THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE

Raised on a commune and trained as a sociologist, a journalist explores the complex dance of individual identities shaped by social media.

Jezer-Morton, an early adopter of Facebook, learned to turn “humblebragging into a highly evolved rhetorical form.” Today, she writes, “all my scrolling and posting feels less like a hobby and more like a quicksand of time and attention from which I struggle to extract myself, shame-ridden, several times a day.” Writing in a personal, conversational style, she unpacks the dynamics shaping the extremely online world of social-media influencers, stylists, and ordinary people as they post intimate details of their lives. She asks, “What if these narratives— many of which appear perfectly harmless—are linked to some of the biggest challenges we face around social justice and equity, our ability to affirm our kids’ identities, and the mental health of adults and children alike?” “Momfluencers,” content creators, and health and beauty advisers compete on platforms ruled by algorithms built to maximize profits. She emphasizes that narratives are central to our personal development and the wider culture. However, “If stories are how we make sense of our lives, then we must treat them as serious and important. But that’s not how we think of social media—it’s a time killer, a distraction, a meaningless diversion.” Her smart, sharply observed analysis argues that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other forums are increasingly dominated by “individuals trying to convince you that they have what you want and brands trying to make you want what they have.” This fascinating portrait of social media is essential for understanding how tech companies shape how we share, talk about, and make sense of our own lives.

A lively, irreverent journey reveals how social-media platforms channel our selves and the stories we tell.