According to former owner Fusion Media Group, the site's purpose is to offer a sharp point of view, amplify underrepresented voices, shine a light on systemic inequality, and skewer politicians when necessary as well as contextualize current events, challenge archaic establishments, and champion the historically oppressed.

Univision later acquired the assets of Gizmodo Media Group which gave it a significant web presence.

Josh Jackson, a co-founder and the editor-in-chief of Paste, commented that they had not considered purchasing the websites until after learning of Jezebel's closure in November 2023.

Jackson announced plans to relaunch Splinter in 2024 ahead of the 2024 United States elections.

[11][12] Splinter officially relaunched on March 26, 2024, with new editor-in-chief Jacob Weindling, who was previously a politics staff writer for Paste.