Extremely Online

Extremely Online by Taylor Lorenz offers readers an in-depth exploration of the internet's transformative impact on society and our daily lives. As the renowned tech journalist from The New York Times and a favourite commentator on social media trends, Lorenz provides a compelling narrative that chronicles the rise of online influence and the creators who wield it. Through engaging and meticulously researched accounts, she traces how digital platforms have reshaped the contours of our economy, culture, and personal identities.

Moms who started quiet blogs as a hobby became pioneers of the monetised personal brand. They paved the way for a new generation of content creators who turned personal narratives into profitable enterprises. Teenagers, previously bored and overlooked, used the power of selfie videos to redefine modern fame. Today, young creators on platforms like TikTok are shaping diverse career paths, opting out of traditional job trajectories in favour of digital entrepreneurship. Lorenz illuminates these shifts, capturing the essence of what it means to be 'extremely online'.

Drawing on her extensive experience reporting for the Washington Post, Lorenz examines how the internet has reconfigured our desires and aspirations. She reveals the intricate ways social platforms' power users—those who master the art of online influence—have revolutionised our consumption habits, communication methods, and even the notion of authority. The book delves into the economic and social upheavals brought about by this shift, demonstrating that what might seem like fleeting trends are, in reality, definitive cultural revolutions.

This comprehensive social history invites readers to reconsider previously marginalised voices and the innovations they introduced. It highlights the democratizing potential of the internet, showcasing how digital tools have lowered barriers and provided platforms for underrepresented communities to thrive and make their mark.

Emerging as more than just a chronicler, Extremely Online positions Lorenz as both a soothsayer and a critic of the digital age. She uncovers how this new digital dynamic fosters global connections while threatening traditional institutions. The book's narrative is both an exposé and a celebration, capturing the full spectrum of impacts that our increasingly connected world embodies.

This book is more than just a history; it’s an eye-opener to the complex interplay between the internet and modern capitalism, revealing how what once seemed like ephemeral fads have had enduring and transformative effects on work, fame, and ambition in the 21st century. Extremely Online is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the profound ways the internet has reshaped our world and will continue to do so.