https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-hottest-new-hangout-for-middle-schoolers-is-npr-s-comment-sectionContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-hottest-new-hangout-for-middle-schoolers-is-npr-s-comment-sectionhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-hottest-new-hangout-for-middle-schoolers-is-npr-s-comment-section#u93133Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:41:04 +0000Middle school students have turned the podcast comment sections of National Public Radio shows on Spotify into an underground group chat. Producers noticed an influx of out-of-context messages on shows like Planet Money, Up First, Throughline, and Wild Card. Messages included inside jokes, typos, all-caps text, and shout-outs to teachers. Showrunner Dave Blanchard deleted a thread and shared screenshots, while producer Hannah Chin identified the users. The trend highlights how young people find alternative digital spaces when traditional social media and messaging applications are restricted.W