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

Thank God for festive penguins

0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 14
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Society Lifestyle History
  1. OkCupid is expanding gender and orientation options to align with modern dating preferences.
  2. Mongolia's nomadic people in remote areas are embracing technology like cellphones and cable TV due to ambitious connecting programs.
  3. Online relationships can have unexpected twists, as shown by a woman spending a year unknowingly as 'the other woman' due to a partner's hidden marriage.

NO PRESSURE THOUGH.

0 implied HN points • 02 Dec 14
🎭️ Culture Internet Youth Entertainment Technology Art
  1. Video stores are staying relevant by becoming community hubs.
  2. Digital maps like Google Maps are changing how we navigate cities, affecting our exploration.
  3. Growing up under constant internet attention presents unique challenges for young online celebrities.

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.

"Vomiting" the Internet, for fun and profit

0 implied HN points • 20 Nov 14
🎭️ Culture Internet Loneliness Crime Technology Business
  1. Checking in on the Internet's saddest thread. A message from 2004 asking for someone to talk to is still receiving responses. It's unclear if the internet makes people more or less lonely.
  2. How do you solve a problem like Backpage? Backpage is known for illicit activities, but now it's being used to catch criminals. This raises questions about what actions should be taken.
  3. Meet Europe's 'digital counterrevolution' leader. He believes Google is creating a concerning 'superstate' and predicts Americans will soon share his views.
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*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.

What are the appropriate ways to ignore people?

0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 14
🕹 Technology Internet Social media Science Culture Entertainment
  1. William Gibson predicted cyberspace and the web in his sci-fi works but did not foresee Facebook and our constant connectivity.
  2. Internet memes can have surprising longevity due to being cultural ideas studied by science.
  3. Some people have high-paying, seemingly carefree jobs like a "digital prophet" who earns six figures to travel and do very little.

83% of the Web is rubbish

0 implied HN points • 07 Nov 14
🎭️ Culture Online Harassment Social media
  1. The term 'nerd' is used loosely nowadays, but there's a stark contrast between different types of nerds, leading to feelings of isolation and anger.
  2. There are young social media influencers who make significant money by tweeting as parody accounts, forming a lucrative network.
  3. Online mobs can wrongfully target individuals, like a stand-up comic, causing harassment and negative impacts.

The real cool kids

0 implied HN points • 06 Nov 14
🕹 Technology Social media E-commerce Internet Trends Digital Communication
  1. The Internet's elite are now moving to exclusive social networks like 'A Small World' and 'IVY'. Entry is costly, applications are tough, and real connections are rare.
  2. Some people don't miss the days of face-to-face conversations as much as we think. This argument, from an amusingly British viewpoint, defends our obsession with iPhones.
  3. Virtual rebounds are now a thing - with constant sexting and affirmations without the need for real emotional investment or disruptions post-breakup.

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.

Eek!

0 implied HN points • 31 Oct 14
🕹 Technology Social media Podcasts Internet History Culture
  1. One man uses social media to cope with memory loss after trauma by tweeting constantly. It's a unique and fascinating way of helping him remember.
  2. Podcasts have seen a resurgence in popularity due to changes in the radio industry. People now prefer on-demand, snippet-based content, which has increased podcast listeners.
  3. The concept of 'doppelnamers' explores what happens when someone else on the internet shares your name, creating an interesting digital identity phenomenon worth investigating.

Just putting it out there ...

0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 14
🎭️ Culture News Humor Internet Social Issues Media
  1. The tech industry's struggle to attract women is due to issues like sexism and inappropriate behavior.
  2. Marble Hornets was a unique web mystery that became hugely popular for its horror and mystery elements.
  3. Gamergate supporters were criticized for partying at a strip club in a misogynistic manner.

Prettyyy crazy

0 implied HN points • 13 Oct 14
🎭️ Culture History Technology Social media Internet Celebrities
  1. Online dating and online trading face similar challenges like too many options, impatience, and a lack of focus on the bigger picture.
  2. You can make a significant income on Twitter by sharing mostly true 'facts' and building a strong brand especially for the younger and more gullible audience.
  3. Stalking wedding hashtags can be surprisingly entertaining, giving you a peek into the often extravagant and sometimes bizarre items on registries.

