Taylor Lorenz, a well-known tech reporter and social media expert, has released her debut book, Extremely Online, which delves into the untold history of social media. Lorenz, who has worked for outlets like the Daily Beast, the New York Times, and now the Washington Post, offers readers a comprehensive social history of social media platforms and the rise of influencers.
In Extremely Online, Lorenz takes readers through the various eras of social media, starting with the nostalgic days of blogging on platforms like WordPress and connecting on MySpace. She then explores the evolution of social media into the phenomenon we know today, with the monetization of Instagram and the dominance of TikTok. Lorenz carefully selects stories to highlight the significant influence that users have had in shaping social media trends and culture.
In a recent interview with Teen Vogue, Lorenz shared the inspiration behind her book and emphasized the need to acknowledge the role of users and content creators in the rise of social media. She noted that there is often a tendency in Silicon Valley to credit tech founders while erasing the contributions of users. Lorenz aims to counter this narrative and provide a user’s history of how social media emerged, evolved, and shaped our online behavior.
A key focus of Extremely Online is women, with Lorenz highlighting stories like that of Julia Allison, a journalist and internet celebrity from the 2000s, and Liz Eswein, an early creator on Instagram. Lorenz believes it is essential to shed light on the experiences of women and marginalized communities who played pivotal roles in shaping the early internet but often go unrecognized. By sharing these stories, Lorenz aims to challenge the prevailing narrative that the internet and tech ecosystem were primarily built by men.
The book also touches on the dark side of social media, including the pivotal moment of Gamergate, which demonstrated how the internet could be weaponized against women. Lorenz hopes to provide a nuanced perspective on these events and highlight the resilience and creativity of individuals who were shut out of traditional institutions but found success on social media platforms.
Extremely Online offers a deep dive into the history of social media, shedding light on the individuals and movements that have shaped our online experiences. Lorenz’s book serves as a reminder that users and content creators, particularly from marginalized backgrounds, have made significant contributions to the development of social media. By providing a user’s perspective, Lorenz challenges the dominant Silicon Valley narrative and calls for a more inclusive understanding of the internet’s history.
In a time when social media plays an increasingly significant role in our lives, Extremely Online offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on the platforms we use and how we engage with them. For those interested in understanding the untold history of social media, Lorenz’s book promises to be a captivating read.
