# Jezer-Morton Discusses Social Media's Influence on Personal Narratives on PBS

> Author Kathryn Jezer-Morton appeared on PBS's 'Settle In' to discuss her new book, which examines how social media platforms shape personal stories and identity.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-22T21:38:03.256103Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/jezer-morton-discusses-social-media-s-influence-on-personal-narratives-on-pbs-5beb020b

Author Kathryn Jezer-Morton discussed her new book, 'The Story of Your Life,' with co-anchor Geoff Bennett on PBS's program 'Settle In' on October 19, 2026 [5][7]. The conversation focused on social media's influence on personal narratives and identity, with the podcast version becoming available on October 13, 2026 [8][9].

Jezer-Morton's work highlights how algorithm-driven platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have transformed how individuals document and share their lives [11]. This shift impacts how people perceive themselves and define what constitutes 'a life well lived' [10].

## What the records show

Kathryn Jezer-Morton's book, 'The Story of Your Life,' investigates how social media platforms have changed personal storytelling [11]. The book argues that these platforms change the method of information sharing, and they also shape the content itself, influencing the kinds of stories people tell [10][12]. Jezer-Morton's research, which includes interviews with everyday individuals, shows how social media has determined the 'look and sound' of personal life stories over the past two decades [10][13]. The book also introduces the 'redemption narrative,' which describes a societal pressure to frame difficulties as stories of personal growth [5]. Jezer-Morton suggests that while social media promises individuality, it can foster conformity [5]. She covers topics such as sharing milestones, struggles, homes, and relationships online [14]. Jezer-Morton holds a PhD in sociology from Concordia University and writes 'Brooding,' a biweekly column for The Cut [1]. Her writing on domestic life and digital culture has appeared in The New York Times and The Guardian [1]. Geoff Bennett, co-anchor and co-managing editor of PBS NewsHour, has covered six presidential elections and reported from the White House under three administrations [2].

## The timeline

Kathryn Jezer-Morton's book, 'The Story of Your Life,' was published on August 4, 2026 [11][13][14]. The podcast episode of 'Settle In' featuring Jezer-Morton was released on October 13, 2026 [8][9]. The television program 'Settle In,' where Geoff Bennett interviewed Jezer-Morton, aired on October 19, 2026 [5][7].

## What changed and for whom

Over the past two decades, social media platforms have become the main way people share their lives [9][11]. This means personal histories are increasingly stored and presented on these platforms, replacing earlier documentation methods like photo albums [11][13]. The choices individuals make about what to post and what to omit reflect and shape their evolving identities, according to Jezer-Morton's analysis [10][11]. The algorithms and incentives within these platforms subtly influence the narratives people create about themselves, which may lead to a feeling of alienation from their own lived experiences [8][9].

## What the subject has said publicly

During her discussion on 'Settle In,' Kathryn Jezer-Morton stated that social media promises individuality but often results in conformity [5]. She also noted the prevalence of the 'redemption narrative,' where people feel pressured to present difficulties as stories of personal growth [5]. Geoff Bennett, as co-anchor of PBS NewsHour, provides reporting and analysis on the political and cultural forces shaping American life [2]. He noted that social media has become the main way people share their lives and that the interview explored how platform incentives narrow the kinds of stories individuals tell [5].

## What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific audience demographics reached by the 'Settle In' program or podcast episode discussing the book.

## Evidence cited
1. Kathryn Jezer-Morton | Penguin Random House (Penguin Random House) — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2183201/kathryn-jezer-morton
2. Geoff Bennett | PBS About (PBS) — https://www.pbs.org/about/our-people/geoff-bennett/
3. Geoff Bennett | Speaker | Leading Authorities (leadingauthorities.com) — https://www.leadingauthorities.com/speakers/geoff-bennett
4. Geoff Bennett, Book, Biography, Videos, Interviews (aalbc.com) — https://www.aalbc.com/authors/author.php?author_name=Geoff+Bennett
5. [Full Interview] Kathryn Jezer-Morton discusses her new book 'The Story of Your Life' with Geoff Bennett (YouTube) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
6. On 'Settle In,' Kathryn Jezer-Morton and Geoff Bennett discuss social media's impact | PBS News (PBS) — https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/__trashed-4
7. Kathryn Jezer-Morton joins Geoff Bennett on On 'Settle In' | New England Public Media (nepm.org) — https://www.nepm.org/pbs-news-hour/2026-10-19/kathryn-jezer-morton-joins-geoff-bennett-on-on-settle-in
8. How social media shapes the story of your life - Settle In with PBS News (podcast) | Listen Notes (listennotes.com) — https://listennotes.com/podcasts/settle-in-with-pbs-news/how-social-media-shapes-the-tD7l-2c2gXG/
9. Settle In with PBS News Episodes | PBS NewsHour (PBS) — https://www.pbs.org/newshour/podcasts/settle-in-with-pbs-news
10. The Story of Your Life by Kathryn Jezer-Morton (Hardcover) : Target (Target) — https://www.target.com/p/the-story-of-your-life-by-kathryn-jezer-morton-hardcover/-/A-90807661
11. The Story of Your Life by Kathryn Jezer-Morton: 9780593490073 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books (Penguin Random House) — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723145/the-story-of-your-life-by-kathryn-jezer-morton/
12. The Story of Your Life (rizzolibookstore.com) — https://www.rizzolibookstore.com/book/9780593490073
13. The Story of Your Life by Kathryn Jezer-Morton | Goodreads (Goodreads) — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/159239841-the-story-of-your-life
14. Narrative Control in The Story of Your Life by Kathryn Jezer-Morton — Chicago Review of Books (chireviewofbooks.com) — https://chireviewofbooks.com/2026/08/04/narrative-control-in-the-story-of-your-life-by-kathryn-jezer-morton/