Taylor Lorenz has left The Washington Post to launch User Mag on Substack, embracing independent journalism over legacy media. Known for covering internet culture, Lorenz has frequently criticized traditional outlets for their slow adaptation to platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Her departure followed tensions with the Post, especially after a controversial Instagram post involving President Biden. She denies that this incident directly led to her exit, stating she wanted to leave to have more freedom in her reporting.
Lorenz’s career has often been marked by public scrutiny and backlash, partly due to her outspoken presence on social media. Her move reflects a broader trend where journalists are becoming independent creators, monetizing their work directly through platforms like Substack. This transition allows her to connect with her audience on her own terms, free from traditional media’s editorial control. Lorenz aims to leverage her internet presence fully, positioning herself as an “internet personality” rather than a conventional journalist, which she believes will be more effective for audience engagement in today’s digital landscape.
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Discussion (2)
Honestly, I think it’s a smart move. Legacy media just hasn’t been able to keep up with how fast internet culture moves. Plus, platforms like Substack let journalists like Lorenz write what they want without a bunch of editors and gatekeeping. It's more authentic, and that’s what people are looking for now.
her style is way more suited to an independent platform. Love her or hate her, she understands internet culture, and I think she'll thrive with User Mag