Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends

This Substack explores digital culture, internet phenomena, and the impact of technology on daily life, emphasizing themes like privacy, grief, social media trends, AI, wellness culture, consumerism, and personal narratives. It critically reflects on changes in internet use, the commodification of personal life, and the evolving landscape of online interaction.

Digital Culture and Internet Phenomena Technology and Society Mental Health and Wellness AI and Automation Social Media Trends and Impacts Consumer Culture Personal Narratives and Storytelling Internet and Technology Critique Public Health and Misinformation Media and Content Consumption

The hottest Substack posts of Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends

And their main takeaways

Performative hydration has gone too far

838 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Wellness Social media Fashion Art Podcasts
  1. Performative hydration in wellness culture has become excessive, with water being portrayed as a solution for various health and beauty issues.
  2. The trend of performative hydration is closely tied to the rise of wellness culture in the past 15 years, where water has been turned into a fashionable accessory.
  3. Public health attempts to promote water consumption have evolved into a market of exclusive and expensive water products, potentially detracting from the original goal of encouraging healthy hydration choices.

Links #695: Digital twins and anxiety Googles

579 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art & Illustration Internet Social media Music Health Misinformation
  1. Shrimp Jesus, a meme that has gained popularity on Facebook, has a quirky origin and has been sold as art for years.
  2. AI technology is advancing to create digital twins of human organs, raising questions about lifestyle changes and human-technology relationships.
  3. There is a trend of female influencers spreading health misinformation, which includes promoting unconventional diets and false narratives about birth control.

Links #694: Kategate, sharenting, and two visions for YouTube's future

678 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Internet culture Conspiracy Theories Royal Family
  1. The problematic image issue involving Kate Middleton was due to a botched Photoshop job using multiple takes of the same photo.
  2. Many people overvalue their ability to discern truth from misinformation, contributing to the spread of conspiracy theories online.
  3. Reports have highlighted disturbing cases of children being coerced into self-harm by predatory online groups, raising concerns about online safety.

Phone addiction, Stanley stans and the out-of-office message I struggled to send

2016 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Grief Self-care Physical health
  1. The author discusses the challenges of crafting an out-of-office message after a personal tragedy, highlighting the struggle of balancing professionalism and personal disclosure.
  2. The societal expectations around grief and the pressure to provide a 'good excuse' for taking time off work are explored, shedding light on the complexities of navigating personal loss in professional settings.
  3. The post touches on broader themes related to privacy, empathy, and the need for more open conversations around grief and loss, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and accepting one's emotional state.
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Tradwife obsessions, online archnemeses and a requiem for TinyLetter

718 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Online Publishing Social Issues Fashion Trends Content creation
  1. The newsletter is splitting into two parts - an essay during the week and the link round-up on weekends to address length concerns.
  2. Readers can now opt-in for an additional experimental section called IRL for more personal content.
  3. The changes in newsletter format were based on reader feedback and the author's desire for more flexibility.

Toxic friends, Temu victims and the outskirts of reality

758 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Media industry
  1. The resurgence of personal essays is evident across various platforms and mediums, adapting to the changing online landscape.
  2. There appears to be a shift towards more personal storytelling as a response to the mundane and commercial nature of traditional and social media.
  3. The rise of personal narratives and essays may be tied to the decline of traditional media, showcasing a desire for more authentic and human connection in the digital age.

Goodreads, bleak spam and bad dating apps

758 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Social Impact Robotics Ethics
  1. Some people experience real grief when a virtual relationship ends or changes, even with AI companions.
  2. AI companion apps like Replika, Kindroid, and Candy.ai allow users to form personalized relationships with customized bots, blurring the line between human and AI relationships.
  3. The concept of disenfranchised grief applies to loss experienced in virtual relationships, with individuals forming deep emotional connections to AI companions.

Self-aware villains, tech secessionists and a theory for why everything's getting worse

718 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Friendships Technology Internet Youth culture
  1. The Facebook party album from 2008 was a unique sociological spectacle that reflected youth relationships and friendships
  2. Social media platforms have evolved in how they enable users to navigate and express their friendships, from Facebook to Instagram Stories
  3. Modern digital signals of relational closeness, like group chats and Instagram grid posts, continue to play significant roles in mapping friendships

Group chats, AI girlfriends and algorithmic culture

838 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers History Religion Art
  1. Mormon women have had a significant impact on internet culture, particularly through the popularization of products like the Stanley tumbler.
  2. The shift in caffeine consumption among Mormons in 2012 led to the growth of a soda culture, influencing trends like 'dirty sodas' and impacting products like Stanley tumblers.
  3. Mormon women's strong emphasis on family, combined with the openness of the internet, allowed them to become influential mommy bloggers and shape internet content with a focus on lifestyle and family values.

