Big Technology Podcast cover image

Big Technology Podcast

The Joy, Misery, and Fame Of An Extremely Online Life — With Taylor Lorenz

Oct 4, 2023
In this episode, Taylor Lorenz, a technology columnist at the Washington Post and author of 'Extremely Online,' dives into the nuances of online fame and its intricate dynamics. She discusses the rise of content creators, especially from marginalized backgrounds, and the mental health challenges they encounter. Lorenz also examines the decline of engaging social media and critiques profit-driven algorithms that compromise user well-being. The conversation reveals her thoughts on content moderation and the need to restore the internet's fun factor.
44:35

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Being extremely online has its positives, such as increased connectivity and opportunities for marginalized voices, but it also has drawbacks that need to be acknowledged and addressed.
  • Content creators and influencers face the pressure of giving more of themselves to their audience, often leading to negative effects on their well-being, highlighting the need for platforms to prioritize mental health and user well-being over engagement and profit.

Deep dives

The Impact of Being 'Extremely Online'

The podcast episode discusses the book 'Extremely Online' and explores the highs and lows of being heavily engaged with the internet. The author notes that being extremely online can have both positive and negative aspects. While the internet provides more connectedness, access to information, and opportunities for marginalized voices, it also comes with drawbacks. The discussion highlights how the social web has evolved from a curiosity to a major media platform, with the speaker emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach to engagement and a focus on building authentic connections.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode