Taylor Lorenz’s Power User

Join Ophie Dokie, a content creator known for coining 'misogyny slop,' as she uncovers the dark side of online content targeting women. She highlights how a sprawling ecosystem of creators fuels smear campaigns and funnels women into far-right narratives. From body language analysis to the sensationalism of celebrity culture, Dokie reveals the algorithmic forces at play and urges listeners to scrutinize their media consumption. This timely discussion sheds light on the toxic intersection of misogyny and misinformation.

Colette Shade, author of the bestselling book *Y2K: How the 2000s Became Everything*, dives into the transformative tech landscape of the 2000s. She reflects on the dot-com bubble and the whirlwind of early social media, illustrating how those chaotic days shaped today's hyper-surveilled, algorithm-driven world. Colette discusses the optimism surrounding early tech, the aesthetic influence of colorful gadgets like the iMac, and the cultural shifts that followed the 2008 financial crisis, emphasizing the need for accountability in the industry.

Julia Black, a reporter at The Information, dives into the intriguing world of pronatalism among Silicon Valley's elite. She unpacks why billionaires like Elon Musk are obsessed with boosting birth rates, linking it to right-wing ideologies and eugenics. The conversation raises ethical questions about reproductive technologies and their impact on women's autonomy. Black highlights how this movement threatens to reshape societal norms around parenthood, raising alarms about reproductive rights and the future of women's empowerment.

In this conversation, journalist Liz Pelly, author of "Mood Machine," explores how Spotify has transformed the music industry. Liz reveals the unsettling truth about 'ghost artists' and the pressures real musicians face in an algorithm-driven world. They discuss how playlist culture has altered listening habits and the authenticity of music. The talk also delves into artist compensation and the rise of AI-generated content, raising vital questions about the future of creativity and the sustainability of artists' careers.

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