Well-known reporter Taylor Lorenz discusses the evolution of social media from blogger culture to the uncurated aesthetic of TikTok. She explores the impact of social media on traditional entertainment and entrepreneurship, the love-hate relationship with social media, and the challenges faced by content creators in monetizing their work. The podcast also delves into the shifting paradigm of social media, the importance of shock value and curiosity in YouTube videos, and the desire for authentic connections in online spaces.
The rise of blogger culture in the early 2000s connected and influenced internet users, paving the way for the evolution of social media platforms.
Mommy bloggers played a significant role in redefining fame and entrepreneurship, transforming from bloggers to media entrepreneurs with their own empires.
Deep dives
The Rise of Blogger Culture and Nostalgia for Early Internet
The podcast episode discusses the rise of blogger culture in the early 2000s, highlighting how bloggers linked and interacted with each other. It explores the nostalgia for moments like banner ads and link parties that defined the internet in its earlier days. The episode also delves into the author's motivation for writing a book about the social history of the internet and the user perspective. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how our usage of technology has evolved over the past two decades.
The Influence of Mommy Bloggers and Pioneering Revenue Models
The podcast episode highlights how mommy bloggers played a significant role in developing a personality-driven model of media, pioneering new revenue models, and upending the traditional media ecosystem. It mentions notable examples like The Pioneer Woman, who transitioned from blogging to having a media empire with TV shows, merch lines, and physical establishments. It emphasizes how these bloggers paved the way for redefining fame, brand building, and entrepreneurship in the digital age.
The Complex Relationship with Social Media
The episode acknowledges the love-hate relationship people have with social media. It addresses the criticisms and concerns surrounding its impact on society, mental health, and the spread of information. However, it also recognizes the positive aspects, such as the power to connect, find voice, and reach people at scale. It highlights the need for critical thinking and the responsibility to use social media as a force for good.
Evolution of Social Media Platforms and User Behavior
The podcast explores the evolution of social media platforms and user behavior over time. It mentions the significance of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok and their impact on digital culture. It discusses trends like the shift towards authentic and ephemeral content, the shift from curated feeds to more closed spaces, and the importance of community and real connections in the online world. It also touches on the role of users in shaping social platforms and the potential for positive change in the future.
Joining Sharon on the podcast today is well-known reporter Taylor Lorenz, who has written for The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Atlantic, covering technology from the user perspective as an authority on Internet culture. In her new book, Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet, Taylor takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane beginning with the rise of blogger culture, and weaving through the roads of social media and how the usage of technology has evolved. From home decor and mommy blogs, to the wild west of Friendster and MySpace, to the rise of YouTube and the uncurated aesthetic of TikTok, we see how the internet has evolved over the past decades, and how it is shaping culture today.
Special thanks to our guest, Taylor Lorenz, for joining us today.