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Taylor Lorenz

American journalist

Taylor Lorenz is a prominent American journalist and technology columnist for The Washington Post, where she focuses on technology and online culture. Born between 1984 and 1987 in New York City and raised in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, Lorenz graduated with a degree in political science from Hobart and William Smith Colleges after transferring from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her interest in internet culture was sparked by her experiences on the social media platform Tumblr.

Before joining The Washington Post in March 2022, Lorenz held positions at various notable publications, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Daily Beast, and Business Insider. She has also served as a social media editor for the Daily Mail and has made significant contributions to the understanding of how the internet shapes culture and society. In 2023, she authored the book Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet, which explores the dynamics of online fame and influence.

Lorenz's work has garnered recognition, placing her on several influential lists, such as Fortune's 40 Under 40 and Adweek's Young Influentials. She was also a 2019 Knight Visiting Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and is affiliated with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard.

Despite her professional achievements, Lorenz has faced significant online harassment and threats, which have impacted her personal life and mental health. She has been open about her experiences with PTSD stemming from this harassment, which has included graphic threats and stalking incidents.

In addition to her writing, Lorenz is a podcaster for Vox Media, hosting the show Power User, where she discusses internet culture and technology trends. Her journalism often appears in various media formats, including documentaries on platforms like Netflix and HBO, further solidifying her influence in the tech and media landscape.12345

Highlights

Aug 31 · linkedin

I wrote about how Brazil blocking X could deal a fatal blow to stan twitter.

Blocking X in Brazil is like dropping a nuclear bomb on stan Twitter and the shutdown is already sending shockwaves through the entertainment and pop culture universe. With over 21 million monthly users, Brazil is one of X's dominant markets, not only measured by sheer usage, but also cultural impact.

Some staffers at music labels and entertainment PR agencies said they were scrambling on Friday night to assess the impact the ban might have on their talents’ fandoms.

The absence of Brazilian stan twitter will undoubtedly create a noticeable gap in the pop culture landscape. Brazilian stans are hyper-engaged, creative, and frequently amplify voices from the Global South. Removing such an influential group of users will lead to a less diverse and vibrant culture on Twitter.

I think the ban could also have a downstream impact on the political world. Stan culture is not just a pastime but a powerful social force. Stan accounts often organize around social issues, support political movements, and work to hold public figures accountable.

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Jul 26 · linkedin

This week on my podcast Power User, The Atlantic’s Charlie Warzel joined me to chat about whether the election is making X relevant again, if Kamala can sustain the online hype, coconut memes, irony pilled posting, and the outcry of a generation frustrated by politics. Watch here!

And read my newsletter for a list of the week's best links:

Related Questions

What are some of Taylor Lorenz's most notable articles at The Washington Post?
How did Taylor Lorenz's work at The New York Times influence her career?
What is the focus of Taylor Lorenz's book "Extremely Online"?
How has Taylor Lorenz addressed online harassment in her career?
What are the main topics covered in Taylor Lorenz's podcast "Power User"?
Taylor Lorenz
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Location

Los Angeles, California, United States