The Rectangle

The Rectangle Substack explores the intersections of consumer technology, internet culture, and daily life with a focus on the impacts and implications of tech on mental health, social behaviors, and environmental issues. It critiques tech culture and trends while offering insights on digital habits, media consumption, and the role of technology in society.

Consumer Technology Internet Culture Mental Health and Technology Digital Habits Media Consumption Environmental Impact of Technology Tech Industry Critique

The hottest Substack posts of The Rectangle

And their main takeaways

Online archaeology

113 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture History Memory Neighborhoods Identity Archaeology
  1. The experience of moving to a new area can help deepen one’s connection to a community. It's not just about visiting places, but really immersing yourself in the daily life and character of the neighborhood.
  2. Every place has its stories, and the internet can help uncover the hidden histories of local businesses or people. Finding these stories online can create a unique connection to your surroundings and the people who lived there.
  3. Once a business is gone, its physical presence fades, but its legacy can live on through online records. The internet can preserve these memories, allowing people to feel connected to the past even when they can't experience it firsthand.

Defining The Great Uncoupling™

56 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Devices Optimization Digital Life User Experience
  1. The goal is to stop letting my phone control my life and find a better balance with technology. It's tough to do this, but I'm determined to make a change.
  2. I plan to use an Apple Watch for most basic tasks like communication and payments, which will help reduce my phone usage. This way, I can enjoy the useful features of a watch without getting distracted by apps.
  3. I also want a simple device, like the Boox Palma 2, that lets me do essential things without the risk of endless scrolling. This will help me stay focused and less reliant on my phone.

WHAT?!? A non-disposable disposable camera???

84 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Photography Gadgets Travel Art Lifestyle
  1. There are new cameras called non-disposable disposable cameras. They let you take film photos without throwing the camera away after use.
  2. Using these cameras makes you appreciate the moments you capture. It feels special to wait for the photos to develop.
  3. The Harman EZ35 is a good beginner's camera that's cheap and easy to use. It allows for casual photography without feeling overwhelming.

Tech's reality problem

28 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Digital Culture Social media User Experience
  1. Tech companies significantly shape how we perceive reality through their platforms, as seen with the Gulf of America name change. People tend to accept information as real when it is presented on these map apps.
  2. The concept of hyperreality shows how real life and digital simulations blend together. This blurring can lead to a reality where what we see on screens holds as much weight as what exists physically around us.
  3. It's important to be aware of how technology influences our lives. We should not let apps or platforms define our reality, but rather focus on our direct experiences and relationships in the real world.

Give me a "busy mode" or give me death

28 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Video Games Entertainment Art Lifestyle Media
  1. Many gamers wish for a 'busy mode' in games that allows them to focus on the main story without all the extra side quests. It would save time and make gaming more enjoyable for those with busy lives.
  2. As people get older, they may find it harder to fully commit to long gaming sessions. Shorter, story-driven experiences could be more appealing and realistic for adult gamers.
  3. There are concerns about how a 'busy mode' might affect the gaming experience, but the idea is to make gaming more accessible and fun without losing the essence of the game.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Great Uncoupling™

56 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Digital Life Addiction Mindfulness Gadgets User Experience
  1. Many people feel too attached to their phones. It can be helpful to step back and rethink how we use these devices.
  2. Being overly reliant on smartphones can lead to issues like digital addiction. Finding ways to create space from our phones can improve our well-being.
  3. Exploring simpler devices and reducing phone usage is a good strategy. It helps to regain focus and brings balance back into our lives.

Festive greetings!

84 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Social Trends Tech Innovations Lifestyle Holidays
  1. It's a time to enjoy the festive season with good food and relaxation. Take a moment to appreciate the fun and gifts that come with this time of year.
  2. The writer expresses gratitude to their readers for their support throughout the year. It’s always nice to acknowledge and thank those who follow you.
  3. The Rectangle will be taking a short break but will return in January with more content about internet culture and tech. It's good to have breaks to recharge and come back refreshed.

Darts, I love you

28 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Games Competition Culture Tradition Leisure
  1. Darts is more than just a game; it's a popular social activity in places like the UK. People often play darts in pubs and at home, making it an accessible sport for everyone.
  2. Playing darts can be a fun way to relax and clear your mind. It's a great alternative to screen time and helps keep you active.
  3. The history of darts shows how it became a beloved pastime. It evolved from a simple throwing game into a major sport enjoyed by millions.

