Technology journalist Taylor Lorenz has announced her departure from The Washington Post following an internal investigation triggered by her Instagram post featuring President Joe Biden. The respected internet culture expert, who authored the book “Extremely Online,” revealed her decision to leave the newspaper and launch a newsletter named “User Mag” on Substack.
In a statement on Substack, Lorenz expressed her intention to delve into reporting on internet issues that she finds challenging within traditional media environments. The controversy arose when she shared a picture from a White House event in August, captioned with “War criminal :(” alongside President Biden in the background. After a screenshot of the post circulated, Lorenz dismissed it as a manipulated image. However, NPR later confirmed its authenticity through sources close to the post.
The Washington Post initiated an internal review in response to the incident, and Lorenz has not contributed to the publication since then. A spokesperson for The Post acknowledged Lorenz’s accomplishments during her 2.5-year tenure and confirmed her resignation to pursue independent journalism. The newspaper refrained from elaborating on the outcome of its investigation.
Having previously worked as a technology reporter at The New York Times, Taylor Lorenz aims to refocus her coverage on how individuals interact with technology, steering away from corporate-centric narratives. Her move to an independent platform allows her to concentrate on illuminating the complexities of the online world, advocating for accountability, and fostering a more enriching internet experience.
Lorenz’s departure from The Washington Post marks a significant shift in her career trajectory, as she embarks on a path towards independent journalism driven by a passion for empowering readers to comprehend and engage with the digital landscape more meaningfully.