The Joy, Misery, and Fame Of An Extremely Online Life — With Taylor Lorenz
Oct 4, 2023
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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.
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.
The Influence of Social Media Platforms
The podcast delves into the influence and power of social media platforms. It highlights how content creators and influencers are caught in a strange relationship where they give a lot of themselves and their audience demands more, often leading to negative effects on their well-being. It is argued that while spending excessive time on certain platforms can be detrimental, the internet itself has brought connectivity and liberatory opportunities. However, the podcast emphasizes the need for accountability on the part of platforms in prioritizing mental health and user well-being over engagement and profit.
The Impact on Content Creators and Platform Exploitation
The podcast explores the challenges faced by content creators and influencers in the internet world. It highlights how platforms often exploit creators, but the blame should not solely be placed on them. Many creators, particularly from marginalized groups, turn to content creation as a way to find stability and access opportunities that traditional employment does not offer. The discussion emphasizes the need to hold platforms accountable for their exploitative practices and lack of alternatives. It also recognizes the importance of creating platforms that prioritize user protections and treat creators fairly.
The Evolving Landscape and Need for Change
The podcast examines the evolving landscape of the internet and social media. It acknowledges that while platforms like Tumblr fostered creativity and gave users a sense of fun and authenticity, the current dominant platforms have made the internet less enjoyable for many. The focus on algorithms, profit, and engagement has limited creativity and narrowed the formats available for expression. The podcast suggests the need for alternative platforms that are community-oriented, less profit-driven, and prioritize more authentic user connections. It also calls for a more nuanced approach to content moderation, better media literacy, and the exploration of new innovative formats.
Taylor Lorenz is a technology columnist at the Washington Post and author of Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet. She joins Big Technology Podcast to discuss her book, exploring the tradeoffs of life as an online influencer, and whether people have a choice to pursue power online. Stay tuned for the second half, where we discuss Lorenz's various controversies, including her view on content moderation, and then close with a discussion of why the internet is less fun than it once was.
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