268. Going Viral: How To Balance Authenticity and Spectacle episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 2, 2026 · 22 MIN

268. Going Viral: How To Balance Authenticity and Spectacle

from Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques · host Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

How to communicate who you are online.You may not think of yourself as a content creator, but in the creator economy, Angèle Christin says we all have to learn how to communicate who we are online.Christin is an associate professor of communications at Stanford University and a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI. According to her, “we are all content creators now.” We may not all be influencers or podcast hosts, but “We are all putting content out there and creating a public persona,” says Christin. In the digital age, “that plays an increasingly important role in hiring, promotions, and of course, getting laid off.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Christin and host Matt Abrahams explore how to navigate the creator economy — whether as a full-time influencer or a professional managing your online presence. From building on your area of expertise to understanding the trade-offs between short-term hype and long-term trust, Christin explains what it takes to show up online without losing yourself in the algorithm.Episode Reference Links:Angèle ChristinEp.225 Speaking Fluent Internet: How Algorithms Are Changing the Way We Speak Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:15) - Why Metrics Reward Drama (05:42) - Building A Professional Online Presence (09:59) - What Makes A Good Story? (13:48) - The Reality Of Creator Work (18:32) - The Final Three Question (21:42) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Upwork is a one-stop platform to find, hire, and pay expert freelancers. Visit upwork.com right now and post your job for free. 

How to communicate who you are online.You may not think of yourself as a content creator, but in the creator economy, Angèle Christin says we all have to learn how to communicate who we are online.Christin is an associate professor of communications at Stanford University and a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI. According to her, “we are all content creators now.” We may not all be influencers or podcast hosts, but “We are all putting content out there and creating a public persona,” says Christin. In the digital age, “that plays an increasingly important role in hiring, promotions, and of course, getting laid off.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Christin and host Matt Abrahams explore how to navigate the creator economy — whether as a full-time influencer or a professional managing your online presence. From building on your area of expertise to understanding the trade-offs between short-term hype and long-term trust, Christin explains what it takes to show up online without losing yourself in the algorithm.Episode Reference Links:Angèle ChristinEp.225 Speaking Fluent Internet: How Algorithms Are Changing the Way We Speak Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:15) - Why Metrics Reward Drama (05:42) - Building A Professional Online Presence (09:59) - What Makes A Good Story? (13:48) - The Reality Of Creator Work (18:32) - The Final Three Question (21:42) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Upwork is a one-stop platform to find, hire, and pay expert freelancers. Visit upwork.com right now and post your job for free.

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268. Going Viral: How To Balance Authenticity and Spectacle

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This episode was published on March 2, 2026.

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How to communicate who you are online.You may not think of yourself as a content creator, but in the creator economy, Angèle Christin says we all have to learn how to communicate who we are online.Christin is an associate professor of communications...

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