Taylor Lorenz discusses her new book 'Extremely Online' and the influence of social media platforms. Adi Robertson explains the concerns of publishers and the music industry with the Internet Archive. The podcast also explores parallels between MySpace and TikTok, the challenges faced by YouTubers, and controversies surrounding the preservation of digital content.

Journalist Taylor Lorenz challenges moral panic around kids' phone usage, discussing historical tech fears, the Gamergate scandal, evolving tech impact, and modern concerns. She explores laws on phone use, exaggerated panics like Momo, and advocacy for healthier tech relationships.

Taylor Lorenz, author of Extremely Online, explores the last twenty years of internet history, from early blogging and the mommy blogger phenomenon to the dominance of influencers on platforms like TikTok. They discuss the challenges faced by women influencers, the influence of advertisers, and the potential for a more inclusive and democratic internet.

Taylor Lorenz, a tech culture reporter for the Washington Post, has been both observer and participant in an internet culture that has been emerging since the early 2010s, a period of history that has seen the rise of massive social media platforms, the decay of traditional media, and the increasing power of online influencers. That culture can be delightful and enriching, and it can be savage and soul-destroying. Of course, anyone who spends much time on Twitter knows that Taylor herself has had ample experience with both sides of that. She is a lightning rod in the online culture wars, loved and supported as much as she is reviled and targeted. She is a frequent subject of critiques from her ideological opponents, a cast that includes such figures as Tucker Carlson, Jake Paul, and Glenn Greenwald, to name a few. And how does she take that? Well, it’s just how life is online, she says. “What people do on the internet is they build up other people into characters online, and it’s like this crazy soap opera every day.” Her enemies turn her into a character, she says, because it gives them opposition. “It’s just classic influencer tactics, right? You are going to make this other YouTuber into a villain and you’re going to have this feud and then that galvanizes your audience.”And yet she remains a believer in technology as a force for good. “It’s cool to see people use the internet for progress and to bring more freedom to all of us,” she says. “I think that’s what the goal of the internet should be. It should be a liberating force.”In this conversation, we discuss the recent history of the internet, social media, and the rise of influencers—of which Taylor is one. Aside from high-profile reporting jobs at The Atlantic, the New York Times, and the Post, she has also amassed huge followings on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. In October, her first book will be published. Its title couldn’t be more appropriate: Extremely Online.https://taylorlorenz.substack.com/Taylor’s recommended reads:Show notes* Subscribe to Taylor Lorenz’s newsletter on Substack* Find Taylor on Twitter* Her upcoming book, Extremely Online[04:54] Becoming a journalist[08:20] Tumblr and blogging[13:05] The “f**k yeah” era of Tumblr[18:14] Tabloid news[22:19] Developing a new beat[26:56] Gaining prominence[32:13] Dealing with online harassment[38:57] The state of the media[42:05] Ephemerality and the internet[53:14] Being a techno-optimist[1:01:19] Extremely Online book[1:05:50] Taylor on her recommended readsThe Active Voice is a podcast hosted by Hamish McKenzie, featuring weekly conversations with writers about how the internet is affecting the way they live and write. It is produced by Hamish McKenzie, with audio engineering by Seven Morris and content production by Hannah Ray. All artwork is by Joro Chen, and music is by Phelps & Munro. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit read.substack.com

Taylor Lorenz, a sharp observer of internet culture and former journalist for major publications, shares her insights on the political landscape post-election. She discusses the pitfalls of the Harris campaign and why Democrats struggle to mirror Joe Rogan's media dominance. Lorenz reflects on her transition to independent content creation, highlighting the importance of personal branding in an era where traditional media's influence wanes. She also critiques the disconnect between online narratives and real-world issues, emphasizing the need for effective engagement with younger voters.

Taylor Lorenz, a renowned journalist and podcast host, dives into Silicon Valley's peculiar midlife crisis. She humorously unpacks the bizarre innovations and health obsessions gripping tech elites, from youthful experiments to extreme surgeries. The rise of transhumanism and the ethics of tech giants are dissected as Lorenz highlights how these obsessions clash with pressing societal issues. She also critiques the problematic male individualism in wellness culture and explores the complex personas of influential figures like Elon Musk.

Taylor Lorenz discusses the real estate content boom with a media company CEO. They also cover April Fools' Day, Yahoo's AI acquisition, AI in music, and The Information's Creator Economy Summit. Topics include e-commerce integration on social media, AI in product placements, real estate content creation, and preserving vintage charm in homes.

Taylor Lorenz, journalist and author of 'Extremely Online', talks to Peter Kafka about the relationship between creators and platforms, Mr. Beast's reliance on algorithms, and the issue with 'don't feed the trolls'. They also discuss Vine's failure, Twitter's approach to news, the potential disappearance of TikTok, and the appeal of Snapchat among teenagers.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Tomi Lahren, known for her conservative commentary, Taylor Lorenz, an insightful journalist, and activist Marc Lamont Hill dissect two controversial topics: the acquittal of ex-marine Daniel Penny in a subway chokehold incident, and the shocking murder of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. They delve into the societal reactions, exploring themes of race, accountability, and the ethics of celebrating tragedies. With a lively debate on healthcare's systemic failures, the conversation challenges listeners to reflect on broader societal issues.

Taylor Lorenz, journalist and author, joins Matt to discuss the relationship between Hollywood and digital creators, the strike's impact on influencers, the best platforms for monetization, the evolution of YouTube and TikTok, and the controversial Naked Attraction show.