A recent article in The New Yorker highlights how Jubilee Media's viral YouTube series, "Surrounded," is redefining public debate by anthropomorphizing the internet and turning incendiary discourse into a form of live-action role-play. As noted by Brady Brickner-Wood in the publication, "what makes content like the 'Surrounded' videos particularly modern is how it attempts to anthropomorphize the internet, turning incendiary discourse into live-action role-play." This format has garnered significant attention and sparked widespread discussion about the nature of online interaction.
Jubilee Media, the Los Angeles-based company behind "Surrounded," was founded with the stated intention of fostering understanding and connection, aiming to become the "Disney for empathy." The series typically features one individual, such as a progressive pundit or a scientist, positioned against approximately 20 people holding opposing viewpoints, who then engage in a rapid-fire debate format. This "one versus many" dynamic is designed to provoke discussion and challenge perspectives.
The show has achieved viral success, with episodes featuring prominent figures like Mehdi Hasan debating 20 self-identified "far-right conservatives" and Sam Seder engaging with Trump supporters, accumulating millions of views. These highly watched videos often generate significant online buzz, contributing to their widespread circulation across various social media platforms. The format aims to capture the essence of polarized online discussions in a visual, engaging manner.
Despite its popularity and stated goals, "Surrounded" has faced criticism for its "gladiatorial spectacle" and for potentially reducing complex issues to "memeification of politics." Critics argue that while the series is compelling content, it may not always facilitate genuine discourse, with some suggesting it can inadvertently platform extreme views. The debate continues whether the show genuinely bridges divides or merely monetizes existing polarization within digital spaces.