Taylor Swift, AI cults and the pain of the personal brand

638 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Music Social media Entertainment Television
  1. Modern living rooms heavily feature large TV screens, but there's a rising trend towards hidden technology, like TVs that blend into backgrounds.
  2. There's a significant shift towards concealing technology in everyday objects, like smart speakers disguised as lamps or laptops made to look like books.
  3. Personal screens have become an integral part of daily life, but there's a growing desire to minimize their visibility, especially accentuated during the pandemic.

Modern heists, Wikipedia porn and bygone tickets

658 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Music Media Writing Internet
  1. Forcing ourselves to be constantly engaged with podcasts and media might be hindering our ability to have independent thoughts.
  2. Our constant consumption of content may lead to a passive existence where we are not actively choosing what we listen to, limiting our experiences.
  3. Reflecting on the impact of modern technologies like QR codes in theaters can help us appreciate the changes in our daily interactions and the loss of physical records.

A reading list for making sense of 2023

898 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture AI Internet Aesthetics Platforms
  1. 2023 saw significant growth and impact of generative AI in various aspects of our lives
  2. Social media platforms have become more fragmented, leading to individualized online experiences
  3. The internet aesthetic is reshaping culture and behavioral norms, especially through dominant social media platforms

The Links guide to newsletters

838 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Internet Art Technology Youth culture Pop culture
  1. The author shares a list of personal favorite newsletters, including ones on internet culture, technology, and youth trends.
  2. The post includes a request for reader feedback through a survey to shape future content and projects.
  3. The newsletters recommended cover a range of topics from internet treasures to big-picture cultural analysis, providing readers with varied insights and perspectives.

Aspiring dystopias, library souls and Gen Alpha's "first mainstream meme"

638 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Food & Drink Technology Media Social media Blogging
  1. Google's recipe ratings may not accurately reflect the quality of the recipes; ratings are supplied by the sites themselves and can be manipulated for increased site traffic.
  2. Cooking blogs often receive higher ratings than legacy media in Google search results; moderation practices in comment sections may contribute to these discrepancies.
  3. AI-generated recipe descriptions in search results may change the focus from ratings to more user-friendly information, cautioning bakers against relying solely on Google's star system.

AI gift-giving, gossip surveillance and the tyranny of Spotify Wrapped towns

738 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture AI Technology Social Issues Entertainment
  1. AI tools like shopping bots are changing how we give gifts, aiming to lessen the emotional labor required for relationship maintenance.
  2. Contrary to popular belief, thoughtful gifts may not always be better received than thoughtless ones, as studies suggest recipients may not always appreciate the effort put into a gift.
  3. While using AI tools for gift-giving can streamline the process and offer good suggestions, it may also risk diluting the emotional and personal connections that come with traditional gift-giving.

Girlhood, mortality hacks and a theory of "Sound Towns"

618 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music Demographics Podcasts Internet culture
  1. Spotify's 'sound towns' feature matches music preferences to specific cities, indicating local listening patterns influenced by demographics.
  2. Research shows that music preferences in cities correlate with factors like race, education, and income, reflecting unique resident mixes.
  3. Spotify Wrapped findings, like matching to college towns, may align with demographics of listeners, such as higher education levels.

The last refuge of the informationally underserved

99 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness
  1. The difficulties and barriers faced by individuals seeking mifepristone for miscarriage treatment highlight systemic issues in accessibility and availability of this medication.
  2. Personal experiences shared on platforms like Reddit can provide valuable insights and support for individuals navigating challenging medical situations.
  3. Online platforms continue to serve as important resources for those seeking information and assistance when facing healthcare challenges.

'The robot war against witches'

39 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Technology Beliefs Art Social media Literature
  1. AI is causing a divide among practitioners of mystical arts like astrology and tarot, with some embracing it and others seeing it as a threat to their craft
  2. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are being used for tarot readings, sparking debate on the role of technology in spirituality and intuition
  3. The concept of intuition plays a key role in the discussions around AI's involvement in mystical practices, with some arguing that technology and spirituality are opposing forces

Actually, the internet's always been this bad

3 HN points • 21 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Internet Social Platforms Online Discourse Toxicity Moderation
  1. Online discourse has remained consistently toxic over the past 30 years, challenging the belief that it has worsened.
  2. Toxicity in conversations tends to increase the longer they go on, involving fewer but more active participants.
  3. Platforms exhibit similar levels of toxic comments, and moderation policies have the potential to influence the spread of toxic content.

Dear algorithm

19 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Content creation Digital Platforms Media Critique
  1. The 'Dear Algorithm' posts on Threads reveal how users are trying to shape their content feeds and connect with specific audiences through an appeal to the algorithm.
  2. These posts also highlight the convergence of targeted advertising logic and individuals' attempts to curate their online presence, creating a more niche approach to reaching desired followers.
  3. The tone of these posts often carries a spiritual element, resembling prayers or appeals to a higher power, emphasizing the mysterious yet influential nature of algorithms in online platforms like Threads.

