4chan was launched in 2003 by Christopher Poole, known online as 'moot'. The site was inspired by Japanese imageboards, particularly 2chan, aiming to create a similar platform for English-speaking users. 4chan allowed users to post images and participate in discussions across various boards dedicated to specific interests, from anime and manga to video games and technology. This open forum format promoted a sense of anonymity and freedom of expression, resonating with many users who valued these principles. The structure of 4chan, characterized by ephemeral content and a lack of permanent user accounts, encouraged a culture of spontaneous and often chaotic interactions. User contributions defined the site's dynamic, leading to the rapid viral spread of internet memes and the emergence of new digital subcultures. However, this very anonymity and the site’s minimal moderation became sources of contention. 4chan gained notoriety for hosting controversial content, including offensive material and inciting online harassment, which raised ethical questions around freedom of speech versus responsible community management. Despite these issues, or perhaps because of them, 4chan developed a reputation as a breeding ground for creativity, satire, and activism.