Hasan Minhaj Explores Long-Distance Love in New WhatsApp Podcast Series
Comedian Hasan Minhaj brings real-life long-distance love stories to WhatsApp’s new podcast, exploring connections in a tech-savvy, catfish-aware world.
Deepanjali
In a refreshing twist for WhatsApp, comedian Hasan Minhaj is now exploring long-distance love stories through a new podcast series called Started on WhatsApp: Love Stories. Launched on the Meta-owned messaging app, the show takes listeners on a journey through real-life tales of couples who manage to bridge the miles and maintain their connections despite the distance. With Minhaj at the helm, each episode delves into how modern couples navigate long-distance relationships and make them work in a digital age.
WhatsApp’s decision to host this podcast comes as a surprise to many, given the platform’s association with catfishing and online scams, particularly ones that often start on other social platforms and then move to WhatsApp. Catfishing, a common form of online deception where someone pretends to be someone else to gain trust or even money, has been an ongoing challenge for the app. WhatsApp seems to be addressing this directly, with the podcast’s promotional message highlighting “Rule #1: Don’t get catfished.”
Hasan Minhaj, best known for his Netflix show The Patriot Act, is a smart pick for the role of host. Known for his outspoken, candid style, Minhaj has previously tackled topics such as internet inequality and big tech accountability. He is often viewed as a kind of David, standing up to Goliath tech companies, which makes his collaboration with WhatsApp intriguing. The partnership appears strategic, aiming to boost user trust and bring a touch of transparency to the platform by highlighting Minhaj’s widely respected voice. Minhaj’s appeal to millennials—many of whom are navigating relationships in a digital era—makes him a fitting guide for these love stories.
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The podcast arrives at a time when long-distance relationships are more common than ever, fueled by modern technology and platforms like WhatsApp. Though social distancing from the pandemic has mostly receded, virtual relationships have remained relevant. In fact, real-life romances in unexpected settings have captivated audiences since the 2020 lockdowns, such as the widely shared story of Jeremy Cohen, a New Yorker who used a drone to send his number to a girl he saw dancing on a nearby roof. Moments like these sparked a sense of connection even during quarantine, proving that love can flourish across screens.
While Started on WhatsApp doesn’t shy away from the challenges of online relationships, it’s a heartfelt attempt by the platform to enhance its global image beyond scams and security concerns. WhatsApp has had its fair share of reputation issues, particularly in countries like India, where it has struggled to manage the spread of misinformation. In 2018, for example, viral child abduction rumors led to tragic violence, prompting WhatsApp to launch its first-ever TV campaign in India with the message: “Share Joy. Not Rumours.” This year, WhatsApp continued its efforts to educate users, launching a campaign by BBDO India to emphasize user privacy and combat scams, including ads featuring stand-up comedians for extra awareness during the festive season.
Minhaj’s podcast adds a new layer to these initiatives, combining entertainment with awareness. The stories in Started on WhatsApp aim to resonate with users who seek meaningful connections, showing that, with a little care and caution, technology can bring people together, even from afar. Whether it’s a calculated image makeover or a sincere effort to connect, WhatsApp’s collaboration with Minhaj brings a fresh, human touch to a platform primarily known for messages.
