The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 22
  1. Starting a student group during a labor dispute involved combining online and offline experiences from dark forest spaces.
  2. Creating a collective space in Discord allowed for trust to develop, enabling risky direct actions like sit-ins and pickets.
  3. Engaging in community organizing work alongside artistic practice led to personal transformation and upcoming exhibition of solidarity experiences.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 16
  1. Emoji meanings can sometimes be different from what we expect, for example, the 'goat' emoji can signify 'greatest of all time' as an acronym.
  2. On Fridays, the newsletter changes slightly by offering an ebook of weekly reads along with the regular link roundup, providing a different form of catching up.
  3. The digital culture newsletter includes varied content like articles on Tumblr teens, video-game rehab, Instagram-famous animals, and online mob behavior.
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Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 26 Feb 16
  1. Two legendary memes, involving llamas and dresses, outlasted their 15 minutes of fame.
  2. Questioning whether new memes will ever reach the same level of popularity as the llama and dress memes.
  3. The newsletter provides a roundup of digital culture reads and can be seen as an ebook or accessed through direct links.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 16
  1. The truth about Hank the Ballpark Pup being killed or stolen and replaced with a lookalike has been debunked by the Milwaukee Brewers' released vet records.
  2. The newsletter provides recommendations for interesting reads related to digital culture, including articles on cyberstalking, Snapchat, and the app store economy.
  3. Readers can download an ebook compilation of the week's recommended reads to catch up on the digital culture topics covered.
Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 22
  1. Pixel Austerity promotes reducing online carbon footprint by dithering images, making them less resource-intensive and retro-looking.
  2. The movement challenges the idea of wasteful NFTs and advocates for greener alternatives.
  3. Pixel Austerity critiques performative activism on social media and aims to provoke thoughts on systemic change for a sustainable future.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 18 Mar 16
  1. Scientific minds have identified textual cues that indicate someone is drunk, like saying 'pong' or 'Friday.'
  2. The newsletter's weekend edition includes some unique reads and an opportunity to catch up on digital culture through an ebook.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share the newsletter with friends or enemies if they like or dislike it, respectively.
Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 22
  1. Media consumption plays a significant role in filling the void of loneliness, allowing individuals to form parasocial relationships with characters on the screen.
  2. The ironic memeification and hyper-sincere fan economies of entertainment franchises like Friends showcase how media consumption can become an identity signifier and a meme.
  3. The average American has been spending around 8 hours per day on streaming services during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a steady increase in digital media consumption.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 24 Mar 16
  1. Life in the aftermath of a viral death can be unsettling, with media attention sometimes overshadowing helping those affected.
  2. Computers are being taught humor through New Yorker cartoons with trial and error, algorithms, and human input.
  3. Celebrities' online personas can shift over time, like J.K. Rowling transitioning from beloved author to attention-grabbing Twitter presence.
Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 22
  1. Psychogeography encourages unconventional ways of engaging with infrastructure to reconnect with more inventive and fun ways of navigating the world.
  2. Skitching involves riding a bicycle and getting pulled by a moving car, offering a unique and thrill-inducing DIY transportation experience.
  3. The concept of NPC memes dehumanizes individuals and reflects a societal struggle with dissociation caused by modern capitalism's impact on our minds and experiences.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 05 Apr 16
  1. Silicon Valley's unheard voices are being highlighted through 'The Techies Project', showcasing minorities in the tech industry.
  2. Be wary of online scams promising discounted designer dresses - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  3. Our relationship with photographs is changing as we take more but look at them less, raising questions about the purpose of photography.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 07 Apr 16
  1. The future of dating might involve virtual reality, like on MyGirlFund where online relationships are formed.
  2. Vic Berger, an internet satirist, creates political commentaries by splicing found footage to highlight absurd moments.
  3. Mapping out your family tree online might not reveal all there is to know about yourself.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 11 Apr 16
  1. The internet can facilitate important discussions and activism, like The Guardian's anti-harassment project.
  2. Online mapmakers, with no formal training, are contributing valuable insights into conflicts in countries like Syria and Yemen.
  3. The dynamics of attractiveness in relationships can vary, with some trends being influenced by online dating apps.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 29 Apr 16
  1. The post discusses the dumbest side of humanity seen through websites like Yahoo Answers and Quora.
  2. On Fridays, the newsletter takes a different form, offering an ebook or direct links for catching up on digital culture.
  3. Links included in the post cover various topics like internet changes, laxative teas on Instagram, and Facebook's evolving role.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 03 May 16
  1. The definition of "bullying" has expanded so much that it's losing its true meaning of powerful people intimidating the powerless.
  2. Online trolling and cyberbullying can have devastating real-life consequences, like disrupting a family's grieving process.
