Taylor Lorenz discusses her new book 'Extremely Online', the influencer economy, interview with @LibsofTikTok, and the impact of media creation on us. The podcast explores the evolution of social media, AI in influencer marketing, brands on TikTok, and the transition of brand personalities online.
The book 'Extremely Online' delves into influencer history, AI impact, and social media dynamics.
Video content reshapes influencer authenticity and quality standards, demanding a more genuine approach.
Deep dives
Taylor Larens on Writing 'Extremely Online' and the Evolution of Online Influencers
Taylor Larens discusses her book 'Extremely Online,' exploring the history of influencers from the MySpace era to present times. Larens recounts being triggered to write the book during the 2020 lockdown era due to the growing interest in online culture and misinformation. She highlights the shift in social media dynamics and the rise of platforms like TikTok, emphasizing the need to document the history of the content creator industry beyond specific platforms. Larens delves into the changing landscape of social media post-2020 and the impact of AI integration and the misconception of AI-generated influencer models.
The Influence of Videos on Authenticity and Content Creation
Larens delves into the transformative impact of video content on social media influencers, highlighting the shift from curated photos to more authentic and relatable video content. She points out the challenge video content creators face in maintaining authenticity while also meeting the demand for aspirational content. Larens explores how videos necessitate a more genuine presence and relatability from creators, raising the bar for content quality and authenticity in the digital landscape.
TikTok Shop and its Impact on the Platform
Larens shares her dissatisfaction with the growing trend of TikTok Shop, likening it to Instagram's previous shift towards heavy shopping integration. She critiques the overwhelming focus on commerce on the platform and predicts TikTok's potential evolution into an e-commerce-driven space. Larens sees TikTok's emphasis on shopping as a strategic move amid regulatory uncertainties to reduce controversy and shift user focus, albeit at the expense of user experience.
The Scapegoating of Social Media by Regulators
Larens voices criticism against regulators scapegoating social media for youth mental health issues, citing studies showing stronger correlations between mental health and real-life circumstances. She condemns legislative efforts like the Kids Online Safety Act and emphasizes the need to address broader societal problems affecting mental health. Larens dismisses the notion of social media as a unique harm generator, highlighting its role in amplifying voices and fostering connections, labeling it as a convenient scapegoat for broader societal challenges.
Taylor Lorenz joins the weekend edition to talk about her new book, Extremely Online, the ever-growing influencer economy, her interview with @LibsofTikTok aka Chaya Raichik and how we are all affected by the media we create.
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