Taylor Lorenz’s Power User

Ashley St Clair, a conservative influencer and former Turning Point USA figure, discusses her transformative journey after personal experiences shifted her views on trans rights and AI. She recounts the shock of discovering deepfake images created by Elon Musk's Grok and criticizes the platform's response. Reflecting on her past in the MAGA ecosystem, Ashley shares insights about how exposure to cruelty against trans individuals changed her perspective. The conversation explores the complexities of her political evolution and the challenges of navigating the influencer landscape.

In this enlightening discussion, Michael Stabile, Director of Public Policy at the Free Speech Coalition, highlights the alarming implications of the SCREEN Act, a law masquerading as a child safety measure. He reveals its roots in conservative circles and discusses the risks of mandatory age verification and identity checks. Stabile warns of the chilling effects on privacy and the potential push to ban VPNs, while emphasizing the need for collective action against these encroachments on free speech. Tune in for a critical analysis of legislation that threatens online freedoms.

Drew Harwell, a reporter at The Washington Post focusing on tech and media, discusses ICE's surprising transformation into a viral content creator under the Trump administration. He uncovers how ICE produces dramatic, influencer-style enforcement videos, uses selective storytelling to shape public perception, and employs Gen Z creators to amplify their messages. Drew reveals the ethical dilemmas of privatized content creation, including privacy concerns and creative strategies that risk normalizing dehumanizing rhetoric surrounding immigration.

Preston Byrne, a lawyer and free-speech advocate, dives into the battle against the UK's Online Safety Act, which is sparking global censorship concerns. He reveals how this law threatens American speech by forcing compliance with UK rules, affecting even controversial platforms like 4Chan and Gab. Byrne outlines his strategy of legal challenges and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of preserving First Amendment rights. He discusses the potential for U.S. pushback against European regulations and how this fight could shape the future of the internet.

Jarvis Johnson, a YouTuber known for his sharp commentary on online culture, joins the discussion about Clavicular, a viral Gen Z livestreamer. They explore Clavicular's rapid rise and the alarming trends of looksmaxing and nihilism in online spaces. The conversation delves into Clavicular's background, neurodivergence, and influences, including his ties to controversial figures. Jarvis and Taylor analyze the implications of this new wave of content creation, echoing themes of loneliness, economics, and the effects of radicalization in youth culture.

Teddy Brown, a freelance writer for The New Yorker, delves into society's obsession with deadly game shows and the disturbing trends in entertainment. He discusses the evolution from wholesome formats to increasingly risky endurance competitions, attributing this shift to societal anxieties post-2008. Teddy critiques how the rise of internet virality has fostered zero-sum competition and dangerous content, while linking realities of modern life to shows like Squid Game. Their conversation touches on the normalization of death and the dangerous allure of gamifying existence in today's creator economy.

Eric Goldman, Associate Dean for Research at Santa Clara University School of Law, dives into the complexities of online age verification. He reveals how these measures, while marketed for child safety, pose significant risks to privacy and the open web. Goldman outlines the dangers of data misuse, increased surveillance, and the friction this creates in our online experience. He argues that these regulations could ultimately limit access to diverse information while exposing both children and adults to greater risks. A thought-provoking discussion!

Fez Siddiqui, a former Washington Post journalist and author of "Hubris Maximus: The Shattering of Elon Musk," dives deep into Elon Musk's complex psyche. They explore early signs of Musk's ego, like his 2013 Mars ambition and his obsessive need for leadership. Siddiqui recounts the infamous Thai cave rescue incident and how Musk's Twitter addiction fuels his self-obsession. The conversation unveils Musk's god complex, political influence, and his habit of silencing critics. With humorous anecdotes, they paint a portrait of a man whose grandiosity shapes his world.

In a lively discussion with John Coogan, host of TBPN and tech commentator, the duo tackles a potential vibe shift in Silicon Valley. They explore the backlash against increasingly dystopian startups and the evolving mindsets of founders seeking more purposeful ventures. The exchange highlights the tech community's reactions to Marc Andreessen's controversial remarks about AI and shifts towards practical concerns over existential fears. Coogan sheds light on emerging trends in tech that you won't want to miss.

Ian Anderson, a social psychology researcher at Caltech, challenges the prevalent notion of social media addiction. He reveals that many users self-identify as addicted despite not meeting clinical criteria, emphasizing the harm this narrative causes. Anderson explains how media framing influences public perception and advocates for habit-based strategies to manage social media use better. He shares practical interventions, like reducing app friction, and discusses generational differences in perceived addiction, warning against historical moral panics.