Brain Worms

Brain Worms explores internet culture, focusing on the impact of online interactions, digital nostalgia, and the intersection of technology with daily life. It critiques social media dynamics, virtual reality, the glorification of brands, and the influence of celebrities online, while reflecting on digital community shifts and personal experiences in digital spaces.

Internet Culture Social Media Dynamics Virtual Reality Brand Glorification Celebrity Influence Digital Community Online Interactions Digital Nostalgia

The hottest Substack posts of Brain Worms

And their main takeaways

Brands And Their Beautiful Stories

235 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film Entertainment Media Art Society
  1. In 2023, the trend for movies shifted from 'Eat The Rich' satire to storytelling focused on brands and corporations.
  2. The genre 'Brands & Their Beautiful Stories' emerged, portraying companies like Nike and Mattel as protagonists.
  3. These movies glorify brands over human characters and often wrap pro-corporate themes in timely messages.

Smoke-And-Mirrors Futurism

353 implied HN points • 22 Aug 22
  1. The future we imagined doesn't look like the present reality.
  2. Faux futurism often doesn't improve our lives, just masks societal issues.
  3. Virtual reality can bring joy, but mainstream metaverse may lack authenticity.

Is It Over?

235 implied HN points • 23 Nov 22
  1. Twitter has survived multiple predictions of its demise
  2. Despite recent turmoil, Twitter is still standing but the magic seems to be gone
  3. Change often comes in slow decline rather than dramatic endings

Twitter Alternatives As Would-Be Step Fathers

117 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
  1. Twitter is still standing despite fears of its demise.
  2. Alternative platforms like Mastodon and Post are vying for attention, each with their own pros and cons.
  3. The search for the perfect Twitter successor continues, with options like CoHost and Hive showing promise but facing challenges.

I Hate It Here, See You Tomorrow

530 implied HN points • 04 Jan 21
  1. Bean Dad's viral situation led to controversial discussions on social media.
  2. Online discourse can become exhausting and overwhelming, pushing us to engage despite feeling drained.
  3. Despite the negative aspects of online interactions, digital spaces remain a key connection point during the pandemic.
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It's Commercials

196 implied HN points • 24 Jan 22
  1. The modern social media landscape blurs the line between human interaction and corporate influence.
  2. Social media platforms have evolved over different generations to capitalize on attention and outrage.
  3. Despite the manipulation, it's crucial to become more aware of brands' presence and influence online.

They Won't Save You

275 implied HN points • 20 Aug 20
  1. Stanning politicians as celebrities can lead to superficial focus on aesthetics over policy
  2. Political 'Stans' are often centrist, believing in the two-party system, and prioritize removing Trump over addressing systemic issues
  3. These 'Stans' long for a return to 'normal' for personal comfort, rather than confronting real societal problems

Like A Dying Star

157 implied HN points • 04 Aug 20
  1. Going viral on social media is now a common goal rather than a rare occurrence
  2. Trying too hard to go viral on Twitter can be annoying to others
  3. The cycle of seeking attention and approval on social media can lead to negative consequences

The Lost Joy of Containment

137 implied HN points • 03 Sep 20
  1. The Computer Room was a special place in the past where technology was defined and manageable.
  2. Different types of computer rooms existed, each with its unique purpose and setup.
  3. Personal computers had the power to amplify the characteristics of their users, leading to different experiences and outcomes.

This You?

117 implied HN points • 08 Oct 20
  1. Think before making offensive jokes online, as Twitter can amplify outrage quickly.
  2. Online outrage can sometimes turn into relentless harassment, making it hard for individuals to move on from mistakes.
  3. Question the effectiveness of online outrage in promoting real moral improvement and consider the impact on targets of online harassment.

Who Owns Loneliness in Quarantine?

98 implied HN points • 12 Aug 20
  1. The author reflects on the experience of loneliness in quarantine.
  2. Loneliness in quarantine can be a shared but isolating experience.
  3. Despite a universal experience, loneliness in quarantine might not bring people together as expected.

Brain Worms

58 implied HN points • 04 Aug 20
  1. Nostalgia can make us idealize the past, focus on enjoying the present
  2. The internet has changed a lot, becoming a more homogenized and less diverse space
  3. Explore how digital communities have evolved and why they sometimes make us feel bad

Know Who Your Enemies Are

39 implied HN points • 28 Jan 21
  1. The GameStop stock surge was a result of collective action by investors on Reddit against a hedge fund.
  2. Whether the GameStop situation was intended as a joke or serious, its impact in redistributing wealth to lower-income individuals is significant.
  3. The response to the GameStop event highlights a movement where people come together against Wall Street, even though the outcome may lead to classist regulations.

I Didn't Think It'd Be This Dumb

19 implied HN points • 16 Jul 21
  1. Space exploration by billionaires may not be the key to solving humanity's problems.
  2. Cryptocurrency and NFTs are seen as unnecessary and ecologically harmful investments.
  3. The wealthy's detachment from reality is evident in their focus on profit over the planet's well-being.

It's Time To Block The Celebs

19 implied HN points • 04 Feb 21
  1. Consider blocking celebrities on social media to reduce exposure to their extravagant lifestyles and opinions.
  2. Criticism of wealthy individuals and celebrities has increased during the pandemic.
  3. Social media allows for direct engagement with famous figures, but also offers the option to disconnect from their content.

Art In The Age Of Optimization

1 HN point • 06 Dec 22
  1. Some critics may dislike new artistic mediums, like AI-generated art, due to their focus on optimization over human expression.
  2. AI art raises concerns about exploitation, legitimacy, and the removal of human artists from the creative process.
  3. The push for AI art stems from a desire to optimize and simplify artistic creation, potentially at the expense of human creativity and expression.