We’re Not Kidding with Mehdi & Friends

Taking On the Tech Oligarchs, with Taylor Lorenz

Jan 24, 2025

In this captivating conversation, journalist Taylor Lorenz, known for her insights into tech and online culture, joins Mehdi to dissect the growing influence of tech oligarchs like Zuckerberg and Musk. They discuss the problematic TikTok ban, the implications of billionaires' control over social media, and how these dynamics affect free speech. Taylor passionately critiques calls for Democrats to wage war on these platforms, advocating instead for strategic engagement. Tune in for a lively debate on the intersection of politics and technology!

40:07

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Episode guests

Taylor Lorenz

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The podcast emphasizes that the Democratic Party's mishandling of the TikTok ban allowed Trump to manipulate public perception around social media.

It highlights the detrimental impact of tech billionaires on free speech, warning that their control over platforms undermines democratic values and public discourse.

Deep dives

Accountability for Political Actions

The discussion emphasizes that significant political mistakes regarding the TikTok ban stem from the Democratic Party's mismanagement. Key points include how the Biden administration played a pivotal role in facilitating this ban through legislative support, ultimately allowing Trump to reclaim the narrative surrounding TikTok. The repercussions of this strategy led to public acknowledgment of Trump in TikTok's messaging, a misstep that Democrats should have anticipated. Analysts argue the Democrats failed to maintain their stance against political fascism, resulting in lost credibility among younger voters.

Intro

2min

Political Influence and Tech Scrutiny

17min

Power Plays: Tech Titans and Political Alliances

3min

Navigating Misinformation in Crises

6min

Tech Rivalries and the Future of Social Media

6min

Navigating Social Media Regulation in Politics

2min

Defending Speech in the Digital Age: Political Strategies and Challenges

5min

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit zeteo.com

‘We’re Not Kidding’ is back! After a not-very-relaxing holiday break, Mehdi is joined by tech and online culture journalist (and new Zeteo contributor!) Taylor Lorenz to discuss the new age of American oligarchy. Trump is back in office and his inauguration was a star-studded showcase of spineless tech billionaires.

Mehdi and Taylor also unpack the dumbfounding blunder of Democrats’ TikTok ban, why private ownership of social media platforms by “red-pilled billionaires” is actually BAD for free speech, the MAGAfication of Elon Musk, and whether Mark Zuckerberg looks cool now. Taylor also pushes back against the argument made by Zeteo guest writer Will Stancil, who called for Democrats to go to war with social media companies. “Then just get on board with Republicans! This is the problem, is people like that. That is so stupid!”

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