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

The Facebook Boomer reactor core

865 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Digital Trends Youth culture Online behavior Privacy issues
  1. Meta is launching a new AI feature that shares private conversations from users, which can be quite personal and sensitive.
  2. This tool shows that there's a mix of excitement and concern about privacy on social media, especially with big platforms like Facebook.
  3. It highlights the ongoing struggles we face with technology—balancing connection and privacy in our online lives.

Right wing creators are dominating L.A. protest coverage

1761 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Right-wing Protests Social media Technology
  1. Right wing creators are playing a big role in covering protests in Los Angeles. They're shaping how these events are viewed and discussed online.
  2. Elon Musk recently had a falling out with Trump after supporting him for a long time. Musk's relationship with the MAGA movement is now uncertain.
  3. The break between Musk and Trump shows how tech and politics can conflict, highlighting the changing dynamics in these worlds.

Why people are burning Waymos

1881 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Tech Media Culture Public Opinion
  1. Waymo vehicles were burned during protests in Los Angeles, showing strong feelings about immigration issues. People were angry enough to damage these self-driving cars as a form of expression.
  2. The situation highlights a growing connection between technology and social movements. It reflects how tech can be involved in protests and public sentiments.
  3. Various groups, including tech people and the media, reacted to these events on social media. This shows how quickly information spreads and the importance of online platforms in shaping narratives.

Democrats should not be kissing up to Musk

3164 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Electoral Politics Public Policy Political Commentary Media influence
  1. Democrats should think carefully before welcoming Elon Musk back into their fold. His actions and views may harm the party's credibility in the long run.
  2. Trying to make alliances with rich and controversial figures like Musk can make voters feel like the party stands for nothing important.
  3. Musk is mainly looking out for himself, and cozying up to him may not be a smart move for progressive leaders.
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OnlyFans billboards are taking over

2926 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Advertising Influencers Social media Trends
  1. OnlyFans is becoming more popular, with millions of creators joining the platform each year. This increase is leading to more billboards advertising these creators.
  2. Billboards are a smart way for OnlyFans stars to get noticed because they bypass strict online advertising rules for adult content. They can reach a wide audience without being ignored.
  3. Creators have seen big boosts in subscribers from their billboards, showing that this advertising method can really work in gaining attention and revenue.

Roblox's illicit fruit economy + ChatGBT

2627 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Internet regulation Government Control
  1. Lawmakers are considering a new bill called KOSA that could limit freedom on the internet. It claims to keep kids safe, but may actually give the government a lot of control.
  2. KOSA could make platforms monitor young people's activities online, which raises concerns about privacy and trust. It's important to think about how this impacts kids' online experiences.
  3. The discussion around KOSA shows a ongoing conflict between safety and freedom on the internet. Finding a balance between protecting kids and preserving their rights is crucial.

She posted 25 TikToks on her wedding day

3194 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Entertainment Marriage Influencer Culture
  1. Posting on social media during special events is becoming more common, like sharing TikToks during weddings. It shows how people want to capture and share their experiences instantly.
  2. Many businesses are emerging that cater to social media trends, including apps and services that help users create content. This highlights the shift in how we engage with technology and events.
  3. There's a growing trend of influencers and content creators blending personal life with their online presence. It reflects a cultural change where private moments become public content for entertainment.

The Facebook scam economy

2776 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🕹 Technology Social media Cybercrime Advertising Privacy Regulation
  1. Meta platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, are dealing with a huge problem of scams, with many advertisers promoting them. This is partly due to the rise of cryptocurrency and AI.
  2. Despite employees reporting these scams, Meta has been slow to act because they prioritize ad revenue over user safety. They allow scammers to continue operating for too long before taking action.
  3. Scams on Facebook are affecting vulnerable people, including workers in Southeast Asia who are often trapped in abusive conditions. This brings up serious concerns about the ethics of the platform's operations.

TikTok's 'cute winter boots' trend explained

10808 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Resistance Social media Political speech
  1. The trend of 'cute winter boots' on TikTok actually references political resistance, especially against certain government policies. Users are using this code to talk about serious issues while avoiding censorship.
  2. TikTok users are clever at using coded language to get around filters and alert others about government surveillance. This allows them to share information without detection.
  3. The way users promote 'cute winter boots' shows their focus on reaching a wider audience using popular themes, while also educating on topics like rights and activism.

