About this episode
In 2014, an urban legend formed around a cartoon cat chatbot when rumors spread across social media that a child predator was operating the app, actually visible in the reflection of her big blue eyes. We'll look at the moral panic that cropped up around Talking Angela, and take a look at how urban legends are often a patchwork of clumsy crowdsourced creativity taken far too seriously.
Become a Patron to support our show and get early ad-free episodes and bonus content
American Hysteria is written, produced, and hosted by Chelsey Weber-Smith
Sound design by Clear Commo Studios
Co-written by Riley Swedelius-Smith
Co-edited by Miranda Zickler
Voice acting by Will Rogers
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time American Hysteria publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from American Hysteria
Introducing: No Such Thing
American Hysteria
May 7, 202612:29pending
THE BENNINGTON TRIANGLE pt. 2 with Sarah Marshall
American Hysteria
May 4, 20261:26:02pending
THE BENNINGTON TRIANGLE pt. 1 with Sarah Marshall
American Hysteria
Apr 27, 20261:28:42failed
Introducing: History Daily
American Hysteria
Apr 24, 202616:15failed