Why Katie Notopoulos still loves the internet
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Deep Dive
Why does Katie Notopoulos still love the internet despite its flaws?
Katie finds the internet inherently fascinating and enjoyable, particularly for its social patterns and the ability to observe how people interact online. She views platforms like Twitter and Facebook as sources of daily joy, offering jokes, links, and insights into various communities.
What is Katie Notopoulos' role at Business Insider?
Katie is a senior correspondent at Business Insider, where she writes about tech, internet culture, and business culture. She focuses on explaining how internet platforms work and the behaviors of their users.
How did Katie Notopoulos get into writing about internet culture?
Katie didn't consciously decide to write about internet culture; it naturally aligned with her interests. She became fascinated with online behaviors and enjoyed making sense of and explaining the weird and interesting aspects of the internet to others.
What is Katie Notopoulos' perspective on children's interaction with the internet?
Katie is concerned about how children interact with the internet, particularly platforms like YouTube, which she describes as a dominant force for kids. She emphasizes that much of internet culture is driven by children and teenagers, which is often overlooked by adult-focused narratives.
What is the significance of the Blippi story in internet culture?
The Blippi story highlights the thin line between viral content and children's entertainment. Blippi, a popular kids' YouTube star, was revealed to have previously created gross-out comedy videos, including one where he pooped on a friend. This story underscores how internet fame can transition rapidly from one extreme to another.
How does Katie Notopoulos approach writing stories about internet culture?
Katie looks for stories everywhere, from news articles to personal conversations and Slack discussions. She often explores the root causes of internet phenomena, combining observations of weird online behaviors with deeper analysis of the tech platforms enabling them.
What is Katie Notopoulos' view on limiting children's internet access?
Katie believes in limiting children's internet access in a reasonable way but acknowledges the challenges parents face. She emphasizes that expecting parents to moderate their children's online activities is unfair, as it requires constant vigilance and awareness.
What is Katie Notopoulos' approach to engaging with people who aren't traditionally media-savvy?
Katie is careful when interacting with people who aren't used to dealing with the media, ensuring they understand they're talking to a reporter and that their name may be used. She finds that these interactions can be unpredictable, with some people being excited while others may be hostile.
What is the moral of the Blippi story according to Katie Notopoulos?
The Blippi story illustrates how internet fame can be built on extreme or questionable content, even when it transitions to children's entertainment. It raises questions about the ethics of applying viral, click-driven tactics to content aimed at kids.
What does Katie Notopoulos enjoy most about Threads?
Katie enjoys the absurdity and engagement of Threads, where she posts preposterous statements that often provoke strong reactions. She finds it amusing to see how people respond to her posts, which are sometimes mistaken for genuine opinions.
- Katie's fascination with internet culture stems from observing social patterns and interactions.
- She enjoys the unexpected and weird aspects of the internet.
- She doesn't subscribe to the narrative that the internet is inherently bad; she sees it as a source of both joy and concern.
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