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

"Links" Weekend Edition: so ghost, such pumpkin

0 implied HN points • 30 Oct 15
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Digital Culture Society
  1. 10 percent of Americans have ghosted before, meaning they don't reply to messages, which is surprising and not cool.
  2. The post shares links to interesting articles about digital culture, social media, and internet-related topics for readers to explore.
  3. The weekend edition ends with a Halloween greeting and a friendly invitation to share the newsletter with friends or enemies for feedback.

♩ ♪ ♫ A whole new worrrrrrrrld ♩ ♪ ♫

0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 15
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Art
  1. The Internet's most earnest evangelist has become its fiercest critic.
  2. Adventure Instagram has turned into a big business where athletes make money capturing their adventures.
  3. Rating systems like Uber and Yelp show we are getting used to rating everything, bringing us closer to a Peeple nightmare scenario.

Hot cheesy memes

0 implied HN points • 22 Oct 15
🎭️ Culture Internet Entertainment Music Technology Social media
  1. Traces of people who've passed away linger in the real world and in cyberspace, sometimes unexpectedly.
  2. The Dark Web faces a struggle between its original purpose and its current use, with drug dealers more prevalent than dissidents.
  3. The Internet has revived the appeal of 'America's Funniest Home Videos,' making it a popular online sensation despite its 90s origin.

Believe it or not

0 implied HN points • 21 Oct 15
🕹 Technology Social media E-commerce Influencer Culture Virtual reality Internet Trends
  1. Technology has always played a crucial role in shaping social movements, from the civil rights movement to modern movements like #BlackLivesMatter.
  2. A shady get-rich-quick scheme on the internet involves creating fake 'experts' who publish books on Amazon under their names and manipulate reviews for profit.
  3. YouTuber Tyler Oakley represents a new model of gay millennial identity, challenging stereotypes and norms.

"Links" Weekend Edition: Ermahgerd

0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 15
🎭️ Culture Digital Culture Internet culture Online Communities Content creation
  1. Debates on 'Netflix and chill' as a good date idea emerged with mixed opinions, including Maxim's conclusion that it might not be the best choice for getting to know someone.
  2. A selection of interesting reads on digital culture and technology was shared, covering topics from erotic fan fiction to the impact of web 2.0 communities on the internet.
  3. Weekly round-up pdfs of digital culture reads were offered for download, adding convenience for those interested in exploring the topics further.
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"Links" Weekend Edition: What's shakin', bacon?

0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 16
🎭️ Culture Social media Digital Culture Internet Celebrities Fiction
  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.

A hundred hairpin heartbreaks

0 implied HN points • 07 May 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief Pets Mental health Support Emotions
  1. The author is taking a break from their newsletter due to the loss of their dog, wanting more time to process their emotions and reevaluate their priorities.
  2. During a crisis, the author's instinct is to seek and absorb information to cope, but sometimes the search for answers may lead to feelings of heartbreak.
  3. The author highlights the importance of acknowledging and grieving the loss of pets, sharing resources and personal experiences to help others going through similar situations.

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.

c u soon

0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 16
🎭️ Culture Internet Media Social media Comedy Literature
  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.

The web gets what it wants

0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 16
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Algorithms play a big role in deciding online content censorship.
  2. Internet hoaxes can potentially turn into modern myths.
  3. The internet has democratized food writing through food blogs.

A long-time open secret

0 implied HN points • 28 May 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Communities Influencers Internet culture
  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

If it seems too good to be true THEN IT IS, part 17:

0 implied HN points • 05 Apr 16
🎭️ Culture Art & Illustration Fashion & Beauty Internet Tech Photography
  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.

Like it's 1990

0 implied HN points • 06 Apr 16
🕹 Technology Internet Apps Social media Robots Livestream
  1. The Great EVE War was a massive conflict in a video game involving 50,000 players over two years, feeling strangely real to participants.
  2. PRIME, a new app, is showing promise in helping with schizophrenia based on positive results observed during early patient testing.
  3. There's a talent agency representing Internet-famous dogs, with one noteworthy pooch named Dory yet to be offered a job.

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.

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.

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.

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.

#DoWeHaveToSrsly?

0 implied HN points • 07 Apr 16
🎭️ Culture Online Dating Satire Tech news Internet Trends
  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.

NO GOOD

0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 16
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Technology Relationships Entertainment Media
  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.

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.

Walking, talking, phone-unlocking

0 implied HN points • 25 Apr 16
🕹 Technology Internet Social media Smartphones Online Privacy Digital Content
  1. The Internet reaches even the most remote areas, changing people's perceptions of isolation.
  2. Facebook has evolved from a social network to a centralized hub for various online activities, keeping users engaged within its platform.
  3. Balancing online activities like social media with real-world actions is crucial, as seen in the story of a man who tried to help but ended up in prison.

