263: Meghan Markle & the History of Influencers ft. Taylor Lorenz

Lauren and Chan are joined by Taylor Lorenz to discuss all things related to internet culture. They dive into the following: The Socialite Rank (3:32), the social media ecosystem (11:33), parasocial relationships (14:35),  aspirational content (20:18),  mommy bloggers (28:33), the birth of influencer marketing (33:04),  viral content shaping societal values (36:42), AI creators & digital clones (40:31), going from an influencer to being in the public eye with Meghan Markle (45:16), and finally, image curation and PR strategy with Gwyneth Paltrow (51:00).  Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Clean Simple Eats: Shop Clean Simple Eats protein powder and use code POPAPOLOGISTS for 10% off! Earlybird: Click here to try Earlybird CBD/THC gummies and use code POP20 for 20% off.  BetterHelp: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.  Build your support system with Betterhelp. Visit betterhelp.com/popapologists to get 10% off your first month.  Cozy Earth: Visit CozyEarth.com/POP and use our exclusive code POP for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Quince: Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to quince.com/apologist for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.  Progressive: See if you can save some money at Progressive.com.  For more Pop Apologists, follow along at: @popapologists on Instagram @popapologists on TikTok Pop Apologists on YouTube To support the show, consider subscribing on Patreon or anywhere you listen to podcasts, where you can get a bonus episode of Pop Apologists every Friday!