Taylor Lorenz’s Power User

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.

Ryan Broderick, an online culture journalist, dives into the bizarre world of Charlie Kirk memes and their darker implications. He discusses how Kirk's death sparked a wave of meme creation, transforming him into an absurd symbol of the far-right. Broderick explores the rise of Groipers and the evolution of meme formats, revealing how these trends often flirt with extremist ideologies. He warns about the dangers of sharing Kirk content, which can lead to algorithmic cascades of extremist material, showcasing the complex relationship between humor and radicalization in today's digital landscape.

James Griffiths, a Hong Kong-based journalist and author of The Great Firewall of China, explores the troubling parallels between U.S. internet policies and China's authoritarian approach. He discusses the intricacies of China’s Great Firewall and how Western nations are increasingly adopting similar censorship measures under the guise of safety. Griffiths critiques the outsourcing of censorship to corporations and the dangers it poses to free speech, particularly for marginalized communities, while warning about the potential rise of a 'national internet' model.

Kat Tenbarge, a sharp journalist focused on internet culture and politics, joins to unpack the scandal surrounding Olivia Nuzzi, a rising star at New York Magazine. They dive into Nuzzi's controversial affair with RFK Jr. and the ensuing media frenzy, including the release of private texts by her ex-fiancé, Ryan Lizza. The discussion highlights the gendered backlash against Nuzzi and critiques of journalistic ethics in the coverage. Kat and Taylor explore the complexities of access journalism and the implications of the attention economy on personal lives.

Kate Ruane, Director at the Center for Democracy and Technology, joins to discuss the implications of recent online child-safety bills she recently testified against. She highlights how proposed laws could silence marginalized voices and impose harmful surveillance mechanisms. Kate critiques the Kids Online Safety Act for its potential to censor LGBTQ content and worsen privacy issues. They also discuss the perils of identity verification and how bans drive kids to unsafe online spaces, all while raising alarms about the chilling effects on free expression.

Twitch streamer Sean DeBlack, known for his insights into online culture, joins to discuss the controversial rise of 'Dark Woke'. He explores how traditional leftist values have been overshadowed by aggressive rhetoric and online slurs. The conversation touches on the commodification of woke culture and the backlash against it post-2020, including the influence of TikTok on youth activism. Sean also critiques the Democratic establishment's aesthetic pursuits rather than effective policies, highlighting the need for solidarity and re-centering marginalized voices.

Arun Annow, an independent journalist and live streamer, dives into the ongoing persecution of the Eelam Tamil people in Sri Lanka. He discusses the government's oppressive online safety laws that mask censorship as a means to silence dissent. Arun recounts the harsh consequences for journalists and the alarming use of social media for organizing protests. He warns that Sri Lanka's tactics could inspire similar laws in the U.S., urging listeners to stay informed about the implications of such measures on free speech and press freedom.

Charlie Warzel, a technology writer at The Atlantic, dives into the chaos sparked by Twitter's new 'About This Account' feature. He reveals how many pro-MAGA accounts are actually operating from countries like India and Nigeria, raising questions about authenticity. The conversation explores the impact of inauthentic accounts on political narratives and the broader erosion of trust in media. Warzel also discusses potential futures for the web and whether this could be a turning point in the landscape of social media.