Power User with Taylor Lorenz

Ryan Broderick, an online culture reporter and creator of the newsletter Garbage Day, joins to discuss Elon Musk's controversial takeover of key U.S. government functions. They explore the qualifications and backgrounds of Gen Z recruits working under Musk, raising alarms about their roles and potential chaos from their radical ideologies. The conversation also touches on Musk's ambitions to influence governance with AI and cryptocurrency, alongside the rising challenges of misinformation in today's political landscape.

Clarkson Lawson, a former MAGA influencer with over 31 million TikTok likes, shares his surprising political transformation from pro-Trump advocate to voting for Kamala Harris. He reflects on the pressures and ethical dilemmas of content creation in the conservative realm. Clarkson discusses the impact of social media algorithms on shifting views, the importance of authenticity, and how he navigates his newfound centrist identity in an ever-changing political landscape. He also highlights the evolving relationship between younger generations and political narratives.

Alyssa Mercante, a video game journalist who faced a severe online harassment campaign after her reporting on industry practices, discusses the dark side of family vlogs and child influencing. She shares insights on the toxic culture in gaming that has resurrected harassment tactics reminiscent of Gamergate. Alyssa highlights the implications of recent laws aimed at protecting children online, while emphasizing the urgent need for industry accountability and support for marginalized voices in journalism.

Alyssa Mercante, a journalist targeted for exposing harassment in gaming, dives into the chilling revival of Gamergate-style attacks. She shares her harrowing experiences of being at the center of a smear campaign and the impact on her career and mental health. Alyssa discusses the toxic online culture perpetuated by algorithms and the complicity of gaming companies. With a focus on gender dynamics, she highlights the disproportionate backlash women face in the industry and advocates for collective action against online harassment.

Jack Conte, CEO and co-founder of Patreon, delves into the chaotic landscape of social media and its impact on creators. He discusses the decline of traditional follower models and the rise of algorithm-driven platforms like TikTok. Jack emphasizes how these changes create a more transactional relationship, complicating genuine connections. He shares strategies for creators to navigate this new reality, focusing on audience growth, income diversification, and the challenges of content moderation, especially regarding misinformation and evolving societal norms.

2024 was wild! "Brain rot" was the Oxford word of the year. TikTok's days away from being banned. The CostCo Guys and the Hawk Tuah girl were everywhere. Taylor is joined by Sam Sanders, host of the Sam Sanders Show on KCRW to break down the biggest online moments of 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week, TikTok lost its challenge to stop a ban or forced sale in the United States. WIRED senior business editor Louise Matsakis joins Taylor to discuss what happens next and if this is really the end of the road for TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A moral panic about kids' social media and smartphone use in schools has been sweeping the country. But are cell phones really the problem? And is removing them entirely the best approach? Taylor chats with educator Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, president of education media company Mrs. Wordsmith, about how smartphones can be used in the classroom, and how a ban would impact marginalized students the most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are women abstaining from sex to protest Donald Trump’s re-election? That’s the impression you’d get if you spent time reading the media over the past few weeks. Since the election, the “4B Movement” has been gaining traction online. But where did it come from, how does it work, and could something like this really take off in America? The Cut’s EJ Dickson joins Taylor to discuss.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since the election, Democrats and the media have been in panic mode, trying to figure out “the manosphere.” It’s a vast network of influencers, podcasters and streamers who speak to young men in a way traditional media has failed to. Many of its personalities are Trump supporters, including Joe Rogan. The left has been asking itself how it can win back young men without radicalizing them further. Is there a left-wing Joe Rogan? To help crack the manosphere, Taylor talks to Josh Citarella, host of the podcast “Doomscroll.” He’s been studying the radicalization of young men online for a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices