2025-06-26 12:00:38.363

The threat of nuclear war, genocide, AI reducing human cognitive ability, and record heatwaves—disasters strike with increasing frequency. Many cope by ignoring the news, but the r/collapse subreddit confronts the unraveling of civilization head-on. With half a million members, many joined after the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump's presidency, viewing history as a freefall. Discussions range from the Iran-Israel conflict to the deadly effects of extreme heat and declining phytoplankton levels in the North Atlantic. Moderated by experts in various fields, the subreddit maintains a relatively objective tone, focusing on evidence-based analysis rather than speculation or activism. The moderators grapple with existential questions: What constitutes collapse? Is it already happening? Why isn't there a stronger reaction? They also address practical issues like where to live and what jobs will be most useful during a collapse. The subreddit's weekly newsletter, "Last Week in Collapse," summarizes global crises, presenting a bleak but informative overview. While offering mental health resources, the moderators acknowledge the toll of constantly processing such distressing information. They debate the morality of having children and the impact of technological progress, challenging the prevailing faith in continuous advancement. The overall message is one of sobering realism, acknowledging the potential for a long-term decline rather than a sudden catastrophic event. While some find the community helpful, others find it too overwhelming. The author of the newsletter predicts a future marked by climate emergencies, famines, wars, and scarcity, emphasizing the importance of focusing on practical actions rather than dwelling on the impending doom.