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'.

"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.

Plz do not try this at home

0 implied HN points • 29 Jun 15
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Internet Celebrities Entertainment
  1. The tide is turning against revenge porn after advocates lobbied for 15 years, showing progress in addressing nonconsensual pornography.
  2. The popularity of ebooks has contributed to a rise in unconventional erotica, like stories about pregnant bisexual vampires.
  3. The word 'mom' has taken on new meaning in social media, now used as praise akin to 'queen' or 'slay,' showing how language evolves online.

*Cue cry-laughing emoji*

0 implied HN points • 06 Jul 15
🕹 Technology Social media Search Engine Smartphones AI Internet
  1. Teenagers are using 9/11 in memes, possibly to give meaning to digital artifacts.
  2. Google is evolving beyond a search engine and making strides towards global domination.
  3. The upcoming election is being dubbed the 'selfie election,' indicating a shift in political engagement towards photo opportunities over traditional campaigning.

Maybe people are just shitty. Or maybe it's the Internet's fault.

0 implied HN points • 03 May 16
🎭️ Culture Bullying Internet Literature Social media Online behavior
  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.

Over it

0 implied HN points • 21 Jul 15
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Social media Robots
  1. Internet moderation is crucial to prevent harmful online communities like r/FatPeopleHate.
  2. Researchers have created 'echoborgs' - humans connected to AI through earpieces - to explore human-machine interaction.
  3. While spam email is decreasing, unsolicited and distracting messages in everyday life are on the rise.

Welp nvm okay bye

0 implied HN points • 19 Jun 15
🎭️ Culture Internet Art Food & Drink Literature Humor
  1. Online petitions may not always bring big change, but they offer comfort in taking action.
  2. Etsy's ban on pagan items stirs debate on the boundaries of religion, commerce, and art.
  3. Bisexual OkCupid is a unique place where different sexual identities intersect in a complex way.

Can't even.

0 implied HN points • 09 Jun 15
🎭️ Culture Social media Activism Internet culture
  1. The idea of Secret Wedding Pinterest boards is surprisingly popular, with one third dedicated to wedding planning.
  2. The #BlackLivesMatter movement aimed to reshape the narrative for black Americans through social media, a powerful attempt regardless of backlash.
  3. Online anonymity isn't foolproof; linguistic patterns can reveal identity even when using a fake name, showcasing gender bias online.

The drama is real

0 implied HN points • 03 Jun 15
🕹 Technology Data Tracking Wearable Tech Social media
  1. Charlie Charlie might be fake, but in the Bahamas, the drama is real. The country's religious and superstitious nature causes significant reactions even among intelligent individuals.
  2. Your traffic app, like Google-owned Waze, collects vast data sets. Cities can use this information for positive purposes, such as improving road conditions and reducing congestion.
  3. Traditional Swiss watchmaking is facing competition from the trendiness of smartwatches like the Apple Watch. The craft, known for its history and high cost, now contends with the rise of modern technology in timepieces.

Tabs on tabs on tabs on tabs

0 implied HN points • 01 Jun 15
🕹 Technology Software Therapy Internet culture
  1. We hate them, we fear them: They persist anyway - those pesky error messages are a major software development issue.
  2. Inside the very grim world of 'assassination bets' - a dark place on the Dark Net where people bet on world leaders' deaths.
  3. The future of therapy might be on your phone - a new service connects you to therapists via text to democratize health services.

(We're back! Hey!)

0 implied HN points • 27 May 15
🎭️ Culture Media Social Issues Art
  1. When people talk about their 'media diets,' they might be showing off. But someone like Cool Pope Francis takes unplugging to the extreme, setting trends for the rest of us.
  2. The impact of #YesAllWomen, over a year after it went viral, is still being reflected on, revealing both the changes it brought and the work that's yet to be done.
  3. Artists are reclaiming Google satellite maps as a form of accidental art, aiming to shift how we perceive and interact with the world.

#lol

0 implied HN points • 21 May 15
🎭️ Culture Internet Social Issues Language Memes Technology
  1. Suey Park faced online threats and reputational damage at a young age.
  2. The concept of memes evolving like animals is still unproven after almost 40 years.
  3. Naming your hard drive and anthropomorphizing devices is considered a peculiar practice.

How to be cool

0 implied HN points • 04 May 16
🕹 Technology Internet Meteorology Navigation Podcasts
  1. A viral website from a joke to a meme led to a genuine meteorological discovery.
  2. Following digital maps blindly can lead to dangerous situations, known as 'death by GPS.'
  3. Podcasts like For Colored Nerds and Call Your Girlfriend have regained popularity and quality.