

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.
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Internet's Positive Impact
- The internet offers increased connectivity and information access, making the world better overall.
- Despite downsides, the current media landscape is superior to that of the pre-internet era.
Julia Allison's Early Influencer Career
- Julia Allison aimed to become a media figure like Tom Wolfe, leveraging personal branding online.
- She correctly predicted the internet's power in media and became an early multi-platform content creator.
Influencers as Entrepreneurs
- Many influencers are entrepreneurs building businesses and communities, not just seeking fame.
- They often cater to underserved markets, like beauty vloggers focusing on diverse demographics.