Angertainment achieves this exceptionally well. As I read through its chapters, I found myself constantly drawing connections to the endless stream of social media posts, podcasts, online commentary, and political debates that dominate modern life.
Ed Coper has clearly invested considerable effort into researching the subject. He presents a compelling argument that ordinary people are increasingly being influenced and, at times, manipulated by powerful interests, including corporations, political groups, media organizations, and other entities seeking to shape public opinion for their own benefit. The book explores how outrage has become a valuable commodity in the digital age, with algorithms and online platforms often rewarding the most emotionally charged content because it attracts attention, engagement, and ultimately profit.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its explanation of how easily individuals can be drawn into cycles of anger, division, and tribal thinking without fully realizing it. Social media platforms have transformed the way information is consumed, allowing news, opinions, and commentary to spread instantly to millions of people. While this has many benefits, it also creates an environment where sensationalism often receives more attention than careful analysis and where emotional reactions can sometimes overshadow facts and critical thinking.
The book raises important questions about how people form their opinions and whether they are always aware of the influences shaping their beliefs. In today's world, many individuals spend hours each day consuming content through social media, podcasts, video platforms, and online news sources. Over time, this constant exposure can have a significant impact on how people view political issues, social debates, and current events. The author argues that understanding these influences is essential if people wish to make informed decisions rather than simply reacting to the latest outrage cycle.
In my view, one of the most valuable aspects of this book is its educational potential. I believe it should be recommended reading for high school students and young adults. Younger generations are among the most active users of social media and are often the primary audience for content designed to provoke emotional responses and drive engagement. Learning how algorithms work, how information can be framed to influence opinion, and how to evaluate sources critically are increasingly important life skills in the digital age.
The book also serves as a reminder that social media is arguably the most powerful communication tool ever created. People of all ages—from children to seniors—now rely on online platforms for news, entertainment, education, and social interaction. As a result, understanding how these platforms operate and how they can shape perceptions is no longer optional; it is an essential part of modern citizenship.
What I appreciated most about Angertainment is that it encourages readers to think critically rather than simply accept information at face value. It challenges people to question why certain stories gain attention, who benefits from particular narratives, and how emotional reactions can sometimes be exploited for commercial, political, or ideological purposes.
Overall, this is an insightful and highly relevant book that addresses an issue affecting virtually everyone in today's connected world. Whether you agree with every argument presented or not, it provides valuable food for thought and encourages readers to become more conscious consumers of information.
I award Angertainment: How Social Media Outrage Ruined Everything 4 out of 5 stars. It is an important and engaging read that highlights the growing power of social media, the dangers of manipulation through outrage, and the importance of critical thinking in an increasingly digital world.
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
What made this book particularly engaging for me was how closely its themes reflect what is currently happening in politics, social media, news reporting, and public discourse. I have always found books more enjoyable when I can directly relate their content to real-world events, and Angertainment achieves this exceptionally well. As I read through its chapters, I found myself constantly drawing connections to the endless stream of social media posts, podcasts, online commentary, and political debates that dominate modern life.
Ed Coper has clearly invested considerable effort into researching the subject. He presents a compelling argument that ordinary people are increasingly being influenced and, at times, manipulated by powerful interests, including corporations, political groups, media organizations, and other entities seeking to shape public opinion for their own benefit. The book explores how outrage has become a valuable commodity in the digital age, with algorithms and online platforms often rewarding the most emotionally charged content because it attracts attention, engagement, and ultimately profit.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its explanation of how easily individuals can be drawn into cycles of anger, division, and tribal thinking without fully realizing it. Social media platforms have transformed the way information is consumed, allowing news, opinions, and commentary to spread instantly to millions of people. While this has many benefits, it also creates an environment where sensationalism often receives more attention than careful analysis and where emotional reactions can sometimes overshadow facts and critical thinking.
The book raises important questions about how people form their opinions and whether they are always aware of the influences shaping their beliefs. In today's world, many individuals spend hours each day consuming content through social media, podcasts, video platforms, and online news sources. Over time, this constant exposure can have a significant impact on how people view political issues, social debates, and current events. The author argues that understanding these influences is essential if people wish to make informed decisions rather than simply reacting to the latest outrage cycle.
In my view, one of the most valuable aspects of this book is its educational potential. I believe it should be recommended reading for high school students and young adults. Younger generations are among the most active users of social media and are often the primary audience for content designed to provoke emotional responses and drive engagement. Learning how algorithms work, how information can be framed to influence opinion, and how to evaluate sources critically are increasingly important life skills in the digital age.
