Why is this interesting? - The Monday Media Diet with Taylor Lorenz

Time for another edition of Monday Media Diet: Our ongoing series of interviews with interesting people about the things they’re interested in. Today’s guest is someone you’re likely already reading frequently, New York Times technology reporter Taylor Lorenz (TL). - Noah (NRB)

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a technology reporter at the New York Times where I cover internet culture, influencers, memes and more. I was previously a staff writer at The Atlantic and a tech and culture reporter at The Daily Beast. I’m based in Brooklyn, NY. 

Describe your media diet. 

This is a hard one! I'm basically consuming information all day on whatever app I'm using. I follow lots of Instagram accounts, check out the Explore page, spend about an hour or two per day on TikTok or watching YouTube. On YouTube I watch YouTuber-focused news shows from tea channels and Phil DeFranco. I also listen to a LOT of podcasts. I love recap podcasts like The Daily and the NYT Popcast, also some YouTuber podcasts like the H3H3 podcast. 

I would say I consume most news through audio or video but I do read articles at work. I have a twitter list of people I follow and just read whatever links they tweet out that seem interesting. I also read links dropped in a variety of group chats and Slack groups I'm in for work. I also read the Daily Mail homepage top to bottom several times per day. It's great and easy to skim with lots of pictures.  

What’s the last great book you read?

Kyle Chayka's new book The Longing for Less: Living with Minimalism. It's fantastic. Kyle is one of my favorite writers and this book is such a thoughtful critique of design and the world we live in. I have recommended it to everyone. 

What are you reading now?

I got an advanced copy of Sarah Frier's new book on Instagram, No Filter: The Inside Story of Instagram. It's also a phenomenal read. So much incredible reporting and juicy details about Instagram. They need to make it into a Netflix show or something, it's great.

Where’s your first stop when you pick up a print copy of your favorite publication?

The only thing I read in print sometimes is the Sunday Times. I love reading the wedding section in print, for some reason it just doesn't hit the same online. 

Who should everyone be reading that they’re not?

Mel magazine! Mel's culture coverage is so phenomenal it's unparalleled. They constantly scoop me on stories. Their writers are exceedingly brilliant and talented and all have such unique voices. Some headlines seem silly on the outside, but stories on Mel often have such a deep meaning and empathy for the subjects they're covering. 

I cannot express how much I love Mel. If I didn't work at the NYT I'd be trying to get hired there. Their work is unreal and they don't get enough industry credit. 

What is the best non-famous app you love on your phone? 

Well it's still in beta, but I'm very excited for the Axios app! I'm a big Axios reader and have wanted an app experience from them for a while. Their newsletters are great but get lost in my inbox. You can apply to join the beta test program for the app here. 

What is one place everyone should visit? 

This is hard! For me, nothing beats a sunny summer Saturday at Prospect Park. So I think if any New Yorkers haven't spent time in that park yet, make the trip. It's so much better than Central Park. 

Plane or train?

Train, I'm scared to fly. 

Tell us the story of a rabbit hole you fell deep into. 

Last night I went deep into a hole of joker quote pages on Instagram. There's thousands of posts where people put the most stupid anonymous quotes about hustling hard or dating over images from The Joker. Search #JokerQuotes on Insta and enjoy!

Thanks for reading,

Noah (NRB) & Colin (CJN) & Taylor (TL)

Why is this interesting? is a daily email from Noah Brier & Colin Nagy (and friends!) about interesting things. If you’ve enjoyed this edition, please consider forwarding it to a friend. If you’re reading it for the first time, consider subscribing (it’s free!).