  3. There are instances of heart-wrenching online harassment, but on a lighter note, there's a young food critic making waves on YouTube.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 08 May 20
  1. The author reflects on the current world situation, expressing interest in more dystopian stories that mirror the present fears and explore different responses.
  2. The text includes useful links for wellbeing apps, supporting shuttered clubs, and a source of joy on Twitter related to bookcase credibility.
  3. Book and movie recommendations such as 'Minority Report' and 'Station Eleven' are made for those interested in exploring themes of technology and personal legacies.
The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 25
  1. When trying to get votes, calling men toxic too often doesn't work well. It's better to engage with them positively.
  2. Understanding what makes a protest anti-Semitic is crucial to having respectful discussions on sensitive topics.
  3. Music and cultural debates, like those between different bands or genres, can spark interesting conversations and different opinions.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jun 20
  1. People and brands posting black squares on social media faced criticism for making it about themselves rather than the cause. It's important to question if online actions complement offline efforts for social justice.
  2. The internet's translation challenge in providing COVID-19 information in multiple languages is a significant issue affecting over half of the world's population.
  3. Venezuelans turning to selling Runescape currency for income showcases an interesting shift to a virtual economy during real-world economic challenges.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 01 Aug 20
  1. The "hustle economy" has emerged during the pandemic, leading people to sell various services online like classes, podcasts, and newsletters.
  2. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, the concept of what makes a "blockbuster" has evolved, blurring traditional definitions of popular culture.
  3. MSCHF, known for creating viral products, represents a throwback to a whimsical internet era, despite operating in a more commercialized current landscape.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 05 Aug 20
  1. TikTok has faced issues of Black appropriation, and creators utilize the platform for social causes like climate change and racism education.
  2. Cottagecore is a trending aesthetic embraced by Taylor Swift, covered by different sources in relation to music and fashion.
  3. Ed Yong's latest article delves into the failures of America during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 Aug 20
  1. QAnon has transitioned from an odd internet phenomenon to mainstream politics and culture.
  2. There are thought-provoking articles and profiles to explore, from personal interviews to explorations of evolving cities.
  3. The newsletter features a variety of interesting topics, from the racial undertones in reaction videos to the black market for white sage.
Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 22
  1. Roblox serves as a platform where niche political groups, like the American Valkist Party, can develop their beliefs and ideologies through role play.
  2. The line between virtual and real-world politics can blur, especially in online communities like Roblox, where individuals can imagine and experiment with new political systems.
  3. LARPing in spaces like Roblox can lead to the evolution of new political ideologies and positions as manifestos are written, actions are planned, and group identities are formed.
The Charlotte Ledger β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 24
  1. Charlotte's Lower South End neighborhood, LoSo, has evolved into a vibrant area with new entertainment and dining options.
  2. The Station at LoSo is a mixed-use development bringing living, retail, and office spaces to the neighborhood.
  3. The Flyover Friday video series provides an aerial view of Charlotte's growth and development.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 May 21
  1. The writer finds little joy in personal internet use, despite being an internet writer for a decade
  2. Finding comfort after a loss in an unexpected online dog community showcases the power of shared experiences online
  3. Shared interests can lead to strong online connections, even in unexpected places like workout groups or pet groups
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jun 21
  1. Thompson, a famous beekeeper, faced criticism on social media for the way she presents herself, sparking discussions on authenticity and stereotypes in beekeeping.
  2. People portraying their lives on social media often present a glamorized version of reality, leading to questions about authenticity and representation.
  3. Criticism based on appearances can be problematic and may reflect deeper societal issues, as seen in various online controversies related to famous individuals.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jun 21
  1. People can buy shares in others on platforms like BitClout, leading to a trend of 'financializing people.'
  2. Monetizing every aspect of someone's life raises questions about incentivizing behavior and the impact on undercompensated individuals.
  3. The rise of platforms like BitClout and NFTs leads to creators making money from previously unpaid actions like having interesting ideas and avoiding scandals.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 21
  1. The newsletter mentions interesting articles to read, like one about a scamming influencer and another about 'main character energy'.
  2. There is an article highlighted on parasocial friendships that readers might find intriguing.
  3. The newsletter also touches on evolving social media trends, like the shift in trolling practices and the rise of 'anti-MAGA trolls'.
Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 24 Aug 21
  1. Writing a book can be a profound process of navigating grief and loss, shaping personal identity, and connecting with family history.
  2. Publishing a memoir can be a vulnerable experience as the book's narrative becomes open to interpretation and projection by readers.
  3. A memoir reflects a part, not all, of the author's life, offering a narrative with a collection of memories that mirror the complexity of grief.
Are You Okay? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 10 May 20
  1. The post is about sharing a zippy video on Facebook in honor of Mother's Day.
  2. The author encourages others to keep on dancing.
  3. The post includes the author's Substack link.