Why "we" want insurance executives dead

18512 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Insurance Public Sentiment Policy Critique Social justice
  1. People are really angry at insurance executives because they feel these leaders cause a lot of suffering by denying necessary healthcare. It's common for them to wish these executives faced the same pain they see others go through.
  2. Many people believe the healthcare system in the U.S. is broken and that executives profit while patients suffer. This has led to outrage, and some even make jokes or comments about violent retribution, which reflects their frustration.
  3. The media often focuses on the reactions to these comments instead of addressing the real issues within the healthcare system. Many individuals want change and accountability from those in power rather than violence.

A $30M plan to take back social media from billionaires

12301 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Decentralization Digital Infrastructure
  1. A new campaign called FreeOurFeeds aims to take social media back from billionaires. They want to make social media a public good for everyone.
  2. The project plans to raise $30 million to build a new social media system that gives users more control and allows for better community interactions.
  3. The goal is to create a decentralized social media environment where users can express themselves freely without corporate or political pressures.

A MAGA civil war is breaking out

10450 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political culture Right-wing Social media
  1. There is a growing divide among pro-Trump supporters over immigration issues, especially related to H-1B visas that allow foreign workers into the tech industry.
  2. Elon Musk's influence in the MAGA movement has led to tensions, as some loyal supporters feel betrayed by his stance on bringing in foreign tech workers.
  3. This conflict represents a larger cultural divide within the Trump coalition, as traditional MAGA views on American jobs clash with the goals of tech billionaires.

Why won’t the media use the word misogyny?

10569 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Critique Feminism Celebrity Culture Gender Issues Social media
  1. Misogyny is often at the heart of smear campaigns against women, but the media rarely calls it out. This avoids addressing the real hatred that fuels these attacks.
  2. Women face intense backlash when they speak out about abuse or challenge powerful figures. Their reputations are often targeted in coordinated efforts to discredit them.
  3. Unlike women, men usually do not face the same level of vilification in the media. This unequal treatment shows that misogyny is a significant factor in how public opinion is shaped.

A club where you pay thousands to make 'old money' content

6001 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Influencer Culture Social media
  1. There's a new club called TuxedoSociety where members pay a lot of money to create 'old money' content for social media. They dress up and act fancy, but it's mainly for show.
  2. The club doesn't have a real location, so members are paying to join a community and for special events. It’s all about networking and pretending to live a luxurious lifestyle.
  3. This trend of creating 'old money' content is rising especially because many young people feel uncertain about their economic futures, offering them a fun way to escape into a fantasy of wealth and stability.

The Great Creator Reset

7106 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content creation Political Discourse Progressivism Conservatism
  1. The shutdown of TikTok could lead to many creators losing their platforms overnight. This has a much larger impact than when Vine shut down a few years ago.
  2. TikTok has been a key space for progressive voices and activism. Its ban might shift the online conversation more towards conservative viewpoints, as many progressive creators will struggle to find similar support elsewhere.
  3. With TikTok gone, right-wing creators are likely to gain more visibility and influence on other platforms. This change could permanently alter the digital landscape and how people engage with different ideas.

Instagram blocked teens from searching LGBTQ-related content for months

7464 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ Rights Social media Censorship Youth Issues Legislation
  1. Instagram temporarily blocked teens from searching LGBTQ-related hashtags due to content restrictions meant for 'sensitive content'.
  2. Meta admitted the restrictions on LGBTQ terms were a mistake and emphasized the need for all communities to feel safe on its platforms.
  3. LGBTQ teens rely on social media for connection and support, and limiting access to their content can isolate them during critical times of self-discovery.

Whitney Cummings has lost the plot

7733 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Comedy Social Trends Entertainment Celebrities
  1. Whitney Cummings made controversial jokes during a live New Year's Eve special that many found inappropriate. People are worried about her spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.
  2. There was a viral trend of unfollowing Vexbolt on social media, aimed at making him less popular. It's a humorous way for the internet to play with fame but raises questions about its impact on creators.
  3. The photo dump trend replaced traditional year-end recap videos this year. It seems people are looking for simpler ways to share their memories without making complicated edits.

Why your LinkedIn is about to get very busy

6359 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Employment Job Market Company Culture
  1. Many people are unhappy with their jobs and looking to switch. A lot of employees feel under-compensated and are actively searching for new opportunities.
  2. Paparazzi often take risks to capture celebrity moments, even during natural disasters. Some question whether the images are worth the danger involved.
  3. Mark Zuckerberg's claims about free speech seem insincere, as he continues to censor content under pressure from the government. Both political sides prioritize controlling speech that opposes them.

