Tech Bros Laid the Foundation, But Women Built Social Media
Oct 3, 2023
auto_awesome
Guest Taylor Lorenz argues that the real protagonists of social media are the users, not the tech bros. She discusses the under-reported history of social media and how marginalized people played a significant role. They also explore the impact of social media on entertainment, television shows, and society as a whole.
Users, particularly women and marginalized communities, played a significant role in shaping the social media landscape and its breakthrough features.
YouTube's success can be attributed to its user-driven approach, trusting content creators and implementing monetization programs early on.
Mommy bloggers were pioneers in revolutionizing conversations about motherhood, breaking taboos, and creating new revenue models.
Deep dives
The Power of Users in Social Media
The book 'Extremely Online' challenges the notion that social media platforms were made great by their creators. Instead, it argues that users and communities on these platforms are the ones who create the actual value. Breakthrough features and trends, such as hashtags, content creation, and the influencer economy, were driven by the users rather than the original creators. The book highlights the role of users in shaping the social media landscape and calls for recognition of their contributions.
The Evolution of YouTube and User-Driven Content
YouTube's evolution from a dating site to a video-sharing platform for creative users is a prime example of users rescuing a platform and driving its success. The early users of YouTube shifted its focus to video uploads, leading to the rise of channels and online fame. YouTube, unlike other social media platforms, trusted its users and rolled out monetization programs for content creators, recognizing their value early on. This user-driven approach set YouTube apart and contributed to the platform's lasting success.
Mommy Bloggers and Pioneering Content Creation
The book traces the origins of content creation and personal brands to the first wave of mommy bloggers. These women revolutionized motherhood conversations by sharing personal experiences, breaking taboos, and normalizing issues like postpartum depression. They also paved the way for commodifying lifestyle content and monetizing their blogs, creating new revenue models. Mommy bloggers challenged traditional media narratives and changed the perception of motherhood.
The Impact of Social Media on Entertainment
Social media's integration with the entertainment world has transformed the way we consume and participate in culture. Platforms like Instagram, Vine, and TikTok have propelled musicians, actors, and content creators to fame. The rise of online shows and internet-driven entertainment has disrupted traditional TV and movie landscapes. While the internet provides new opportunities for creativity, there are challenges in replicating the same quality and resources from legacy media in the digital realm.
The Dark Side of Social Media and the Path Forward
While social media holds promise, there are significant challenges to address. The book acknowledges the systemic inequalities, harassment, and discrimination that continue to persist online. It emphasizes the need for tech companies to take responsibility, build safer platforms, and listen to user feedback. Public pressure and sustained efforts are essential for change. Ending on an optimistic note, the author believes in the power of technology and individuals to shape a better internet landscape.
The Future of Social Media and Internet
The book encourages exploration beyond traditional social media platforms and highlights the broader potential of the internet for connection. It calls for diversifying and decentralizing the online landscape to avoid monopoly and promote user-centric platforms. Recognizing the historical contributions of marginalized communities, women, and content creators, the book advocates for a shift towards platforms that prioritize the values of empathy, connection, and inclusivity.
The story of social media has usually been told from the perspective of tech bros, set to a soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Washington Post columnist Taylor Lorenz argues in her new book, Extremely Online, that the real protagonists of the story are actually the users, who figured out what these platforms were best at before the people who invented them did. “Venture capitalists act like Mr. Beast invented it all,” Taylor says. “It was mothers, women, marginalized people, LGBTQ people.” Taylor guides Sam through the under-reported history of social media, from mommy bloggers who pioneered content monetization to brands tweeting about Scandal.
