Taylor Lorenz
@taylorlorenz.bsky.social
Subscribe to my tech and online culture newsletter UserMag.co
Listen/watch Power User podcast on all platforms!!
Support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/taylorlorenz
Listen/watch Power User podcast on all platforms!!
Support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/taylorlorenz
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
this is your mission. our pedophile president needs you to jump out of a helicopter to kidnap a head of state and his wife so some oil ceos can make a lot of money. we’ll be watching from a resort in florida that still serves wedge salad and checking how many retweets we get. good luck soldier
January 3, 2026 at 10:57 PM
this is your mission. our pedophile president needs you to jump out of a helicopter to kidnap a head of state and his wife so some oil ceos can make a lot of money. we’ll be watching from a resort in florida that still serves wedge salad and checking how many retweets we get. good luck soldier
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
It's rare for a company to sign a contract with the US military AND get caught generating CSAM in the same two-week period. Grok is just built different
@caseynewton.bsky.social welp the people who said they wanted you to cover Grok on Hard Fork look like they’re gonna get their wish… it’s been an insane few days over there
January 2, 2026 at 6:24 PM
It's rare for a company to sign a contract with the US military AND get caught generating CSAM in the same two-week period. Grok is just built different
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
Strange as it sounds, there does appear to be a valid point here: People who desire censorship will often start with undesirable groups than work their way towards the mainstream.
This has been a time-tested pattern and should be understood clearly.
This has been a time-tested pattern and should be understood clearly.
After Wikipedia lost their legal challenge, a case by 4Chan, Kiwi Farms, Gab is ironically the one thing that could prevent the UK government from mass censoring LGBTQ ppl off the internet. Here's why u should support them winning the suit (I say this as someone who's been a target of KF for years)
The Websites Everyone Hates Might Save the Internet
YouTube video by Taylor Lorenz
www.youtube.com
January 3, 2026 at 1:32 AM
Strange as it sounds, there does appear to be a valid point here: People who desire censorship will often start with undesirable groups than work their way towards the mainstream.
This has been a time-tested pattern and should be understood clearly.
This has been a time-tested pattern and should be understood clearly.
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
The worst part is that it’s my understanding every “apology” has even been people prompting it to apologize. It would still be idiotic to pretend like Grok had the self-awareness to apologize but it’s not even creating the apology unprompted.
A real news outlet publishing the phrase "Grok apologized" should result in like a week-long timeout. Think about what you've done.
January 2, 2026 at 10:36 PM
The worst part is that it’s my understanding every “apology” has even been people prompting it to apologize. It would still be idiotic to pretend like Grok had the self-awareness to apologize but it’s not even creating the apology unprompted.
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
To see someone unequivocally champion an open and uncensored internet is a VERY bold move, but she doesn't stand down, and I can give points for that, even if the examples in her latest video are absolutely bad websites, she explains her point very clearly
January 2, 2026 at 10:47 PM
To see someone unequivocally champion an open and uncensored internet is a VERY bold move, but she doesn't stand down, and I can give points for that, even if the examples in her latest video are absolutely bad websites, she explains her point very clearly
I talked to the lawyer leading the legal crusade by 4Chan, Kiwi Farms, Gab and others against UK's mass censorship laws. Here's why you should support their fight:
The Websites Everyone Hates Might Save the Internet
YouTube video by Taylor Lorenz
www.youtube.com
January 2, 2026 at 10:17 PM
I talked to the lawyer leading the legal crusade by 4Chan, Kiwi Farms, Gab and others against UK's mass censorship laws. Here's why you should support their fight:
Why you should support Kiwi Farms and 4Chan in their fight against the UK's mass censorship laws
The Websites Everyone Hates Might Save the Internet
YouTube video by Taylor Lorenz
www.youtube.com
January 2, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Why you should support Kiwi Farms and 4Chan in their fight against the UK's mass censorship laws
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
New: We got an internal ICE document revealing its $100 million ad plan to bring in 14,000 new hires: deals with "tactical" influencers; ads to gun & military buffs; and geo-targeting phones around NASCAR races and gun shows.
A "wartime recruitment" mode with paramilitary branding: wapo.st/44QrP5j
A "wartime recruitment" mode with paramilitary branding: wapo.st/44QrP5j
ICE plans $100 million ‘wartime recruitment’ push targeting gun shows, military fans for hires
An internal ICE document shared among immigration officials details plans to use influencers and geo-targeted ads to rapidly hire thousands of deportation officers.
wapo.st
December 31, 2025 at 12:09 PM
New: We got an internal ICE document revealing its $100 million ad plan to bring in 14,000 new hires: deals with "tactical" influencers; ads to gun & military buffs; and geo-targeting phones around NASCAR races and gun shows.
