Taylor Lorenz’s Power User

Steven Asarch, a freelance internet-culture journalist who covers online communities, explains the Skibidi Toilet saga. He traces its viral rise, how serialized shorts built a fervent fandom, and the fallout after a tradigital studio takeover. The conversation spotlights leaked calls, fan backlash with #BringBackBoom, and the tricky business of turning internet-born IP into Hollywood franchises.

Kent Myrtle, a Wichita school bus driver and whistleblower exposing AI camera installs. He breaks down inward/outward cameras, real-time AI alerts, cloud uploads to AWS, and worries about privacy, misidentifications, and law enforcement access. Short, urgent talk about surveillance creeping into schools and how drivers and parents are reacting.

Kyle Chayka, New Yorker writer on internet culture and tech, explains the surge of AI-generated “fruit” dramas. He traces their origin from AI cat clips, reveals how creators churn them out with tools like Object Talk, and explores why algorithm-driven shock and serialized plots hook viewers. He also discusses monetization, model biases, and the cultural stakes of automated storytelling.

Caroline Kwan, Twitch streamer and cultural commentator, dissects the viral smear campaign around Chappell Roan. She unpacks the Brazil hotel incident, how stan wars and bot amplification turned rumors into headlines, and why misogyny, homophobia, and politics keep fueling attacks. Short, sharp, and focused on the mechanics of online controversy.

Kat Tenbarge, journalist who covers tech policy and online culture, explains why headlines got the social media addiction trial wrong. They unpack misleading investigations, identity-check pushers, and how policy fixes can empower big tech and conservative groups. Short, sharp takes on surveillance, censorship risks, and who really benefits from these verdicts.

A deep dive into how a niche self-published romance exploded into a massive online fandom. They trace fandom roots from Tumblr hockey shipping to mainstream virality on TikTok and Threads. The conversation covers slash fanfiction history, platform-driven norm clashes, and tensions between journalism and fan privacy. It explores how fan culture reshapes publishing and what comes next for fan-run spaces.

A deep dive into the accelerating erasure of digital history and archives. Stories about mass removals of human rights videos, algorithmic demotion that hides dissent, and platforms acting as arms of government. Coverage of app takedowns, attacks on archival infrastructure, and how ownership and profit motives shape what stays online. Calls for decentralized tools and policy fixes to preserve public records.

Will Sommer, reporter and author covering political extremism and conspiracy movements. He unpacks the Jim Carrey clone frenzy, traces replacement rumors from Paul McCartney to modern TikTok sleuths, and explores how aging, nostalgia, AI tools, and crowd investigations fuel celebrity clone conspiracies. Short, sharp takes on why certain figures get targeted and the cultural forces behind these viral theories.

Mike Masnick, founder of Techdirt and host of Otherwise Objectionable, is a Section 230 and tech policy expert. He traces how a minor law became a political battleground. He debunks myths about moderation, explains why repealing 230 would empower big platforms, and outlines legislative and user-driven alternatives to curb Big Tech power.

Joe, founder and designer of Cola Corporation, runs a provocative political clothing label that challenges police, ICE, and establishment power. He discusses government seizure of shipments, platform and advertising bans, printer refusals, and viral backlash. The conversation focuses on fashion as resistance, censorship double standards, and the practical costs of making political merch.