> At a Glance
> – Millennials still rely on Craigslist for jobs, housing, and creative casting despite newer AI platforms
> – No algorithms or AI-just simple, chronological listings
> – Purity and control cited as main draws over modern apps
> – Why it matters: In an era of algorithmic feeds, Craigslist’s bare-bones approach offers users predictability and direct control
Fifteen years after answering a Craigslist ad for her first writing gig reviewing internet porn, Megan Koester still uses the site for almost everything-from finding her rent-controlled apartment to furnishing her Mojave Desert cabin with free laminate flooring she scooped off the site.
The Appeal of Simplicity
Koester isn’t an outlier. Many millennials continue to favor Craigslist over flashier, AI-driven platforms. The site’s plain-text interface and strictly chronological listings give users a sense of control that algorithmic feeds can’t match.
- No recommendation engines deciding what you see
- No pay-to-play boosts burying organic posts
- No data-harvesting beyond an email address
> “There’s a purity to it.”
Megan Koester, writer and comedian
What Keeps Them Coming Back
Craigslist’s staying power lies in its consistency. Users know exactly where their post will appear and how long it’ll stay visible. For creative projects-like casting indie films or finding collaborators-millennials say the simplicity fosters genuine connections.
| Feature | Craigslist | AI-Driven Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Chronological | Algorithm-ranked |
| Cost | Mostly free | Freemium upsells |
| Privacy | Minimal tracking | Data-heavy profiles |
Koester’s desert dwelling, built with land and materials sourced entirely through Craigslist, underscores the platform’s enduring utility-even when permits get overlooked.
Key Takeaways
- Millennials value control over convenience when choosing online marketplaces
- Craigslist’s anti-AI stance becomes a selling point in 2026’s algorithm-saturated web
- Simple design can outperform feature-rich competitors for specific user needs
As social platforms double down on AI curation, Craigslist’s stubbornly low-tech approach keeps a loyal millennial base scrolling-and successfully landing jobs, homes, and even desert hideaways.
