Adrian Chen was born on November 23, 1984, in the United States. He grew up with two sisters and his parents, Harry and Anne. His father, Harry, worked as an ER physician and also served as the Vermont Health Commissioner. From a young age, Adrian was surrounded by a family who valued education and public service.
Adrian attended college to study journalism, where he honed his skills in writing and investigative reporting. He graduated with a degree in journalism and began pursuing a career in the field.
Adrian Chen's career in journalism took off when he landed a job as a tech journalist for notable publications and websites such as The New Yorker and Gawker. He quickly made a name for himself by reporting on controversial and high-profile topics.
One of Adrian's most famous stories involved outing Reddit user Violentacrez, also known as Michael Brutsch. Brutsch moderated a controversial subreddit called r/Jailbait, which featured photos of underage girls taken in a sexual context and shared without their consent. Adrian's reporting shed light on the dark underbelly of the internet and sparked important conversations about online ethics and privacy.
In addition to his work on Reddit, Adrian wrote an exposé on Silk Road, a dark web market that facilitated the illegal sale of drugs and other black-market items. His article caught the attention of Senators Chuck Schumer and Joe Manchin, who called for the website to be shut down. Adrian's investigative reporting had real-world implications and brought attention to issues of cybercrime and online safety.
Aside from his written work, Adrian also ventured into filmmaking. He directed a short film called The Moderators, which explored the world of internet moderators. The film was featured on Last Week Tonight hosted by John Oliver, further solidifying Adrian's reputation as a skilled storyteller.
Despite his busy career, Adrian remains close to his family. He values the support and guidance they have provided throughout his journey in journalism. In his free time, Adrian enjoys spending time with loved ones and staying up-to-date on the latest trends in technology and media.
As a journalist, Adrian Chen continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. His work serves as a reminder of the power of investigative reporting and the importance of holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions.