A Journey Through the Digital Streets: My Thoughts on Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence…
When I first caught wind of Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence… by Taylor Lorenz, I felt a jolt of excitement. The concept of unraveling the social history of the internet resonates deeply with me. After all, the memes, the moments, and the influencers shape culture in ways we often overlook. As I dove into the pages, I was eager to see how Lorenz, a seasoned voice on internet culture, would navigate this vast, tangled web of digital storytelling.
The book offers a compelling look at the evolution of online fame and the diverse tapestry of influencers that shape our virtual experiences. Lorenz explores familiar territory—the rise of platforms like Instagram and Twitter—but it’s the structure that occasionally left me feeling disoriented. While the book follows a linear path, the jumping back and forth between chapters blurs the timeline, making it challenging to track the narrative flow. I found myself hoping for a more cohesive presentation, particularly considering the dense material being tackled.
One of my larger disappointments was the degree of focus on tech founders and apps—characters that, while essential, often overshadowed the very users who transform their platforms into cultural phenomena. The extensive discussions about the historical contexts of apps like Instagram felt less groundbreaking and more like a recap of well-known stories. I had anticipated a dive into the creators and movements that truly reshaped the internet’s landscape. Lorenz indeed covers significant movements, especially in her examination of the Vine era, where she beautifully highlights the dynamic relationship between the app creators and content creators on the platform. Those chapters struck a chord with me, reflecting a vibrancy often overlooked in broader tech conversations.
Lorenz makes a strong point about users shaping the internet, arguing that tech founders cannot predict how their inventions will be repurposed by the masses. This thesis resonates, especially in an era where user-generated content reigns supreme. Yet, as I read, I yearned for more anecdotes and deeper dives into the creators themselves, their struggles, and their triumphs beyond the bounds of Silicon Valley’s well-trodden paths.
Another noteworthy aspect of the book is its focus on the American experience in the digital sphere. Lorenz does touch on important discussions about representation, particularly regarding Black creators in influencer culture, yet I felt the narrative could have expanded to include perspectives from East/South Asian and Latinx influencers. While acknowledging the complexities involved in creating such a multifaceted narrative, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the heart of our global internet experience was left underexplored.
In the end, Extremely Online reads more as a compilation of familiar narratives rather than an "untold" saga. For those deeply entrenched in online culture, like myself, the book may appear redundant, offering little new insight, akin to a series of well-sequenced New York Times articles or a lengthy YouTube video essay. However, I can see the charm of this book for readers who may not spend innumerable hours scrolling through social media or who are curious about the very foundations we often take for granted.
Ultimately, I found my journey through Extremely Online a bittersweet experience. It illuminates many aspects of our digital lives but left me craving deeper connections with the stories of the creators shaping those moments. If you’re looking for a refresher on the internet’s landscape, this book could be a great entry point. But for those of us who are “extremely online,” it may just serve as a nostalgic trip down memory lane rather than new terrain to explore.
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