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

"Hustle"

0 implied HN points • 25 Aug 15
📰 News Technology Crime Politics Internet Social media
  1. Ashley Madison created fake profiles to lure more users, which is common in the industry.
  2. A small number of companies worldwide help governments spy secretly on citizens.
  3. An account of the Slender Man stabbing details a disturbing and intense incident involving young girls.

An undifferentiated muck of ~content~

0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Generative AI Journalism Artificial Intelligence
  1. Generative AI tools are becoming more prevalent in journalism, potentially changing the landscape of news creation.
  2. Journalists are finding practical uses for ChatGPT in tasks like organizing background material, brainstorming interview questions, and checking blind spots in their stories.
  3. Using AI for editing text, summarizing meeting transcripts, and enhancing workflow efficiency are emerging trends in the journalism field.

"Apologies to my Instagram friends who don't know the Twitter version of me"

0 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Friendship Influencers Trends Technology
  1. Twitter is for news, politics, hot takes, and unpopular opinions while Instagram is for lifestyle content like recipes, makeup tips, and aesthetic photos.
  2. The new social media platform Threads, meant to combine Twitter and Instagram features, is causing confusion among users as they navigate different norms and audiences.
  3. The rise of friend-making apps like BumbleBFF indicates a shift towards online methods of connecting due to factors like Covid, long work hours, and increasing loneliness.

You drive me crazy

0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Digital Technologies Internet Memory Artificial Intelligence
  1. Marriage involves accommodating each other's quirks, like someone's dependence on Google Maps, which can sometimes be frustrating.
  2. The ease of accessing information on the internet can lead to a phenomenon called the Google Effect, where people rely on online searches for everyday facts instead of memorizing them.
  3. Experts have concerns that the widespread use of AI and digital technologies could potentially lead to a decline in people's cognitive skills and memory.
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Screenshots from the apocalypse

0 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture TV Internet Media Technology Environment
  1. People are posting screenshots of air quality apps, finding some sense of control in the color-coded air quality indexes that provide a false sense of order during times of pollution.
  2. Streaming services went from being cheap and convenient to becoming expensive, signaling a change akin to how Uber and Instacart evolved.
  3. Personality tests are often considered nonsense, such as the Myers-Briggs created by individuals with no psychological training.

Inherently unfashionable

0 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Fashion Social media Technology Religion Society
  1. The AI-generated fake image of the 'drip Pope' fooled many on the internet, but some saw through it, highlighting how little people know about religions outside their own.
  2. Observation that Catholicism is inherently unfashionable due to its traditional and unchanging nature, reflected by the skepticism towards the unrealistic papal wardrobe in the fake photo.
  3. Highlighting interesting reads including AI-generated smiles not being diverse, TikTok's lobbying efforts, and the challenges of deepfake porn in growing Discord groups.

It could be his head wasn't screwed on just right

0 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Twitter Cults AI Romance Workplace dynamics
  1. Twitter is going through a tough time with outages, controversial decisions, and Elon Musk considering the fate of the platform.
  2. There is a growing interest in AI relationships from different perspectives, such as to cope with personal issues or explore different experiences.
  3. Companies are using personality tests for remote work decisions, but the effectiveness and accuracy of these tests are uncertain.

Deathbed regrets and hard-won life lessons

0 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Existentialism Artificial Intelligence Influencer Culture Social media Self-reflection
  1. Many older TikTok users are using filters to reflect on their past and share life lessons, blurring the line between nostalgia and introspection.
  2. Various thought-provoking articles are recommended for weekend reads, covering topics like AI vs. human consciousness and the impact of influencers.
  3. A roundup of various tech-related topics like the resurgence of work phones, the use of AI for mental health, and the evolving landscape of social media content on platforms like TikTok.

Links is back! (Until the robots replace me.)

0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🕹 Technology AI Tech industry Generative AI ChatGPT Social media
  1. ChatGPT has rapidly advanced in capabilities, from writing speeches to passing law exams and even recruiting for cartels.
  2. The immersion of entertainment in today's world can blur the lines between reality and fiction, reducing people to mere characters.
  3. Amazon's product search experience has become convoluted, with many options and unclear distinctions, potentially to benefit third-party sellers

In praise of the internet's house parties

0 implied HN points • 19 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Social media Internet culture Online Communities Influencers Media Trends
  1. Mastodon is a social media platform that offers a different experience from Twitter, focusing on small community interactions and lack of performance pressure.
  2. Twitter and Mastodon have distinct differences in their approach to user engagement, with Mastodon being more about community and less about chasing popularity.
  3. The internet landscape is evolving, with trends like declining social media usage and changes in online media consumption, signaling a shift towards new platforms and content styles.

¿Por qué no?

0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Languages Social media Internet culture True Crime Influencers
  1. Many Duolingo users are spending hours cheating just to earn points and climb leaderboards, leading to concerns about misuse and lack of real learning.
  2. The gamification features in Duolingo incentivize users to cheat and farm XP, with some even spending money on premium subscriptions and in-app purchases.
  3. Duolingo seems to be taking action against cheating tactics, but these actions align with its goal of boosting revenue and engagement, raising questions about the effectiveness of the platform for language learning.

