I am Jan S. (Ph.D. in social anthropology) who runs this sub, and I am from the US, living in Norway. I am Jan from the WaPo article.

Yes. That's me. And yes, this is my real name, and I have a Ph.D. in social anthropology. I am from the US and living in Norway, having lived here for almost half a lifetime. I am also an anti-racist, anti-fascist, and very concerned citizen in this world. I thought about the ethics of doing this sub before the tiles were laid. I did my research and thought through the issues as well as how to create a sub that was respectful and not harrassing. I go to great lengths to be fair and respectful to people who feel all kinds of things about this phenomenon. Oh, and yes, it is a phenomenon, not a delusion. There is actually a lot of interesting stuff you can write your thesis about this topic if you are a criminology major (master or PhD) or (for example). <br><br>And yes, I do get a lot of requests to do local "seed bug" subreddits. Yes, I am making a plan to automate it (but am not there yet).<br><br>As for all the pearl-clutching...I understand. Oh, and yes, I am also a highly educated woman who "should know better". But actually, I know that it is a hysterical reaction, and I am not afraid of it. Myself and the mods have a great deal of experience and good judgement in moderating this sub with a fair and even hand. It is criminology, by the way, because the actual crime of these insects is their infliction of harm in so many ways. Jan from the WaPo article.