Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter

A newsletter with links to stories I publish about internet culture and maybe a few other things I think are cool.

The hottest Substack posts of Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter

And their main takeaways

IG meme pages rejoice!

1522 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content Moderation Political speech Censorship Tech Companies
  1. Meta's content moderation has had too many mistakes, often removing harmless posts by creators. They want to improve how they enforce rules to protect free expression.
  2. Memes and funny content, especially on Instagram, have been heavily affected by Meta’s strict moderation. Creators are frustrated with the inability to distinguish between humor and real misinformation.
  3. The conversation around internet freedom is changing, with voices like Joe Rogan suggesting that recent shifts in moderation policies are paving the way for more free speech. However, many argue that these changes started before recent events.

The Grinch has knee surgery tomorrow

2657 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Social media Humor Gen Z Internet Trends
  1. The blue Grinch knee surgery meme has become super popular online, especially among younger people on TikTok and Instagram. It's a funny way to bond over absurd humor and connect with others.
  2. This meme is part of a trend where simple, ironic jokes can create communities and even go viral. People enjoy the low-pressure environment of sharing memes like this.
  3. Interestingly, some people are trying to turn this meme into a cryptocurrency called 'knee coin' to make money off of its popularity. This shows how memes can sometimes become more than just jokes.

An influencer is suing another influencer for copying her aesthetic. Can she win?

3284 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Copyright Law Digital Content Trends
  1. An influencer is suing another influencer for copying her style and content. This case could change how online creators protect their unique aesthetics.
  2. The lawsuit raises questions about whether copying someone's visual vibe should be legally protected. Many experts think the original influencer's claim may not hold up in court.
  3. Similarities among creators are common online, but some influencers are frustrated with others who imitate their content too closely. This case could impact how influencers navigate creative boundaries.

Let's check in on MrBeast

3553 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Influencers Social media Pop culture Digital Media Youth Trends
  1. MrBeast, a huge YouTuber, is facing a lot of controversies that could hurt his career. Allegations about his team and business practices have made people question his character.
  2. He’s trying to fix his public image by doing interviews and promoting his new Amazon show. He wants to reassure fans and investors that everything is okay.
  3. The way he handles this situation is important for his future. If he fails, it could change how people see him and affect his many business deals.

Tech companies are clamoring to re-buttonize their products

3493 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology User Interface Product Design Consumer Electronics User Experience Tech Trends
  1. Tech companies are bringing back physical buttons in their products. After years of relying on touch screens, people are realizing that buttons are often easier and more reliable to use.
  2. Touch screens can crash and are not as user-friendly when you can't look at them, making things difficult in situations like cooking or driving. Buttons allow for more control without having to focus on a screen.
  3. The desire for buttons indicates a shift in how people want to interact with technology. There’s a growing appreciation for the tactile experience and simplicity that buttons provide.
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The majority of news influencers are conservative men, study finds

4448 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political Bias Gender Issues Social media Public Discourse
  1. Most news influencers are men, and they often have conservative views. This creates a lopsided perspective in the news people consume online.
  2. Social media algorithms tend to favor sensational and emotionally charged content, which means that conservative voices get more attention. This can shape public opinions unfairly.
  3. TikTok is different from other platforms like Facebook and YouTube, as it has a more balanced gender representation among news influencers and doesn't favor conservative views as much.

Why Democrats won't build their own Joe Rogan

10689 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Influencers Democratic Party Conservatism
  1. The right has built a strong network of influencers who promote their message, but the left lacks similar support and reach in media.
  2. Conservative content creators often receive substantial funding and institutional backing, allowing them to grow rapidly and gain credibility.
  3. The Democratic Party seems uninterested in fostering a progressive media ecosystem, making it hard for left-leaning influencers to compete.

You should pay attention to Kai Cenat

2567 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Live Streaming Entertainment Content creation Pop culture
  1. Live streaming is gaining popularity and becoming a larger part of how we consume media. More people are looking for communal experiences online.
  2. Kai Cenat's recent subathon has broken records and shows the strong connection between streamers and their audiences. His success highlights a shift in how we engage with entertainment.
  3. Various platforms like YouTube Gaming, Kick, and TikTok Live are growing, leading to more options and diversity in live streaming. This change shows that viewers are exploring different types of content and creators.

One of YouTube's biggest channels is opening a massive production studio

1970 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Social media Influencers Content creation
  1. Alan Chikin Chow is opening a large 10,000-square-foot studio in Los Angeles to create content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. This shows how creators can compete with big Hollywood studios.
  2. His YouTube series, 'Alan's Universe', is really popular, getting millions of views with stories aimed at a young audience, especially girls. It combines K-drama themes with relatable storylines.
  3. Alan wants to expand 'Alan's Universe' into movies, TV shows, and more, showing that content creation is changing and that anyone with a good idea and the right skills can succeed.