A "wartime recruitment" mode with paramilitary branding: wapo.st/44QrP5j
A "wartime recruitment" mode with paramilitary branding: wapo.st/44QrP5j
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
highly recommended video
I made a long video about the "someone's got to do it" memes, where they came from, what they're really saying, and what these posts reveal about collective trauma, political cynicism, our decaying faith in democratic institutions and so so much more. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXrj...
January 1, 2026 at 6:30 AM
highly recommended video
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
The same politicians pushing age verification laws and social media bans are the ones who don't like what young people are saying online. They can't win the argument, so they want to control the platform. @taylorlorenz.bsky.social @kenklippenstein.bsky.social
January 2, 2026 at 2:09 PM
The same politicians pushing age verification laws and social media bans are the ones who don't like what young people are saying online. They can't win the argument, so they want to control the platform. @taylorlorenz.bsky.social @kenklippenstein.bsky.social
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
There are so many classrooms on Donors Choose that still have ZERO donations.
If you want to get some charitable giving done before the end of 2025, this is the perfect way to do it!!
Let’s help some kids!!!! I curated a list of classrooms in need here 👇 www.donorschoose.org/taylorlorenz
If you want to get some charitable giving done before the end of 2025, this is the perfect way to do it!!
Let’s help some kids!!!! I curated a list of classrooms in need here 👇 www.donorschoose.org/taylorlorenz
Support Student Learning with Taylor Lorenz and User Mag
This holiday season, we've had enough talk — it's time for action. Join Taylor and other User Mag subscribers in donating modern, instructional tech to students from underfunded public scho...
www.donorschoose.org
December 29, 2025 at 6:07 PM
There are so many classrooms on Donors Choose that still have ZERO donations.
If you want to get some charitable giving done before the end of 2025, this is the perfect way to do it!!
Let’s help some kids!!!! I curated a list of classrooms in need here 👇 www.donorschoose.org/taylorlorenz
If you want to get some charitable giving done before the end of 2025, this is the perfect way to do it!!
Let’s help some kids!!!! I curated a list of classrooms in need here 👇 www.donorschoose.org/taylorlorenz
There are so many classrooms on Donors Choose that still have ZERO donations.
If you want to get some charitable giving done before the end of 2025, this is the perfect way to do it!!
Let’s help some kids!!!! I curated a list of classrooms in need here 👇 www.donorschoose.org/taylorlorenz
If you want to get some charitable giving done before the end of 2025, this is the perfect way to do it!!
Let’s help some kids!!!! I curated a list of classrooms in need here 👇 www.donorschoose.org/taylorlorenz
Support Student Learning with Taylor Lorenz and User Mag
This holiday season, we've had enough talk — it's time for action. Join Taylor and other User Mag subscribers in donating modern, instructional tech to students from underfunded public scho...
www.donorschoose.org
December 29, 2025 at 6:07 PM
There are so many classrooms on Donors Choose that still have ZERO donations.
If you want to get some charitable giving done before the end of 2025, this is the perfect way to do it!!
Let’s help some kids!!!! I curated a list of classrooms in need here 👇 www.donorschoose.org/taylorlorenz
If you want to get some charitable giving done before the end of 2025, this is the perfect way to do it!!
Let’s help some kids!!!! I curated a list of classrooms in need here 👇 www.donorschoose.org/taylorlorenz
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
In 2020, @paulkrugman.substack.com.web.brid.gy published a book about defeated Conservative ideas being brought back from the dead over and over.
Today, @taylorlorenz.bsky.social talks to @ryanbroderick.bsky.social about alt-right memes recycling 200 year old dead conspiracies.
youtu.be/P_GhvxpIUhA
Today, @taylorlorenz.bsky.social talks to @ryanbroderick.bsky.social about alt-right memes recycling 200 year old dead conspiracies.
youtu.be/P_GhvxpIUhA
The Kirkification to Alt-Right Pipeline
YouTube video by Taylor Lorenz
youtu.be
December 18, 2025 at 3:56 AM
In 2020, @paulkrugman.substack.com.web.brid.gy published a book about defeated Conservative ideas being brought back from the dead over and over.
Today, @taylorlorenz.bsky.social talks to @ryanbroderick.bsky.social about alt-right memes recycling 200 year old dead conspiracies.
youtu.be/P_GhvxpIUhA
Today, @taylorlorenz.bsky.social talks to @ryanbroderick.bsky.social about alt-right memes recycling 200 year old dead conspiracies.
youtu.be/P_GhvxpIUhA
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
@taylorlorenz.bsky.social talks to an actual expert with research papers, #IanAnderson about the difference between "clinically diagnosable social media addiction" and
"hard to break habits", along with why the media keeps pushing the "this is an addiction" narrative.
youtu.be/K-0z0j0QvPI
"hard to break habits", along with why the media keeps pushing the "this is an addiction" narrative.
youtu.be/K-0z0j0QvPI
Social Media Addiction Isn't Real (Here's What's Really Happening)
YouTube video by Taylor Lorenz
youtu.be
December 19, 2025 at 3:07 PM
@taylorlorenz.bsky.social talks to an actual expert with research papers, #IanAnderson about the difference between "clinically diagnosable social media addiction" and
"hard to break habits", along with why the media keeps pushing the "this is an addiction" narrative.
youtu.be/K-0z0j0QvPI
"hard to break habits", along with why the media keeps pushing the "this is an addiction" narrative.
youtu.be/K-0z0j0QvPI
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
Was really exciting for me to sit down with @taylorlorenz.bsky.social and discuss my research on her Podcast, Power User! I’ve followed her social media coverage for a long time.
Highly recommend watching the full YouTube version below (has visuals from the relevant paper): youtu.be/K-0z0j0QvPI?...
Highly recommend watching the full YouTube version below (has visuals from the relevant paper): youtu.be/K-0z0j0QvPI?...
Social Media Addiction Isn't Real (Here's What's Really Happening)
YouTube video by Taylor Lorenz
youtu.be
December 19, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Was really exciting for me to sit down with @taylorlorenz.bsky.social and discuss my research on her Podcast, Power User! I’ve followed her social media coverage for a long time.
Highly recommend watching the full YouTube version below (has visuals from the relevant paper): youtu.be/K-0z0j0QvPI?...
Highly recommend watching the full YouTube version below (has visuals from the relevant paper): youtu.be/K-0z0j0QvPI?...
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
Is this a @taylorlorenz.bsky.social video or @skepchick.org also thinks bad politicians who pretend to care about children don't actually protect children?
youtu.be/mJi6N_6RmtU
youtu.be/mJi6N_6RmtU
Australia's Social Media Ban is a Win for Gambling Companies
YouTube video by Rebecca Watson (Skepchick)
youtu.be
December 22, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Is this a @taylorlorenz.bsky.social video or @skepchick.org also thinks bad politicians who pretend to care about children don't actually protect children?
youtu.be/mJi6N_6RmtU
youtu.be/mJi6N_6RmtU
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
Weird how The Free Press was able to publish all of these without comment from the Washigton University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
December 22, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Weird how The Free Press was able to publish all of these without comment from the Washigton University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
#SaveSpeech
KOSA has amassed more cosponsors recently, jumping from 42 to 60 total
You need to call your reps and DEMAND that they oppose this legislation ASAP
The link below contains more info about KOSA and an easy way to contact your reps
5calls.org/issue/kids-o...
Please call DAILY
KOSA has amassed more cosponsors recently, jumping from 42 to 60 total
You need to call your reps and DEMAND that they oppose this legislation ASAP
The link below contains more info about KOSA and an easy way to contact your reps
5calls.org/issue/kids-o...
Please call DAILY
October 10, 2025 at 6:13 PM
#SaveSpeech
KOSA has amassed more cosponsors recently, jumping from 42 to 60 total
You need to call your reps and DEMAND that they oppose this legislation ASAP
The link below contains more info about KOSA and an easy way to contact your reps
5calls.org/issue/kids-o...
Please call DAILY
KOSA has amassed more cosponsors recently, jumping from 42 to 60 total
You need to call your reps and DEMAND that they oppose this legislation ASAP
The link below contains more info about KOSA and an easy way to contact your reps
5calls.org/issue/kids-o...
Please call DAILY
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
We sat down with @taylorlorenz.bsky.social to dissect these 'Bad Internet Bills' and what you need to know to stop them: www.privacyguides.org/videos/2025/...
Taylor Lorenz on KOSA, The SCREEN Act, and Repealing Section 230
Nate Bartram sat down with technology journalist Taylor Lorenz to decipher the slate of bills being fast-tracked through Congress which threaten free speech, privacy, and your right to freely access i...
www.privacyguides.org
December 16, 2025 at 3:29 AM
We sat down with @taylorlorenz.bsky.social to dissect these 'Bad Internet Bills' and what you need to know to stop them: www.privacyguides.org/videos/2025/...
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
Excellent interview by @taylorlorenz.bsky.social ! I have always grown up enamored by the ideals of the open internet and joked about China's Great Firewall. Hearing from journalist who covered Hong Kong compare both ours and China's internet is eye opening.
youtu.be/PKknibejJR0?...
youtu.be/PKknibejJR0?...
