The Master Of Memes

"moot" is the founder of 4chan, one of the largest communities on the Web. It's a profane, scary place. It's also the secret wellspring of Internet culture

Asia Kepka for TIME

moot doesn't give out much in the way of personal info. I don't even know his real name. He's 20 years old and skinny; he could pass for 16. He grew up in New York City and is currently in college somewhere. He is pleasant and very serious. "When people meet me and I'm generally pretty sociable and I meet some definition of normal, they're almost surprised," he says. "And simultaneously disappointed." We talk in a coffee shop in downtown Manhattan. He orders a lemonade.

moot is the founder of an online community called 4chan, located...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!