Conspirituality 191: Extremely Online (w/Taylor Lorenz)
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Feb 1, 2024 
Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post columnist and author of a recent book on internet culture, discusses the challenges of reporting in an age of conspiracy theories and online trolling, the impact of social media on journalism, the origins and consequences of the GamerGate movement, the rise and fall of Vine and its influence on TikTok, and the difficulties faced by social media creators and journalists in adapting to different platforms and navigating online risks.
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Vine's influence on video platforms
- Vine's legacy includes being the first mainstream mobile video editing app.
- Its influence is evident in all video platforms today, especially TikTok.
Differing Incentives
- Social media creators are driven by algorithms, while traditional journalists are less directly beholden to platforms.
- This creates warped incentives for creators, leading to extremism and attention-grabbing content.
Chaya Raichik's Influence
- Chaya Raichik's political power predates Taylor Lorenz's reporting, fueled by right-wing media and funding.
- Lorenz argues that Raichik's influence and anonymity warranted scrutiny.