How to Survive the Internet

How to Survive the Internet explores various aspects of digital life, from the dangers of the dark net and cryptocurrency scams to the implications of automated technologies and social media behaviors. It focuses on digital literacy, online safety, the impact of digitization, and ethical considerations surrounding technology use.

Digital Literacy and Safety Cryptocurrency and Online Scams Automation and Techno-admin Issues Social Media and Digital Behavior Ethical Implications of Technology

The hottest Substack posts of How to Survive the Internet

And their main takeaways

Ten things I wish I'd known about writing

353 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. The author shares ten things they wish they knew about writing before starting.
  2. These tips are helpful for writing books, reports, studies, dissertations, and podcasts.
  3. The author's insights are based on experience from writing books and podcasts.

Missing Cryptoqueen update 3

255 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. Mark Scott, a key money launderer for Ruja, was sentenced to ten years in prison for money laundering and bank fraud connected to OneCoin.
  2. The sentencing was delayed due to appeals, making everyone wait for the outcome.
  3. Read the full update on the Missing Cryptoqueen on Jamie Bartlett's Substack.

Grayson Perry and the ‘techno-admin’ problem

255 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
  1. Automation was supposed to simplify and streamline our lives, but sometimes it feels like it does the opposite.
  2. Energy firm EDF tried to increase Grayson Perry's monthly electricity bill.
  3. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to receive new posts and support the work.

Brianna Ghey and dark net ‘red rooms’

275 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
  1. The dark net is not as inaccessible as many think; it's just a click away with the right tools.
  2. The dark net is small compared to the deep web, and its primary use is often for illegal goods rather than extreme content like red rooms.
  3. Parents should educate themselves on the dark net and have open conversations with their children about online safety.

The Post Office scandal and machine morality

196 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
  1. The Post Office scandal involved many sub-postmasters being wrongly prosecuted due to faulty accounting software.
  2. It's important not to rely solely on technology for ethical decision-making.
  3. The scandal highlights the dangers of outsourcing ethical reflection to machines.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Missing Cryptoqueen

255 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
  1. The podcast 'The Missing Cryptoqueen' has faced delays in releasing new episodes due to unpredictable events and complications in the investigation.
  2. Court cases, unexpected disappearances, and reports of violence have added complexity to the story of OneCoin and Dr. Ruja.
  3. The investigation has led into territories involving organized crime, presenting challenges but also serving as motivation to uncover the truth.

'Nut-picking'. Please don't do it.

98 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Political Debate
  1. Online conversations often lead to people caricaturing and exaggerating the views of others, known as 'nut-picking'.
  2. The internet can create a perception of extreme views being widespread when, in reality, they might be the exception.
  3. Fabricated outrage and counter outrage on social media can lead to a cycle of increased anger with no real productive outcome.

How the Wolf of Wall Street created social media

98 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. Section 230 is a crucial law that protects social media platforms from legal liability for user-generated content.
  2. The origins of Section 230 stem from a lawsuit involving online insults towards Jordan Belfort, the Wolf of Wall Street.
  3. Chris Cox and Ron Wyden were instrumental in creating Section 230 to grant immunity to websites and internet service providers for user content.

Not Taylor Swift? You have a deep fake problem too

98 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. Deep fake technology is advancing, and it's not just celebrities but ordinary people who may soon be targeted.
  2. The power of current software can give us a glimpse into the future capabilities of technology.
  3. Consider the implications of widespread availability of advanced technology on personal privacy and society.

The Missing Cryptoqueen update 2

117 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. Key players in the OneCoin scam have been convicted in Germany.
  2. Sub-characters in scams, like lawyers and salespeople, play crucial roles.
  3. Dr. Ruja associated with well-known brands to boost credibility for OneCoin.

How to write about crypto

176 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
  1. The post discusses writing about crypto, focusing on the book 'Going Infinite' by Michael Lewis.
  2. The book follows the story of Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of crypto-exchange FTX.
  3. The post offers a free trial for access to more content on the topic.

Techno-admin: a bigger problem than we realise

98 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
  1. Techno-admin refers to the extra administrative work due to digitization and automation
  2. Many people resonate with the concept of techno-admin and have shared their stories
  3. The issue of techno-admin has gained attention, including being discussed on BBC Radio 4's 'The World Tonight'

The Senate Vs Big Tech

58 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
  1. Tech CEOs focus on percentage rather than total amount of harmful content on their platforms.
  2. Senators are improving their understanding of how social media companies operate.
  3. Public scrutiny of Big Tech is increasing, pushing for more regulation.

The rise of self-generated indecent images

78 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
  1. A growing proportion of child sexual abuse images are made and shared by the victims themselves.
  2. The issue has been a problem for years but is becoming more prevalent.
  3. Internet Watch Foundation reported removing 199,363 webpages containing such content in 2022.

How I lost £1million in crypto. Kind of.

117 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
  1. The best protection against scams is honesty
  2. Even experts can lose money in crypto
  3. Consider taking a 7-day free trial to keep reading

How to die digitally

98 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
  1. Reflect on how you want to be remembered by your grandchildren.
  2. Make an effort to ask your elderly family members about their life experiences.
  3. Consider how you want to handle your digital presence after you pass away.

2024 elections: I'm more worried by real videos than 'deep fakes'

58 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
  1. 2024 is the biggest global election year in history with billions of people voting.
  2. There is more concern about real videos in the 2024 elections than 'deep fakes'.
  3. Many experts fear democracy's significant year will face challenges.

Social media turns you into a hypocrite

58 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
  1. Social media can make you appear hypocritical.
  2. Powerful individuals often exhibit hypocritical behavior.
  3. Online platforms showcase inconsistencies in beliefs and actions.

You are not an embassy

3 HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. You don't need to have an opinion on everything
  2. Digital platforms push us to share our opinions
  3. Pressure to constantly opine is a challenge in digital life