Joanna Stern

Joanna Stern is an American technology journalist and author who spent twelve years as a senior personal technology columnist at The Wall Street Journal. She took over the role previously held by Walt Mossberg in 2014, bringing a fresh perspective that focused on how everyday people interact with gadgets rather than just technical specifications. Her clear writing style and engaging video reviews made her one of the most recognizable voices in tech journalism before she departed the newspaper in May 2026.

She now runs The New Things, an independent media company producing newsletters and video content about emerging technologies. Stern partners with NBC News to distribute her reporting across broadcast and digital platforms while maintaining full editorial control. Her recent work includes a deep-dive investigation into artificial intelligence where she let AI manage her life for a year, resulting in a book titled I Am Not a Robot. [edit]

Joanna Stern was born in New York City on December 5, 1984. Specific details about her parents or early childhood remain private, but her path to journalism started during her time at Columbia University. She earned a degree in English Literature there, which laid the groundwork for her storytelling approach. Unlike many tech reporters who focus solely on hardware specs, Stern's background in literature shaped her unique angle on the industry: exploring the human side of technology and how it changes daily behavior.

Her professional journey began in the digital media space rather than traditional print newsrooms. She worked as a reporter for Engadget and later joined The Verge, where she honed her skills in explaining complex software and hardware to general audiences. These early roles established her reputation for accessible writing and engaging video content. By the time she arrived at The Wall Street Journal in 2014, she had already built a solid portfolio demonstrating products without relying on industry jargon. This period of building her voice in the digital sphere set the stage for her eventual takeover of a major column at one of the world's leading newspapers. [edit]

Stern joined The Wall Street Journal in 2014 as a personal technology columnist, succeeding the legendary Walt Mossberg. During her twelve-year tenure, she became a central figure in tech journalism, known for her WSJ Tech show segments and her popular newsletter. She produced extensive video content that demonstrated products in real-world scenarios, helping millions of readers navigate the digital landscape with practical advice. Her ability to translate complex tech trends into relatable stories earned her widespread respect among peers and readers alike.

In May 2026, she made a significant career pivot by leaving the newspaper to launch The New Things. This independent venture focuses on newsletters and YouTube videos exploring how technology impacts daily life. Stern secured a partnership with NBC News to distribute her reporting across their broadcast and digital channels while retaining full editorial independence. Her recent projects include a comprehensive year-long experiment where she used artificial intelligence for almost every task, from scheduling to creative work. This project resulted in a book titled I Am Not a Robot, which explores the implications of AI on human agency and parenting. [edit]

Stern projects an image of clarity and empathy in a field often dominated by dry technical analysis. Her style blends rigorous testing with a conversational tone that makes complex topics accessible to non-experts. She is known for her no-nonsense approach to product reviews, often subjecting devices to absurd stress tests to prove their durability. Her public persona is grounded in the belief that technology should serve human needs, a theme that permeates both her written columns and video content. As the founder of The New Things, she continues to cultivate a brand centered on authentic human interaction with the digital world. [edit]

Joanna Stern commands a dedicated following within the technology journalism community and among consumers seeking reliable tech advice. While she does not have a formal fandom name, her audience consists of tech enthusiasts, journalism followers, and regular readers who appreciate her clear explanations. Fans engage with her through comments on articles, views on her YouTube videos, and subscriptions to her newsletters. Her community values her empathetic approach to technology and her willingness to admit when a product fails under pressure. As of the November 2026 rankings, iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. She is not on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. [edit]

Joanna Stern conducted a viral durability test on the iPhone Duo in late 2026, folding the device over 32,640 times before it finally broke at 75,001 folds. This extreme testing method highlighted her commitment to hands-on review styles over marketing hype. She also conducted a high-profile thirty-minute interview with Mark Zuckerberg in September 2026, focusing on the future of AI and social media with her signature direct questioning style. In June 2026, she faced a unique challenge when AI-generated knockoffs of her book appeared on Apple Books, sparking a conversation about intellectual property in the age of generative AI. Stern is also known for her self-description as a "professional asker of uncomfortable questions" and often uses the tagline "Tech journalism. For humans. Who like fun." for her new media brand. [edit]

Joanna Stern keeps her family life largely out of the public spotlight compared to many other media figures. Public records do not list her parents or siblings, and she rarely discusses her romantic history in interviews. However, she has confirmed publicly that she is a mother. Her experiences with raising children heavily influenced her recent work, particularly her book I Am Not a Robot, where she explored how AI could assist in parenting. In June 2026, she discussed how her year-long experiment with AI changed her approach to managing her household and caring for her kids. [edit]

Walt Mossberg, Mark Zuckerberg, Kara Swisher, Kuba Klawiter. [edit]

Public information regarding Joanna Stern's romantic history is extremely scarce. There are no credible reports, interviews, or public records detailing past marriages, engagements, or specific dating partners. She keeps her private life largely out of the spotlight compared to many other public figures. As of 2026, she is reported to be single. No confirmed partner or spouse is listed in any major database or news outlet. Despite her privacy, she has spoken openly about being a mother, indicating she has children, though the circumstances of their conception or the identity of their father remain undisclosed. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Joanna Stern's net worth at approximately $3 million. This figure reflects her transition from a high-salary corporate role to an independent entrepreneur. Her wealth stems primarily from her twelve-year tenure as a senior columnist at The Wall Street Journal, which provided a substantial financial foundation. Additional income sources include advances and royalties from her book I Am Not a Robot, speaking engagements at venues like the Commonwealth Club and 92nd Street Y, and revenue from her new independent media company, The New Things.

The New Things generates income through subscription-based newsletters and ad-supported video content distributed via NBC News. While exact equity values for her new venture are private, projections suggest her annual income may exceed her previous salary due to the success of her newsletters and YouTube channel. Her financial trajectory shows a shift from stable employment income to a diversified portfolio of media assets and intellectual property rights. [edit]

Joanna Stern has received numerous accolades for her journalism, including an Emmy Award for her innovative video content and storytelling at The Wall Street Journal. She was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory Reporting for her work covering technology and its societal impact. Her contributions to tech journalism have been widely recognized by industry peers and organizations. [edit]