The anonymous Telegram channel bearing witness for the world

19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
📰 News Social media Media Ethics
  1. South First Responders shares graphic images of Israel massacres on Telegram, drawing attention from major news outlets with verified content.
  2. The identity behind South First Responders remains mysterious, described as a volunteer group with no clear leadership or structure.
  3. Social media platforms like Telegram and X are now instrumental in sharing shocking images of conflict, impacting traditional news gatekeeping.

Four days without phones

19 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Technology Influencers History Social media Food
  1. The experience of being without phones for four days was challenging and uncomfortable, emphasizing reliance on technology for basic functions like time and navigation.
  2. Spending time without smartphones led to a greater reliance on in-person interactions with strangers for basic needs like directions and recommendations.
  3. Despite initial intentions to disconnect, the allure of smartphones and the convenience they bring made it difficult to make a permanent switch to a simpler phone.

A selfie trend of pandemic proportions

199 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Internet culture Music Health
  1. Some people are taking 'vaxxies' - photos of themselves before or after getting vaccinated, which can be both informative and potentially boastful on social media.
  2. Vaccination photo shoots aim to educate and encourage vaccination, but they can sometimes come off as self-centered, particularly on social media platforms.
  3. There are concerns that 'vaxxies' might inadvertently discourage people who haven't received the vaccine, leading to further division and disparities in access.

People I would hate if seated near them at a party

179 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Art Media Technology Society Entertainment
  1. The post discusses the intricacies and complexities of the crypto art world, questioning the value and perception of digital art and assets.
  2. Various thought-provoking reads are recommended, covering topics like OnlyFans, Amazon labor practices, Britney Spears' media portrayal, and the evolution of advice columns.
  3. A range of intriguing tidbits is shared, from tech moguls' interest in utopias to the censorship practices of social media platforms, providing a snapshot of contemporary internet culture.

Maybe we're already too far gone

159 implied HN points • 26 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Art Entertainment Internet
  1. The culture of likes and reactions on social media platforms may be contributing to outrage and polarization, and possibly removing likes altogether could be a solution.
  2. The NFT craze in art raises questions about benefiting artists versus making cryptocurrency holders richer, showcasing a shift in ownership dynamics.
  3. The consequences of online shopping and the rise of music streaming services are being explored through topics like cargo loss and ownership models.

The passion economy is a ploy

139 implied HN points • 03 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Platforms Labor Economy Tech AI
  1. The gig economy and the 'passion' economy are seen as one phenomenon that depletes the labor ecosystem, extracting value from workers.
  2. Examples of unalienated labor can be found among artisans and in spaces like Black hair salons, where people genuinely love their work.
  3. Empowering workers in the digital age involves creating platforms that they have control over, ensuring they benefit from the value they produce.

Nothing gold can scale

119 implied HN points • 29 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Internet Media Memes Social media
  1. WeRateDogs started as a Twitter account quipping about dogs, but grew into a successful media brand by adapting to commercial pressures.
  2. The rise of meme stocks like Gamestop showcases the gamification of trading and the influence of online communities like r/WallStreetBets.
  3. Exploration into anti-MLM YouTube content and coverage of various cringey internet subcultures offer intriguing insights into online dynamics and behaviors.

Buy the damn ramen 

99 implied HN points • 14 Apr 21
🍲 Food & Drink Home Cooking Gender inequality
  1. Since the 1950s, there has been a decline in home cooking in America, with women spending less time in the kitchen.
  2. There is a strong societal pressure and expectation that good mothers must cook from scratch, using organic and local ingredients, which has intensified over the past two decades.
  3. During the pandemic, there has been an increase in home cooking activities, particularly among middle-class families, but it may not be sustainable post-pandemic due to work and time constraints.

Fighting for the farm

99 implied HN points • 22 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Gaming Online community Digital Trends
  1. Farmville was more than just a game for some people, it was a cherished digital refuge.
  2. Some devoted fans of discontinued websites struggle to move on and find replacements for their lost source of enjoyment.
  3. The last of the Farmville diehards continue to fight for the game's revival, showcasing a unique level of dedication to a game that many have forgotten.

The photo that kept me up at night

99 implied HN points • 08 Jan 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Extremism Protests Influencers Censorship
  1. The online platforms play a significant role in amplifying extremist voices by providing them with a stage and an audience.
  2. The article mentions a deconstruction of credit card points that sheds light on the illusions within our economic system.
  3. The essay explores the pressure of maintaining an ideal social media persona and the struggle with context collapse in the digital age.

Something a little different and special

99 implied HN points • 18 Dec 20
🎭️ Culture Internet Media Entertainment Art Social media
  1. Ambient fireplace videos on YouTube have gained popularity, offering relaxation and stress relief, especially in 2020.
  2. There is a thought-provoking analysis on how the SEO arms race has negatively impacted the internet's content and style.
  3. An interesting profile highlights the experiences of Black influencers in Atlanta's new TikTok collab houses, revealing inequalities in the industry.