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.

Oy, the kids these days

0 implied HN points • 25 Sep 14
🕹 Technology Social media Internet culture Mobile Apps
  1. Researchers tracked tweets before and after breakups, revealing funny, sad, and typical youth behaviors.
  2. 4chan's mysterious activities include leaking nudes and convincing people to nuke iPhones.
  3. North Korea's controlled national intranet operates secretly and humorously, with notable features like enlarged fonts for Kim Jong Un's name.

Make #content, not cuddles.

0 implied HN points • 23 Sep 14
🕹 Technology Social media Startups Internet
  1. Consider reinventing traditional phone call interfaces for modern devices.
  2. GoPro cameras have become a unique form of self-documentation and a way of life.
  3. On platforms like Facebook, there is a growing acceptance of sharing more information due to changing preferences.

Some very nasty business

0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 14
🕹 Technology Social media Gaming Coding
  1. Reddit has been criticized for its structure and management, being called a 'failed state' by a tech journalist.
  2. The gaming community has been embroiled in controversy and conflict, with 'Gamergate' sparking heated debates and threats.
  3. Computer code is celebrated for its intricate beauty and coherence, described as a mosaic of small but purposeful components.

Spirit rush? More like SPIRIT CRUSH.

0 implied HN points • 29 Aug 14
🎭️ Culture Internet Media Entertainment Social Issues Relationships
  1. Avoid checking work email on weekends to maintain a healthier work-life balance and boost productivity.
  2. Get insight into the experiences and perspectives of individuals in unique and often misunderstood professions, like being a popular porn star.
  3. Explore new and diverse forms of entertainment and media, such as watching Twitch and following online gaming tournaments. Find unexpected enjoyment beyond traditional TV shows.

Totally true links that maybe won't bore you

0 implied HN points • 25 Aug 14
🎭️ Culture Internet Media Social Issues Entertainment Pop culture
  1. The Internet's focus has shifted from shocking and inspiring to simply not boring, which reflects a concerning trend in online media.
  2. Online platforms can still serve as powerful tools for empowerment and communication, as seen in the impact of individuals like Karyn Washington.
  3. Old-school video stores have the potential to be repurposed as museums, offering a new lease on life for these nostalgic establishments.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

0 implied HN points • 06 Aug 14
🕹 Technology Social media Smartphones Restaurants Internet Videos
  1. Immigration crisis can be influenced by smugglers using Facebook to advertise their services and migrants using the site to connect with previous travelers.
  2. Videos captured on smartphones can aid investigations, but the constant presence of cameras might desensitize viewers to the urgency of crimes.
  3. Certain exclusive restaurants are opting for ticket sales over reservations, shifting the dining experience.

DOOMED.

0 implied HN points • 05 Aug 14
🕹 Technology Social media Apps Tech Trends Events Internet culture
  1. Teenagers go crazy at VidCon for Youtube stars, showing the power of online celebrity.
  2. Silicon Valley's latest trend is instant gratification apps, catering to people who want things immediately.
  3. Charging your phone at a bar can be acceptable, as long as you tip the bartender.

Okay weirdo, here it is.

0 implied HN points • 16 Jul 14
🕹 Technology Internet Security Social media Gadgets
  1. Comcast's customer service issues stem from the company's structure, not individual representatives.
  2. Using public computers, like those in hotels or airports, can expose you to the risk of keylogging software.
  3. The internet offers quirky and insightful content like accidental commentaries based on Google searches.

Either apocalyptic or amazing

0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 14
🕹 Technology Internet Social media Search Engine Emoji
  1. The Internet gives us access to a lot of information, but it doesn't always encourage a deeper understanding or reflection.
  2. Despite claiming to prefer in-depth articles on serious topics, people often gravitate towards clickbait and lighter content.
  3. There's always room for more emoji - like jellyfish, cardigan, and popcorn - in our digital communications.

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.