Meta's Threads is 'overrun' with liberal election fraud conspiracies

4598 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Political Discourse Media influence Conspiracy Theories
  1. Many people on Meta's Threads are sharing false claims about election fraud, similar to what we saw in previous elections. This shows a growing trend of conspiratorial thinking among some groups.
  2. The social media platform's efforts to limit political content may have created a space where misinformation can thrive. Users often struggle to find reliable news on this app.
  3. As trust in traditional media decreases, both liberals and conservatives are increasingly turning to conspiracy theories. This trend can threaten democracy and public accountability.

Is Spotify the new YouTube?

2448 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media Streaming Content creation
  1. Spotify is introducing a program for creators that lets them earn money from video podcasts based on views, similar to YouTube. This gives creators more ways to make money beyond just ads.
  2. The number of users watching video podcasts on Spotify is growing quickly, showing that there's a chance for creators to attract audiences from YouTube.
  3. However, creators may face challenges in getting visibility on Spotify since it doesn't have an algorithm like YouTube to promote their content effectively.

How Substack's follow feature betrays its original mission

7643 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Digital marketing User Experience
  1. The follow feature on Substack helps creators gain visibility but makes them lose ownership of their audience. This is a shift from Substack's original purpose of allowing creators to connect directly with their subscribers.
  2. Writers are now juggling between growing their follower counts and keeping their newsletter subscriptions growing. This split can make them feel pressured to create even more content, complicating their strategies.
  3. Substack's follow feature could confuse users, as some may think they are subscribed when they're only following. Educating users on this difference could help creators maintain stronger connections with their audience.

Is the red heart emoji MAGA? ❤️

3075 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Digital Communication Societal Trends Social media
  1. Some people now worry that using the red heart emoji means they're supporting a political party, especially after recent elections. This makes them think twice before using it.
  2. Emojis are evolving and can carry political meanings. Different emojis are being used by various groups to express their beliefs or identity online.
  3. People may feel anxious about certain emojis, like the red heart, due to changing contexts. Some are switching to different colors or types of hearts to avoid misunderstandings.

Algorithms are making political speech more extreme

3582 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Social media Algorithms Communication Misinformation
  1. Algorithms are changing how politicians speak. They now exaggerate and hyperbolize to get more likes and shares, which can lead to more extreme views.
  2. Social media has replaced traditional broadcasting, making it harder for politicians to reach their audience directly. Now, they must adapt their messages for platforms that promote viral content.
  3. Facial recognition technology is increasingly used by governments to track and suppress protesters. This makes it riskier for people to express dissent, as they can be easily identified and punished.

'Libbing out' is the latest irony-fueled coping mechanism

3403 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Social media Democratic Party
  1. Young progressives are using a term called 'libbing out' to humorously embrace mainstream Democratic politics. It's a way for them to ignore their usual cynicism and feel optimistic, even if just for a little while.
  2. 'Libbing out' is partly a reaction to feeling overwhelmed by the state of politics. People want a break from all the negativity and are choosing to focus on a more comfortable political fantasy, even if it's temporary.
  3. While 'libbing out' helps people cope, it's also critiqued as a shallow approach that doesn’t address deeper political issues. Many believe that simply supporting Democrats won't solve bigger problems in the system.

We need to start recognizing stan psyops

4807 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Media Literacy Social media Entertainment Political Discourse
  1. Stan accounts are really good at creating viral content to stir up strong emotions online. They use clever tactics to get people talking and sharing posts, often about celebrities.
  2. These stan tactics are not just in pop culture; they can affect politics too. Influencers and political accounts may use similar methods to manipulate public opinions and sway important discussions.
  3. It's important to recognize these strategies when we see them. Understanding how both entertainment and politics can be influenced by these tactics helps us navigate online content more wisely.

The woman behind the viral Texas breakup speaks

3941 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Relationships Digital Communication Youth culture
  1. A musician named Jillian Lavin shared her painful breakup story, where she moved to Texas for her boyfriend, who later ended things with a note. Her video went viral, sparking lots of reactions online.
  2. Different social media platforms reacted differently to Lavin's story. People on Twitter were harsher, while those on Instagram showed more compassion and understanding.
  3. Lavin expressed that despite her viral fame, she'd give it up to be back with her ex-boyfriend, highlighting the emotional toll of the breakup and the public's reaction.

The newest AI slop on Facebook exploits suburban fear

2746 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Digital Culture Online Trends Misinformation
  1. A recent Facebook post claiming that neighbors are egging cars over Halloween decorations is just a viral AI hoax. Many people believe it and react strongly, showing fear and distrust about their neighbors.
  2. AI-generated content is flooding social media and often incites extreme reactions, particularly fears related to neighborhood safety during events like Halloween.
  3. As AI content becomes more extreme, it might lead to worse stories and escalated fears about community issues, especially when it comes to kids and potential mischief.

Democracy dies on Instagram

4687 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political landscape Social media Content Moderation Public Health Election Impact
  1. Social media platforms like Meta's Instagram are limiting discussions about voting and elections. This can make it harder for people to access important information when they need it.
  2. Meta's content moderation is affecting political conversations and public awareness. Their choices may keep people uninformed and less likely to participate in elections.
  3. One in five Americans get their news from Instagram, showing how important this platform is for sharing information. If political content is downplayed, it could really change how people engage with their communities.