TikTok is done for

8539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Society Internet Politics Mental health
  1. TikTok is facing a ban in the U.S., which many people believe is coming soon. This could change how we interact with social media and restrict freedom of expression.
  2. In New Jersey, there have been many reports of mysterious drones, but most sightings are just everyday planes or stars. This has caused confusion and panic among the public.
  3. There is growing concern about how men view women's bodies, especially after a celebrity's unedited photos went viral. Some men seem to forget that real women look different from their edited images in media.

Stop pretending Meta cares about free speech

6598 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Tech Policy Censorship Activism Media Regulation
  1. Meta doesn't really care about free speech. They are making rules that often silence voices that challenge their views or threaten their profits.
  2. People who say they support free speech often try to shut down discussions that go against their beliefs. This includes laws that restrict what can be taught in schools about racism and LGBTQ+ issues.
  3. Billionaires like Zuckerberg use the idea of free speech to protect themselves from consequences while preserving their power. Real change requires creating an internet that serves everyone's needs, not just the powerful.

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.

How YouTubers pushed young male voters to Trump (with receipts)

4657 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Media Analysis Voting Trends Youth Engagement Cultural Shifts
  1. YouTubers have become very influential in shaping political opinions, especially among young men. Their mix of entertainment and political content helped many voters swing towards Trump.
  2. The calls for masculinity and distrust in traditional institutions resonated with many young people. This messaging provided a comfort to those feeling lost or marginalized in society.
  3. The media landscape has shifted, with traditional news losing ground to internet personalities. This shift highlights how critical it is for political figures to connect with voters where they spend their time online.

The RedNote honeymoon won't last

4986 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Apps User Behavior Data Privacy Regulation
  1. RedNote, a new app, is gaining popularity as users look for alternatives to TikTok. It focuses on social shopping and creating content about products.
  2. Despite its rapid rise, RedNote might struggle long-term because it has a language barrier and isn't as globally popular as TikTok.
  3. As users enjoy RedNote now, conflicts may arise as happens on most social media platforms. This could change users' perceptions of the app over time.

RIP Shein and Temu?

3791 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Ecommerce Free speech Political Campaigns Influencer Culture
  1. Shein and Temu are facing tough times due to new U.S. tariffs that could significantly raise prices for consumers. Many packages from China are now being stopped by customs, making it harder for these companies to operate.
  2. Joe Rogan defended himself against accusations from Kamala Harris' campaign about not being honest regarding an interview. He claims that the campaign never committed to appearing on his show, while Trump was easy to book.
  3. Substack won a legal battle over free speech, allowing a journalist to keep reporting on sensitive issues without being censored. This supports the idea that independent journalism should be protected.

Are you high agency?

3642 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Social Issues Political trends Employment
  1. The term 'high agency' is trending in Silicon Valley, describing people who seize opportunities and take action.
  2. This phrase hints at a strong individualistic mindset, which can overlook various challenges people face in life.
  3. The struggles of journalists like Miranda Green highlight serious issues in the media industry, emphasizing the need for independent reporting.

Why a MAGA influencer turned on Trump

3971 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Social media Elections Youth Politics Political trends
  1. A MAGA influencer named Clarkson Lawson changed his political views and voted for Kamala Harris, surprising many of his fans. His journey shows how influencers can evolve and reshape their beliefs over time.
  2. There's a legal battle between major talent agencies in Hollywood, with one agency accusing another of violating industry rules. This conflict highlights the competitive nature of the entertainment business.
  3. Zyn nicotine pouches have become very popular among younger people, especially for managing long workdays and social nights. Their rise reflects a trend in how individuals are seeking new ways to cope with modern stress.

DashCon 2.0 + Gen Z mall mania

3881 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Gen Z Influencers Shopping Events Social media
  1. Many Gen Z folks are excited to explore new experiences and prefer living in cities with remote work options. They want flexibility and are not very focused on settling down.
  2. There is a growing interest among Gen Z in influencers, but some see them as small business owners trying to achieve financial stability, leading to more conservative views in certain cases.
  3. Gen Z is bringing a new life to malls, primarily using them for socializing. However, the interest is still linked to online culture and social media rather than a full comeback for traditional shopping.

Inside Candace Owens plans to dominate women's media

3642 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Conservatism Gender Issues Influencers Cultural Trends
  1. Candace Owens is starting a new women's media brand called Club Candace. It will focus on traditional values and aims to empower young mothers with various content and community support.
  2. Owens believes many women are unhappy with modern feminist ideals and traditional gender roles. She wants to promote a lifestyle centered around motherhood and family.
  3. Despite her pro-motherhood stance, Owens opposes policies like paid maternity leave and universal childcare. This creates a clash as many people support better benefits for working mothers.

One feed to rule them all

3045 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media Apps Digital Trends User Experience Content curation
  1. Tapestry is a new app that combines multiple social media feeds into a single view, making it easier to keep track of updates. Users like that it is chronological and ad-free, offering a smooth browsing experience.
  2. There are other timeline apps besides Tapestry, like Reeder and Unread, which aim to help users organize their online content better. These apps reflect a shift from traditional RSS readers to modern feed solutions.
  3. The challenge with timeline apps is making them user-friendly for a variety of content types, such as videos and podcasts, while also allowing interaction like liking or commenting on posts.

Elon Musk's secret alt?

4777 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influencers Social media Public Relations Political Commentary Controversies
  1. There are claims that Elon Musk might be using a secret Twitter account named Adrian Dittmann to defend himself. Many believe this account has a similar style and voice to Musk.
  2. Some people say they've heard proof that Dittmann is actually Musk's burner account, but the credibility of such claims is questionable.
  3. Regardless of whether Adrian is Musk or not, it raises interesting questions about social media and the behavior of public figures online.

Elon Musk the dadfluencer + The female creator safety tax

2508 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Parenting Safety Music
  1. Elon Musk is trying to change how people see him by showing himself as a caring dad. He brings his son to public events to create a more relatable image.
  2. Female creators face higher safety costs than male creators, often needing to spend a lot of money to protect themselves from threats like doxxing and stalking.
  3. Spotify's influence on music has changed how artists create and how listeners enjoy music. The platform's algorithms have reshaped music production and industry dynamics.

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.

Gen Z’s Jerry Springer show

3194 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Trends Social Issues Entertainment Youth culture
  1. Jubilee Media aims to promote empathy and healthy discussions through social experiments and debates. They want to show different viewpoints but need to be careful with misinformation.
  2. The format of Jubilee's videos can sometimes lead to controversial discussions, making some critics think they're just trying to create drama for views.
  3. The rise of technology, like AI and video sharing at fast speeds, is changing how we experience media and interact, like using QR codes at weddings instead of hashtags.

My uncle got rich in the dot com bubble

3791 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Tech History Internet culture Personal narratives Economic Trends
  1. The dot-com bubble created a frenzy of investment in tech companies, making many people, like Uncle Paul, very wealthy. This time saw the rise of big names like Amazon and eBay, which changed how we shop.
  2. The excitement of the early internet promised a bright future where anyone could succeed, but the reality was that only a few became rich. Most people couldn't keep up with the fast changes and competition.
  3. The aftermath of the dot-com bubble led to many losses and a stark realization: wealth isn't guaranteed for everyone. Technology reshaped society, but it also introduced new issues like homelessness and inequality in places like California.

Local news has invented another fake TikTok challenge

3433 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Challenges Youth Misinformation
  1. Local news often creates fake stories about TikTok challenges that don't actually exist, causing unnecessary panic among parents.
  2. These false reports can lead to harmful legislation aimed at social media, ignoring the real issues kids face online.
  3. Misinformation about TikTok challenges highlights a gap in understanding between parents and their kids, making it harder to effectively address online safety.

Inside the CEO shooter standom

4418 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Pop culture Social Trends Youth culture Online Communities
  1. People have started to view a shooter, who targeted a CEO, as a kind of hero because of frustrations with the healthcare system. Many are expressing support for him online, turning him into a symbol of rebellion against insurance executives.
  2. There's a growing disconnect between mainstream media and the general public. Some believe that media figures, who live in comfort, fail to understand the struggles ordinary people face, leading to misguided narratives about events like this shooting.
  3. Elon Musk’s idea that his platform is a replacement for traditional media may actually create echo chambers. It’s important for people to seek out diverse viewpoints and critically analyze information instead of relying on just one source.

The 2024 state of social media

3732 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Entertainment Education Branding
  1. Social media is now more about fun and learning than personal chats. People want to be entertained as they scroll.
  2. Instagram is the top platform for engaging brand content. Many users love to see brands posting more there.
  3. YouTube is still important, especially for longer videos. Users enjoy in-depth content, even from brands, making it stand out in a world of short clips.

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.

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.