Taylor Lorenz, author of Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Power and Influence on the Internet, shares her experiences covering internet culture, including encounters with powerful individuals and the hate she's received as a female tech journalist. The podcast explores the evolution of the internet and media, changing attitudes towards it, online harassment, the dark side of the internet with a focus on Gamergate, algorithmic radicalization, and internet-focused Q&A revealing the hosts' screen time and favorite platforms.
Taylor Lorenz faced backlash and harassment from powerful individuals, reflecting her impact as a progressive woman in the tech industry.
Traditional media has often dismissed and been hostile towards content creators, highlighting the importance of giving voice to online communities.
Lorenz encourages aspiring journalists to tell meaningful stories and shape the future of journalism instead of relying on specific companies for validation.
Deep dives
Taylor Lorenz's Experience with Online Harassment
Taylor Lorenz discusses her experience being targeted by powerful individuals, such as Elon Musk, due to her work as a journalist. She highlights instances where she was banned from Twitter after exposing lies and reaching out for comment on a story. Despite facing backlash and harassment, she remains resilient and sees it as a reflection of her impact as a progressive woman in the industry.
Taylor Lorenz's Journey in Journalism and Online Culture
Taylor Lorenz talks about her role as a technology columnist at The Washington Post, focusing on online culture and the ways in which people use technology. She discusses her interest in platforms like Tumblr, her experience as a blogger, and the hostility and dismissal she faced from traditional media toward content creators. She emphasizes the importance of giving voice to online communities and changing perceptions about the internet.
The Challenges of Traditional Media and the Future of Journalism
Taylor Lorenz reflects on her unexpected path into traditional media, sharing her appreciation for the resources and learning opportunities it offers. However, she also expresses her reservations about the limitations and control in traditional media. She encourages aspiring journalists not to rely on specific companies for validation, emphasizing the importance of telling meaningful stories and shaping the future of journalism.
The Dark Side of the Internet and the Need for Regulation
Taylor Lorenz discusses the negative aspects of the internet, including online harassment, radicalization, and the spread of misinformation. She stresses the need for better regulations that prioritize online safety and user control. While acknowledging the challenges, she remains optimistic about the potential for change and the importance of media literacy in navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.
The Impact of Women in Tech and Online Culture
Taylor Lorenz acknowledges the unique position of women in the tech industry and online culture. She discusses the advantages and disadvantages, such as being underestimated by sources and the challenges of combating misogyny. She also highlights the pioneering role of women in areas like mommy blogging and the importance of amplifying diverse voices.
Taylor Lorenz, author of the new book, Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Power and Influence on the Internet, speaks about the internet culture beat and the hate she’s received as a female tech journalist. What’s it like to go from covering creators, influencers and milkshake ducks to becoming the trending topic? And how does traditional media miss the mark when it comes to covering digital spaces?