Taylor Lorenz

AI position

Aware of x-risk

Investigated a pro-AI PAC campaign targeting AI-doomer/safety accounts, but from a media-watchdog angle, not sustained argument engagement.

Why influential

Defines how AI and technology power are understood by policymakers, investors, researchers, workers and the broader press. Primary policy lanes: creators; platforms; ai media; online culture.

Who pays attention

Creators, platform teams, youth media, digital campaign staff, advertisers and technology journalists

Work samples

• A Pro-AI Super PAC's Secret Meme Sockpuppets

  Jun 3, 2026 · article

  Co-reported investigation with Tyler Johnston of The Midas Project exposing OpenAI/a16z-linked super PAC sockpuppet accounts, including ones targeting AI doomers/safety advocates.

• The AI Job Apocalypse: Silicon Valley Is Bracing for a Permanent Underclass w/ Jasmine Sun

  May 20, 2026 · podcast

  Power User episode on OpenAI, Anthropic, AGI, automation, and labor displacement with writer Jasmine Sun.

• AI is making us all talk the same

  Jan 1, 2026 · article

  Piece on ChatGPT's homogenizing effect on language, referencing etymologist Adam Aleksic's research.

• Stop Feeling Helpless About AI

  Jan 1, 2026 · article

  Newsletter piece featuring a conversation with academic Thomas Dekeyser on historical resistance to technology, including AI.

• Elon Musk's God Complex

  Jan 1, 2026 · podcast

  Power User episode examining Musk's narcissism and career, touching on xAI/tech ambitions.

AI-world contacts

• Tyler Johnston — Founder, AI industry watchdog nonprofit, The Midas Project

  • Wrote aboutdirectness unclassified — Co-reported an investigation with Taylor Lorenz on a pro-AI super PAC's sockpuppet accounts, some targeting AI safety advocates/doomers.