How an IG famous squirrel became a MAGA martyr

1970 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social media Government Overreach Election Dynamics
  1. Peanut the Squirrel was a popular social media pet whose death sparked political outrage on the right. People are using his story to criticize government actions and rally support for Trump.
  2. The incident highlights the way online communities can create narratives that may not resonate outside their circles. Many people don't seem to care about this story in the wider world.
  3. As the election approaches, some see the focus on Peanut as a sign of desperation from Trump supporters. They may be missing more serious issues by fixating on a squirrel's fate.

The Snoopy fan account political war

6061 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Social media Nostalgia Political Influence Art history
  1. A Snoopy fan account recently endorsed Donald Trump, which surprised many due to Snoopy's typically positive and innocent image. This sparked a lot of backlash from fans who felt it contradicted the character's values.
  2. Snoopy has become very popular among younger generations, leading to a surge in merchandise and online fandom. People love Snoopy for his creativity and joyful personality, making him a relatable figure.
  3. Many fan accounts are shifting to political messaging, showing how beloved characters can be used to spread different viewpoints. However, this can backfire if the message doesn’t match the audience's values, as seen with the backlash against the pro-Trump post.

The ‘Black Insurrectionist’ account is run by a white man

2627 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Influencers Media Critique Cultural shift Election Dynamics
  1. A social media account promoting false theories about politics is actually managed by a white man pretending to be Black. This raises concerns about transparency in the online creator space.
  2. People are becoming more critical of wealthy influencers flaunting their luxuries, showing a shift towards less tolerance for excessive consumption.
  3. There's a growing pattern of conspiracy theories on both sides of the political spectrum, highlighting how misinformation can spread among different groups.

Trump vs Kamala: Who's winning online?

2179 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Social media Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Trump is getting a lot more social media attention compared to Kamala, with nearly double the mentions. This shows he has a strong online presence.
  2. Most social media talks about the candidates are negative, but older voters seem to have a more positive view of Kamala. Younger people prefer Trump.
  3. Trump's approach focuses on longer content like podcasts, which helps him connect better with his audience. Kamala's shorter, snappy content may not build the same strong relationships.

The '#1 restaurant in Austin' doesn't exist

4120 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Social media AI Impact Food culture
  1. The '#1 restaurant in Austin' is actually fake and only exists on social media. People are liking and sharing photos of food that was created by artificial intelligence.
  2. Many restaurants now use AI to produce realistic food images, making it hard to tell what's real and what's not. This trend makes people more likely to believe that outlandish food items are real.
  3. The rise of AI-generated food content is blending with real food culture, leading to a situation where it’s tough to distinguish genuine culinary offerings from those that are just for social media attention.

Halloween has gone full brain rot

2597 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Social media Holidays Festivals
  1. Halloween costumes are now often based on internet memes, reflecting how much online culture influences our lives. Instead of traditional costumes, many people dress as viral moments or characters from social media.
  2. The trend of meme costumes can create confusion and alienation at Halloween parties. Costumes that depend on obscure references can make it hard for people to connect and enjoy the holiday together.
  3. Despite some people wanting a return to classic costumes, meme costumes allow for more creativity and self-expression. They let us remember and reflect on our shared experiences in today's internet-driven world.

LibsofTikTok is hiring an investigative journalist to launder her hate campaigns

1731 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Far-right Hate Speech Investigative Reporting
  1. Libs of TikTok is looking to hire an investigative journalist to enhance their media image and legitimacy.
  2. The job involves verifying sources and facts, but it is associated with a controversial far-right media brand.
  3. Recent events show that their posts have led to significant backlash, including bomb threats to businesses.

My afternoon with The Rizzler

2955 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Cryptocurrency Digital marketing Content creation Product Development
  1. The Rizzler is a popular third grader who went viral on social media and maintains a normal life despite his fame. His dad supports him but has no plans to push a long-term online career for him.
  2. Using tech like 'dumb phones' won't solve problems with technology use; people need to learn how to manage their time and choices better instead. It’s more about personal control rather than blaming gadgets.
  3. Sam Altman is trying to make an eye-scanning orb a reality for verifying identities with AI, although it's facing challenges like getting people to use it. They're now offering delivery for these orbs, similar to food delivery.

TikTokers are spreading North Korean propaganda to sell supplements

3582 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Propaganda Marketing Consumer behavior
  1. Some TikTok users are sharing North Korean stories to promote supplements. They claim life in North Korea is better than in the U.S.
  2. These videos often use AI-generated images and stories to grab attention and sell products. They can be bizarre and hard to believe.
  3. After being reported, many of the accounts promoting this content were taken down, but some continue to operate and push these products.

The reviews are in!!!! NYT is raving about EXTREMELY ONLINE

0 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Book review Internet culture
  1. The book 'Extremely Online' received a glowing review from The New York Times, calling it a terrific history of the online creator economy.
  2. The book has been named among the best books to read this fall by The New York Times and Town & Country magazine.
  3. Various publications have praised 'Extremely Online' for its insightful assessment of the ways social platforms have impacted our lives.