The book also serves as a reminder that social media is arguably the most powerful communication tool ever created. People of all ages—from children to seniors—now rely on online platforms for news, entertainment, education, and social interaction. As a result, understanding how these platforms operate and how they can shape perceptions is no longer optional; it is an essential part of modern citizenship.
What I appreciated most about Angertainment is that it encourages readers to think critically rather than simply accept information at face value. It challenges people to question why certain stories gain attention, who benefits from particular narratives, and how emotional reactions can sometimes be exploited for commercial, political, or ideological purposes.
Overall, this is an insightful and highly relevant book that addresses an issue affecting virtually everyone in today's connected world. Whether you agree with every argument presented or not, it provides valuable food for thought and encourages readers to become more conscious consumers of information.
I award Angertainment: How Social Media Outrage Ruined Everything 4 out of 5 stars. It is an important and engaging read that highlights the growing power of social media, the dangers of manipulation through outrage, and the importance of critical thinking in an increasingly digital world.
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
August 19, 2026
It's good enough for what it is but it does tend of over-generalise some things to make the arguments.
Wrestling does have complex and detailed storylines or they would not have so many writers!
As I have said to Amy Remekis this is at odds with her book "Be Nice" as if they other side are not being nice why should we be? It's the only thing some people will understand. Not to be negative but haven spoken to a lot of the actual public who consume "angertainment" the worst thing that would collapse right wing support would be the supply of adult nappies and vagina moisturiser suddenly being blocked.
Wrestling does have complex and detailed storylines or they would not have so many writers!
As I have said to Amy Remekis this is at odds with her book "Be Nice" as if they other side are not being nice why should we be? It's the only thing some people will understand. Not to be negative but haven spoken to a lot of the actual public who consume "angertainment" the worst thing that would collapse right wing support would be the supply of adult nappies and vagina moisturiser suddenly being blocked.
June 25, 2026
This book was a great listen and extremely relevant for the times we are living in right now. I feel like those of us that will read / listen to this book are the ones that probably already have some basic level of understanding of the ‘angertainment algorithm’ that sucks us all in from time to time. Imagine a world where this type of literacy is taught in schools so we can atleast try and stop the next generation from falling victim to this cycle of online hatred…..
May 28, 2026
This is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time in highlighting the problem with sensationalist news that we get day in day out from social media. The authors’ use of metaphors and obscure quotes was very clever and had me laughing out loud. Excellent book and I am a right winged MAGA loving fan myself! 10/10
August 2, 2026
Fascinating stuff. I feel like this should be required reading in high schools. Just as any good diet we need to put good food into our system we need to do the same with the information that we consume. Ed unpacks the benefactors of this new system of entertainment really well . Definitely recommend.
Did Not Finish
August 3, 2026I am not going to read this book because I did not finish it. The thesis is well fought out, and the introduction was good. However, I felt like each example just repeated what was said from the prior example. I only listen to about two hours the audiobook which is far longer, and so I know I didn’t give it the best chance.
May 30, 2026
5⭐️
Really interesting take on the current political situation with MAGA. I think the author’s diagnosis of the problem, the evidence used to support & the solutions offered were strong and convincing
Really interesting take on the current political situation with MAGA. I think the author’s diagnosis of the problem, the evidence used to support & the solutions offered were strong and convincing
May 31, 2026
Easy 5-stars. Clear-headed, informative, but also entertaining. It's a very of-the-moment account of how social media, information sharing, news etc. has been hijacked by those wishing to cause anger and harm, while also offering some solutions on how to win back the internet.
June 16, 2026
Very informative.
August 9, 2026
3.5 stars
August 24, 2026
Didn't agree with everything but agreed with a lot. A very experienced political operator
August 27, 2026
Angertainment makes the argument that social media has spawned an entire industry focused on monetising our worst impulses for political and cultural gain - the portmanteau "angertainment". Coper traces how rage bait, manosphere gurus and political demagogues have built a machine that runs on anger, shaping what we vote for, what we buy, and who we hate.
An interesting if somewhat long-winded read. It's not news if you're already paying attention, but it has a way of making you look more critically at your own social media habits and just how much the media landscape has shifted.
An interesting if somewhat long-winded read. It's not news if you're already paying attention, but it has a way of making you look more critically at your own social media habits and just how much the media landscape has shifted.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews