Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) – Episode Summary: "The Backrooms: A Blurry Photo That Changed the Internet"

Release Date: February 11, 2025
Host: Jamie Loftus
Produced by: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to the Episode

Jamie Loftus opens the episode by reminiscing about childhood fears and introduces the central topic: the Backrooms—a seemingly innocuous blurry photo that has morphed into a multifaceted internet phenomenon. She hints at exploring its origins, the communities it has spawned, and the real-life mystery behind the image.

2. Origin of the Backrooms Concept

At [00:01 – 01:02], Loftus shares a personal anecdote about watching "The Ring" in her cousin’s historically haunted house, setting the stage for the discussion on how horror evolves with technology. She explains how the Backrooms image, first posted on 4chan in May 2019, encapsulates a modern form of horror intertwined with liminal spaces and internet folklore.

Notable Quote:

"The Backrooms picture hasn't been photoshopped to look scarier than it actually is. The eeriness isn't because there's something scary in frame, but it's the tension, the uncertainty."
— Jamie Loftus [07:31]

3. Different Online Communities around Backrooms

a. Liminal Spaces Community

Loftus categorizes a segment of the Backrooms fandom as the "Liminal Backrooms," which appreciate the image for its portrayal of transitional, eerie spaces devoid of overt threats. These environments evoke feelings of endlessness and absence, resonating with those experiencing life’s uncertain phases.

Notable Quote:

"The Backrooms became the most popular example of this bizarre, familiar but menacing void-like image."
— Jamie Loftus [16:15]

b. Creepypasta Backrooms Community

Another faction, the "Creepypasta Backrooms," leverages the image as a setting for horror narratives, infusing it with monsters and survival elements typical of creepypasta lore. This community primarily consists of younger, creative individuals who use the Backrooms as a backdrop for storytelling and fan fiction.

Notable Quote:

"In the creepypasta backrooms, you are being pursued through this infinite space by a monster who wants to kill you."
— Jamie Loftus [25:25]

c. Lost Media Backrooms Community

A third group, the "Lost Media Backrooms," is dedicated to uncovering the real location of the Backrooms image. Their quest exemplifies the collaborative spirit of internet communities, combining detective work with a passion for uncovering hidden histories.

4. Academic Perspective on Creepypastas (Sarah Bimo)

Jamie introduces Sarah Bimo, a PhD candidate who has extensively studied creepypastas. Bimo discusses how these internet-originated horror stories reflect collective anxieties about digital communication and technological advancements.

Notable Quotes:

"Creepypastas are a way for creative kids to navigate their fears, similar to how fanfiction helps them explore adolescent feelings."
— Sarah Bimo [30:40]

"The Backrooms is the natural inheritor of the creepypasta tradition, engaging with existential and technological fears."
— Sarah Bimo [41:22]

5. Real-life Tracing of the Backrooms Location (807 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, Wisconsin)

Loftus delves into the real-life story behind the Backrooms image. The photo was taken by Bob Mazza in 2002 at 807 Oregon Street in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Originally a department store, the location underwent numerous renovations, leading to its distinctive, labyrinthine appearance. In 2019, the image was shared online, sparking intrigue and community-driven efforts to locate the actual space.

Notable Quote:

"The Backrooms is 807 Oregon St., a small business and a community space that needs help to survive in a world increasingly hostile to community spaces."
— Jamie Loftus [85:28]

6. Impact on the Local Business (Hobbytown USA)

Upon discovering the Backrooms’ physical location, Hobbytown USA’s owner, Bob Mazza, experienced a surge of online interest. Fans began visiting the store, drawn by the lore and the eerie atmosphere of the Backrooms. Mazza initiated a GoFundMe campaign to repair the building’s roof, aiming to preserve both the store and its unintended role as an internet landmark.

Notable Quote:

"The Backrooms may have become popular as a site for conquering your fears, but the site is 807 Oregon St.—a space that needs help to survive."
— Jamie Loftus [85:28]

7. Conclusion: Community and Internet Creativity

Loftus reflects on the Backrooms as a symbol of internet-driven creativity and community building. Despite its origins from a single blurry photo, the Backrooms have fostered diverse online communities and real-world collaborations aimed at preserving and celebrating this unique cultural artifact.

Notable Quote:

"There has been so much creativity, so much community built during a time where real-life spaces to commune weren't safe. So Backrooms people noclipped and ended up finding each other there."
— Jamie Loftus [87:44]

Key Takeaways

• The Backrooms Phenomenon: Originating from a single image, the Backrooms have become a multifaceted internet phenomenon, spawning various communities and narratives.

• Community Diversity: The Backrooms encompass different interpretations—liminal spaces evoking existential dread, creepypasta stories adding layers of horror, and lost media enthusiasts seeking the real location.

• Academic Insights: Experts like Sarah Bimo highlight how creepypastas and similar genres serve as outlets for navigating digital-era anxieties and identity formation.

• Real-world Impact: The discovery of the Backrooms’ actual location has had tangible effects on local businesses and communities, demonstrating the power of internet lore in shaping real-life interactions.

• Cultural Significance: The Backrooms exemplify how a simple image can evolve into a rich cultural symbol, reflecting broader societal fears and the human penchant for storytelling and community building.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jamie Loftus [07:31]:

  "The Backrooms picture hasn't been photoshopped to look scarier than it actually is. The eeriness isn't because there's something scary in frame, but it's the tension, the uncertainty."

• Sarah Bimo [30:40]:

  "Creepypastas are a way for creative kids to navigate their fears, similar to how fanfiction helps them explore adolescent feelings."

• Jamie Loftus [85:28]:

  "The Backrooms is 807 Oregon St., a small business and a community space that needs help to survive in a world increasingly hostile to community spaces."

• Jamie Loftus [87:44]:

  "There has been so much creativity, so much community built during a time where real-life spaces to commune weren't safe. So Backrooms people noclipped and ended up finding each other there."

Conclusion

This episode of "Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)" offers a comprehensive exploration of the Backrooms phenomenon, intertwining internet culture, academic analysis, and real-life impacts. Jamie Loftus skillfully navigates through the layers of online communities and the tangible story behind a single photograph, highlighting the intricate ways in which digital narratives shape and are shaped by our real-world experiences.