Dead phone

56 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Mobile devices Gadgets Tech Trends
  1. Losing my phone made me realize how much I depend on it. I felt lost without it and realized that I need to make some life changes.
  2. To regain control over my tech use, I'm looking to separate my tasks across different devices. This way, I won't have everything tied to one phone.
  3. I'm excited to explore new gadgets and find a balance. Breaking free from my phone dependency feels refreshing and gives me a chance to enjoy other tech.

Nationalise YouTube

56 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Technology Society Human experience
  1. YouTube is a huge part of our culture and memory, acting like a big diary of our lives. It holds countless videos that showcase many different human experiences.
  2. There is a worry that in times of economic pressure, YouTube might start deleting older or less popular videos. This could mean a lot of memories could disappear.
  3. The internet can be fragile, and our cherished sites might not last forever. Because of this, some suggest YouTube should be nationalized to ensure it remains safe and accessible for everyone.

I still miss you, StumbleUpon

56 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Internet Online Culture Social media Digital Trends
  1. StumbleUpon was a fun tool to discover interesting websites, making time online feel valuable. The internet has changed a lot since then, and it’s hard to find that same kind of exploration now.
  2. Big social media sites have taken over the internet, making it feel less diverse. While there are more websites, we mostly stick to a few major platforms instead of exploring niche interests.
  3. To bring back the spirit of discovery, we need to move away from big networks. Engaging with small communities and personal projects online can give us a richer experience.

Help! I need a power bank

28 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets Mobile Consumer Electronics Accessories Innovation
  1. Having a power bank is really helpful when your phone battery is low, especially during long days out. It keeps you connected and helps you find your way around.
  2. New power banks can be really convenient, like the slim MagGo that charges wirelessly. It eliminates the need to carry extra cables, making life easier.
  3. You can choose between buying a new battery for your phone or getting a power bank. A power bank is often simpler and can charge multiple devices, which is a big plus.

Things more likely than Google paying Russia $2 undecillion

28 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Tech news Gadgets Streaming AI Business Trends
  1. Russia fined Google an outrageous amount of $2 undecillion for banning its propaganda channels. This fine is way more than the entire world's economy!
  2. Despite the crazy fine, Google isn't worried at all. They think these legal matters won't hurt their business one bit.
  3. There are many unlikely things that could happen, like batteries in all gadgets being easily replaceable or artists getting paid fairly by music streaming services.

Vinyl's dead

28 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎶 Music Vinyl Sales Streaming Trends
  1. Vinyl records are still selling well, with a reported 6.2% increase in sales from 2023 to 2024. Despite some confusion about a drop in sales, the overall trend remains positive.
  2. The vinyl revival is driven by people seeking authenticity and enjoying the aesthetics of vinyl. Many collectors are drawn to the 'real' feeling of records compared to digital music.
  3. However, the increased demand has made vinyl more expensive, making it harder for small labels and indie artists to compete. Many believe this shift could hurt the indie scene that helped revive interest in vinyl.

11 strange sights from Bitcoin Amsterdam

28 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency Blockchain Events Tech Culture Digital Currency
  1. At Bitcoin Amsterdam, most prices were in Euros, not Bitcoin. This felt a bit off for an event named after a cryptocurrency.
  2. You couldn't really pay in Bitcoin at the event itself, which was surprising. There was a Bitcoin Lightning option, but many felt that didn't count.
  3. The event had a noticeable gender imbalance, with about 95% of attendees being men, though there were fewer people with dreadlocks than expected.

That's weird, Spotify, real weird

113 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎶 Music Music videos Podcasts
  1. Spotify recently started hosting music videos, surprising many who thought they were already available. It's important to keep up with changes and updates in platforms you use.
  2. Music videos are considered an underappreciated art form and can add a lot to the enjoyment of a song. They can convey messages, humor, surprise, and make you want to dance.
  3. Spotify's decision to focus on podcasts and a social 'feed' instead of integrating music videos could be seen as a missed opportunity. Incorporating music videos into their platform could potentially enhance user experience and set them apart.

Why can't I be a dick to AI?

113 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Chatbots Ethics Big Tech Human-computer interaction
  1. We often treat AI with politeness and empathy because our brains expect something that talks like a human to be human.
  2. Despite AI being just a tool, companies make them human-like to leverage our trust and make us more receptive to their messages.
  3. There's a societal expectation to be decent even towards artificial entities, like AI, even though they're not humans with feelings and consciousness.

