In the city of blinding likes… Jenny Mollen (she/her) is an author and influencer whose debut novel, City of Likes, drops today, and it’s all about the pressures that come with garnering a social media following. By combining her writing skills, razor-sharp wit, and her experience as an Instagram personality, she creates a story that explains why authenticity is more valuable than a follower count will ever be.

Keep reading to learn what Jenny hopes you take away from her book, and why you should smash your “pics or it didn’t happen” mentality.

In your own words, what is City of Likes about?
It’s a satire and cautionary tale about the seductive nature of living for the likes. It’s also a story about female friendships and the intoxicating high that comes from serving a narcissist.

What do you want people to take away from it?
I hope it teaches them to choose the people in front of them instead of the ones talking to them on their phones.

What made you want to write a book about this?
I found myself living a life that revolved around feeding this insatiable Instagram beast. It was the other woman in my marriage and the cigarettes I was hiding from my children. I knew that if I didn’t draw a line and write it, I’d become it.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from having an online presence?
To keep some things private. I walk that tightrope everyday when deciding what to post. When we stop questioning what should be for public consumption and what shouldn’t, that’s when social media wins.

We heard it’s being adapted for TV by Sony! Why do you think it’s also a good story to tell on screen?
It’s so deliciously Manhattan! I love to hate these women in my story almost as much as I love to love them.

How do you resist the urge of scrolling through your profile as a way to validate yourself?
It’s not that I’m able to resist the urge. I’m no better than any of the people I’m putting on blast in this book. Or… maybe I’m a little better [laughs], but I’ve stopped caring so much about how others perceive what I’m doing. To be honest, I’m more worried about what my kids will think of all this bullsh*t someday.

What advice would you give aspiring influencers who are looking to start their content creation journey?
Well, Bette Davis said, “Take Fountain” when asked what advice she had for people trying to break into Hollywood. So my advice is going to be: “Keep your phone charged.”