The US is the Surveillance State We Were Warned About
YouTube video by Taylor Lorenz
youtu.be
December 17, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Excellent interview by @taylorlorenz.bsky.social ! I have always grown up enamored by the ideals of the open internet and joked about China's Great Firewall. Hearing from journalist who covered Hong Kong compare both ours and China's internet is eye opening.
youtu.be/PKknibejJR0?...
youtu.be/PKknibejJR0?...
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
If you don't trust Congress to write a good budget that protects the people, you shouldn't trust them to write bills that "protect the children".
A dissection of the current crop via @taylorlorenz.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0hE...
A dissection of the current crop via @taylorlorenz.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0hE...
Dissecting Bad Internet Bills with a Digital Rights Advocate: KOSA, SCREEN Act, Section 230 Repeal
YouTube video by Privacy Guides
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:24 AM
If you don't trust Congress to write a good budget that protects the people, you shouldn't trust them to write bills that "protect the children".
A dissection of the current crop via @taylorlorenz.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0hE...
A dissection of the current crop via @taylorlorenz.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0hE...
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
Excellent cover of "kirkification" by @taylorlorenz.bsky.social
I've been very amused by the mainstream media falling all over themselves to worship Kirk.
But then when I hit up tick tock it's a Non-Stop clown parade.
The actual culture never gave a FUCK about kirk
youtube.com/watch?v=P_Gh...
I've been very amused by the mainstream media falling all over themselves to worship Kirk.
But then when I hit up tick tock it's a Non-Stop clown parade.
The actual culture never gave a FUCK about kirk
youtube.com/watch?v=P_Gh...
The Kirkification to Alt-Right Pipeline
YouTube video by Taylor Lorenz
youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Excellent cover of "kirkification" by @taylorlorenz.bsky.social
I've been very amused by the mainstream media falling all over themselves to worship Kirk.
But then when I hit up tick tock it's a Non-Stop clown parade.
The actual culture never gave a FUCK about kirk
youtube.com/watch?v=P_Gh...
I've been very amused by the mainstream media falling all over themselves to worship Kirk.
But then when I hit up tick tock it's a Non-Stop clown parade.
The actual culture never gave a FUCK about kirk
youtube.com/watch?v=P_Gh...
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
Hoxe gustoume moitísimo este video na canle de Taylor Lorenz @taylorlorenz.bsky.social (se vos interesa a política internacional no ámbito de internet, privacidade e liberdade de expresión recoméndovos seguila).
youtu.be/8NB0IW8ihS0
youtu.be/8NB0IW8ihS0
How Police Control the Media
YouTube video by Taylor Lorenz
youtu.be
December 17, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Hoxe gustoume moitísimo este video na canle de Taylor Lorenz @taylorlorenz.bsky.social (se vos interesa a política internacional no ámbito de internet, privacidade e liberdade de expresión recoméndovos seguila).
youtu.be/8NB0IW8ihS0
youtu.be/8NB0IW8ihS0
Holiday hauls, digital homesteading, charm robots, a Netflix for Wikipedia, Ozempic Santa in sad beige SKIMS, Temu Amazon dupeception, IRL Hallmark jobs, how to get your chatbot high on drugs, and MORE in today's newsletter!!!
How Charlie Kirk Memes Are Radicalizing Gen Z
+ Holiday hauls, digital homesteading, charm robots, a Netflix for Wikipedia, Ozempic Santa in sad beige SKIMS, Temu Amazon dupeception, IRL Hallmark jobs, and how to get your chatbot high on drugs
www.usermag.co
December 17, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Holiday hauls, digital homesteading, charm robots, a Netflix for Wikipedia, Ozempic Santa in sad beige SKIMS, Temu Amazon dupeception, IRL Hallmark jobs, how to get your chatbot high on drugs, and MORE in today's newsletter!!!
Reposted by Taylor Lorenz
I wrote about the unprecedented mass censorship and surveillance laws that Congress is trying to ram through in the name of “protecting kids” and how none of this is about protecting kids. In fact, these laws cause great harm to all of us, for @zeteo.com
Social Media Is a Literal Lifeline for Many Kids. Don't Ban Them From Using It
US politicians want to replicate Australia's draconian law prohibiting children under 16 from using social media. But experts say such bans will actually make kids 'significantly less safe online.'
zeteo.com
December 13, 2025 at 2:34 PM
I wrote about the unprecedented mass censorship and surveillance laws that Congress is trying to ram through in the name of “protecting kids” and how none of this is about protecting kids. In fact, these laws cause great harm to all of us, for @zeteo.com