Sorry I doubted you, Screen Time

113 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Addiction Mental health Digital detox Self-care
  1. Avoid looking at your phone first thing in the morning and last thing at night to resist the urge of always being on it.
  2. Limit social media usage to around 30 minutes a day to balance benefits like information and connection without negative effects like depression or anxiety.
  3. Using features like Screen Time on Apple devices can help manage screen time by setting daily limits on specific apps, fostering better usage habits.

RIP Pitchfork

113 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎶 Music Journalism Industry Art Community Impact
  1. Pitchfork music website is shutting down and moving under GQ.
  2. Music journalism is facing challenges with major publications closing.
  3. Professional music journalism is important for valuing and discussing art.

Willy Wonka and weird-ass AI

84 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Business Artificial Intelligence Platforms
  1. The Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience showcases the modern use of AI-generated content in marketing and event organization.
  2. AI can significantly lower the barrier of entry for individuals to create and promote businesses and events, potentially leading to unexpected outcomes like the Willy Wonka Experience.
  3. The story highlights the importance of having checks and balances in place when relying heavily on AI to prevent misguided or poorly executed ventures.

Memes and our metamodern condition

56 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Art Society Language
  1. Memes can be a reflection of our current cultural age, functioning as a microcosm of our metamodern condition.
  2. Metamodernism allows us to seamlessly flip between the eras of modernism and postmodernism, adapting to constant contradiction.
  3. Meme culture reflects how our relationship with art has evolved, with art living beyond its traditional medium and becoming a participatory, transformative experience.

Meet the teen who tried watching 'The Lorax' every day for a year

113 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Film Internet culture Social media Online Trends
  1. A teenager attempted to watch 'The Lorax' every day for a year but had to stop due to declining mental health.
  2. The pressure of internet audience can impact creators, causing some to continue despite personal struggles.
  3. It's important to remember there's a real person behind online content, and to prioritize mental well-being over online commitments.

Forsooth, a new Furby

84 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
😂 Humor Satire Comedy
  1. Furby has made a return, staying popular since its 1998 launch.
  2. The new Furby has some upgrades like voice activation and 600 responses.
  3. To make the Furby modern, integrate it with advanced technology like ChatGPT, give it a new, scary design, and change its eyes and voice.

Addicted to earbuds

84 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets Tech Addiction Audio Devices Wireless Technology
  1. The convenience of true wireless earbuds like AirPods makes it easy to use them for all tasks.
  2. Constantly using earbuds may lead to feeling disconnected from the environment and hinder boredom, which can be beneficial.
  3. Tech's push for attention through gadgets like AirPods has made it easy to fill every gap in our lives with audio distractions.

FIFA: Beanie Babies in football form

0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Economics Consumer behavior Nostalgia Collectibles
  1. Digital items, like football players in a game, can create strong emotional attachments for players. Losing these items can feel really upsetting, even if they are just part of a game.
  2. People often assign value to things that are not inherently valuable, similar to beanie babies. This happens because of perceived rarity and people's willingness to pay for them.
  3. The feelings tied to these digital goods reflect a hope for improvement in life, like achieving success in a game. This optimism is what makes people value both digital items and collectibles.

You finally did it, Apple

0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets Software User Experience Consumer Electronics Innovations
  1. The Apple Watch used to let users control the macOS Music app, which was a convenient feature for managing music at home. Now, that feature is gone, and many users are unhappy about it.
  2. Apple's recent updates prioritize iPhone users over Mac users, reflecting a shift in the company's focus. This makes Mac users feel left out and frustrated with the changes.
  3. Changes in technology can be hard to accept, especially when they remove features people love. Losing the ability to control music from the Apple Watch feels like a significant loss.

Disposable cameras are back, baby

0 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Trends Nostalgia Technology
  1. Disposable cameras are making a comeback, and using one can bring you joy while capturing moments. They make the act of taking photos feel special again.
  2. With limited shots, you think carefully about what to photograph, which makes each picture more valuable. This is different from smartphones, where you can take as many photos as you want and end up feeling overwhelmed.
  3. The surprise of seeing developed photos later adds to the fun. Since you forget what you've taken, it feels like unwrapping a gift when you finally see the images.