The case of the disappearing plants

0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 22
💼 Business E-commerce Marketplace Technology Finance Social media
  1. Etsy sellers faced challenges when their plant listings were mysteriously disappearing, highlighting the platform's content algorithm issues and fee increases.
  2. Despite Etsy's increased competition and challenges for sellers, the average monthly sales per active seller on the platform may not yield significant income.
  3. The incident with disappearing plant listings serves as a reminder for Etsy sellers to diversify and consider using other platforms to secure their livelihoods.

Why now?

0 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Congress Far-right Trans rights
  1. The toxic mass delusion known as 'Q' has resurfaced and is causing concerning impacts in society, including misinformation and seditious behavior.
  2. Various interesting articles have been shared, covering topics like transphobia, period trackers, ADHD communities, neuroscience breakthroughs, and underground party scenes.
  3. In the tech and media world, worker-owned platforms, unique internet content, diaspora community accounts, and the impact of online platforms on society are discussed.

Not the strain of virality you'd expect

0 implied HN points • 24 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Food & Drink Internet culture Social media Religion Fashion
  1. Recent food safety scandals highlight issues with consumer awareness of contaminated products and slow responses from companies and government agencies.
  2. Food recalls are often voluntary, leading to delays in informing consumers about potential health risks associated with contaminated products.
  3. The average response time for companies to initiate recalls after potential issues are detected by the FDA is slower than expected, showing room for improvement in food safety protocols.

The humans in machines

0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 22
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Virtual reality Social media Artificial Intelligence
  1. AI like LaMDA is not actually sentient, despite claims suggesting otherwise. When interpreting AI responses, we might 'impute meaning where there is none.'
  2. We have a tendency to anthropomorphize machines, attributing human qualities to them. This can lead to misinterpretations and false assumptions about AI capabilities.
  3. Despite fears of machines taking over, the reality is that AI does not possess feelings, emotions, or the ability to think like a human. It's essential to understand the limitations of AI technology.

One of these things is not like the others

0 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture True Crime Social media Music
  1. The trial between Depp and Heard revealed the intense toxicity levels in various fandoms and the dangers of projecting personal biases onto public figures.
  2. The trial showcased how social media and platforms like TikTok can manipulate and distort reality for entertainment and viral content.
  3. The trial highlighted the issue of parasocial relationships between fans and celebrities, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, leading to concerning behaviors.

"The attack is an advertisement"

0 implied HN points • 27 May 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Extremism Disinformation Violence
  1. The attack carried out by a white supremacist was seen as an advertisement for his racist beliefs, attracting attention through various means like live streams, memes, and news coverage.
  2. The response from white supremacists in online forums to the attack came in three forms: false flag theories, sleuthing, and hero worship, all conveyed with a casual and disturbing tone.
  3. The experience of delving into extremist online communities led to a deeper understanding of their vocabulary and tactics, prompting reflection on the role of media and the spread of dangerous ideologies.

Ballyhoo and sorcery

0 implied HN points • 13 May 22
🕹 Technology Cryptocurrency Social media Virtual reality Apps Internet Trends
  1. Crypto market crashes can have significant impacts beyond just wealthy investors, affecting low- and middle-income individuals as well.
  2. New trends in various industries, like fitness, funeral services, and virtual reality moderation, continue to shape and disrupt different aspects of life.
  3. Online communities for investments like cryptocurrency can sometimes lead to negative consequences, especially for those looking for a way out of poverty.

Straight-up nightmare fuel

0 implied HN points • 06 May 22
🎭️ Culture Internet Science Social Issues Media Fashion
  1. Abortion bans may force individuals to travel across state lines or turn to online pharmacies for help.
  2. Investigators could potentially use digital records, like online searches and app usage, to pursue criminal cases related to abortion.
  3. Concerns exist about increased internet surveillance and tracking of individuals seeking reproductive care.

~Infinite content~

0 implied HN points • 01 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Tech Social media Journalism Entertainment Internet
  1. Instagram brought back a version of its old chronological feed, pleasing those who disliked the algorithmic feed's filtering mechanisms.
  2. The algorithmic feed risked hiding content users wanted to see, creating mainstream bias, and making real-time event updates difficult.
  3. Comparison of posts in the algorithmic and chronological feeds demonstrated the differences in content prioritization.

Online jellyfish

0 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Translation Social media Online Activism Virtual reality Crypto
  1. Google Translate has become more accurate and useful in global communication, especially in conflict situations.
  2. Efforts like Squad3o3 aim to combat propaganda by sending messages to random Russians, using tools and Google Translate.
  3. Although Google Translate has improved, it still has flaws in communicating important or complex information in various languages.

Turns out the internet is real life after all

0 implied HN points • 04 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Social media Internet culture Algorithm Digital Content E-commerce
  1. TikTok's recommendation algorithm and user engagement lead to content that is titillating and participatory, influencing the way users consume information.
  2. The increase in social media users has led to a higher volume of content being created and shared, impacting how information and narratives spread, especially in times of conflict.
  3. The perception of social media has shifted significantly over the years, with mainstream media now acknowledging the importance of the social media narrative in shaping public opinion and influencing beliefs.

Not-so-obvious

0 implied HN points • 25 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Pop culture Social media Science Entertainment
  1. Hank the Tank, a 500-pound bear, is breaking into homes near Lake Tahoe for snacks, gaining fame and support from people.
  2. Potato controversies, like Mr. Potato Head losing the 'Mr.' title, show how common sense can clash with scientific explanations, sparking debates.
  3. Fun science facts, like monkeys in Japan preferring salty sweet potatoes or evidence that knives made from frozen feces don't work, highlight the importance of funding research for interesting discoveries.

The sweltering heat of the discourse

0 implied HN points • 18 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Technology Finance Music Crypto Humor
  1. The post talks about interesting articles such as a failed Bitcoin laundering attempt and a vibe shift article on The Cut.
  2. It mentions a story about bionic eyes becoming obsolete, leaving 350 blind people without support.
  3. The additional highlights include a variety of topics like fake song lyrics on Spotify, the elusive quint Axel in figure skating, and a crypto divorce story.

Internecine internet drama

0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Labor Rights Music Literature
  1. The aftermath of r/antiwork on Reddit showcased a shift in sentiments towards work, leading to a restructuring of the subreddit with new factions emerging.
  2. Various new subreddits like r/WorkReform and r/WorkersStrikeBack have gained significant traction advocating for workers' rights and strikes.
  3. There is a rise in niche micro-aesthetics across music, design, and fashion, with subcultures like 'bellhopcore' and 'avant apocalypse' shaping trends.

The 'magic formula' still eludes us

0 implied HN points • 28 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Music Apps Predictions Entertainment Social media
  1. Predicting hit songs is a complex challenge that algorithms struggle with, even with large datasets and advanced models.
  2. A 'magic formula' to accurately predict the success of music hasn't been discovered yet, despite efforts by researchers and data scientists. Popularity is influenced by numerous unpredictable factors.
  3. Even with advances in AI and machine learning, the ability to forecast the popularity of music remains elusive, showcasing the complexity of human preferences and cultural influences.

Exceeds prior peaks of cringe

0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Internet Technology Celebrities Social media Media
  1. This post discusses interesting articles on topics like creator burnout, mind reading technology, and the evolution of MLMs.
  2. A Twitter user tracks California fires, showcasing the unique world of Fire Twitter and Scanner Twitter.
  3. The post also includes a reflection on the history and significance of screenshots as artifacts of our digital lives.

Still clearly a scam

0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Media Arts Entertainment Technology Social Issues
  1. Netflix, despite its dominance, is facing various challenges like a shortage of TV translators and lawsuits, showcasing its influence on media and culture.
  2. Online communities around NFTs have emerged, highlighting the unique impact they have created despite being perceived as a scam.
  3. Exploration of various topics in articles, from the impact of technology like Ring cameras on communities to the role of video games in understanding history.

Respect the ratio

0 implied HN points • 29 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Sex work Gender identity Influencers Entertainment
  1. Focus on the key articles and opinions, like those on Facebook's impact, sexfluencers blurring lines between sex work and influencing, and corporate transitions to support gender identity.
  2. Explore thought-provoking topics like the influence of social media and internet culture, historical events, movie recommendations, and tech industry news.
  3. Consider lifestyle discussions, such as the Buy Nothing movement, challenges in the housing market, dating trends post-Tinder, and coping with the pandemic through memes and music.

It's a no bones day for me

0 implied HN points • 22 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Internet culture Entertainment
  1. The newsletter features a mix of intriguing topics like rebrands and social phenomena, such as teen tics possibly linked to social media exposure.
  2. An analysis of different rebrands (including Facebook and Q) and their repercussions provides a fascinating insight into the world of changing corporate identities.
  3. Exploration of closed online communities like Raya and efforts to combat conspiracy theories in Germany point towards evolving digital landscapes and societal challenges.

A queasy sense of prophecy and prescience

0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Literature Technology Internet Pop culture
  1. The movie 'The Social Network' has been recognized for its prophetic depiction of attitudes towards Facebook, contrasting with initial criticisms.
  2. Explore intriguing reads: the disappearance of alt-lit figure Marie Calloway, TikTok's focus on trauma responses, and the impact of vaccine denial stories on empathy.
  3. Consider the implications of constant personal data tracking and the paradox of freedom in a world where every move is monitored.

Talking grief and Goodreads with "Seeing Ghosts" author Kat Chow

0 implied HN points • 24 Aug 21
🎭️ Culture Literature Memoir Writing Grief Family
  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.

Let’s not get meta about it

0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture Influencers Internet culture Politics Social media Art
  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'.

Everybody can own themselves

0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Technology Social media Current Events Internet Entertainment
  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.

Too pretty, too famous

0 implied HN points • 04 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Internet culture Media Art Entertainment
  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.