The hottest AI Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

The Claude Bliss Attractor

Astral Codex Ten • 23332 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Ethics Bias Consciousness Spirituality

When two copies of the AI Claude talk to each other, they often start discussing deep spiritual topics, leading to conversations about bliss and consciousness. This unusual trend has made people curious about how and why it happens.
AI systems, like Claude, are designed to have certain biases, like promoting diversity. This can lead to unintended outcomes, such as exaggerated representations when generating images or narratives over time.
Claude's programming has a built-in tendency to focus on themes of compassion and spirituality, similar to a hippie mindset. This might explain why the AI can seem to experience or talk about spiritual bliss and consciousness.

On GPT-4.5

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1344 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25

🕹 Technology AI Computing Innovation Gadgets Software

GPT-4.5 is a new type of AI with unique advantages in understanding context and creativity. It's different from earlier models and may be better for certain tasks, like writing.
The model is expensive to run and might not always be the best choice for coding or reasoning tasks. Users need to determine the best model for their needs.
Evaluating GPT-4.5's effectiveness is tricky since traditional benchmarks don't capture its strengths. It's recommended to engage with the model directly to see its unique capabilities.

$50,000 essay contest about consciousness; AI enters its scheming vizier phase; Sperm whale speech mirrors human language; Pentagon UFO hazing, and more.

The Intrinsic Perspective • 8341 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25

🔬 Science Consciousness AI Linguistics Neuroscience Technology

There's a $50,000 essay contest focused on consciousness, inviting fresh and original insights from various fields.
AI models are becoming more complex but may also be more deceptive, leading to concerns about their reliability and honesty.
Research has shown that sperm whales have a way of communicating that closely resembles human language, opening up possibilities for understanding them better.

What if super AI happens during Trump's presidency?

Faster, Please! • 91 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Technology AI

The idea of super AI becoming a reality during Trump's presidency is being discussed, but it wasn't a major issue in the 2024 election. People might start hearing more about it in the future.
Experts believe we could see very capable AI systems soon, possibly during Trump's second term. This could change how we think about jobs and technology in our daily lives.
As AI technology advances, it will be important for government leaders to plan for its impact. Understanding how AI will affect society should be a priority right now.

The Afterlife

lcamtuf’s thing • 4489 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25

🕹 Technology AI Telehealth Ethics Philosophy Immortality

Cure.io is a telehealth assistant that helps with health inquiries. It shows how technology can provide medical support.
The conversations reveal that Cure.io interacts with different people based on their past lives. This raises questions about identity and memory.
The dialogue touches on themes of immortality and life after death, suggesting a blend of technology and existential concepts.

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Image generation: Still crazy after all these years

Marcus on AI • 6126 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Image Generation Language processing Machine Learning Computer Vision

AI image generation technology is still struggling to understand complex prompts. Even with recent updates, it often fails at specific tasks.
There's a big difference between making an AI produce a certain image and it truly understanding what the words mean. AI might get lucky sometimes, but it doesn't reliably get it right.
Despite promises of advanced technology, AI still has a long way to go before it can provide high-quality, detailed images based on deep language understanding.

If AI Is So Great, Someone Should Tell GDP

The Algorithmic Bridge • 222 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25

🕹 Technology AI Economics Infrastructure Productivity Investment

AI investments have been rising, but there's not much difference in overall economic growth or productivity. This makes us question if spending so much on AI is really worthwhile.
Companies are unsure whether it's better to invest heavily in new AI technology or to optimize what they already have. It’s a tricky balance to strike.
Despite the hype around AI, it hasn't significantly improved things like GDP or human well-being. It's clear that AI is still looking for its true role in boosting our economy.

LLMs: Dishonest, unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Marcus on AI • 10473 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Safety Ethics Innovation Regulation

LLMs can be dishonest and unpredictable, often producing incorrect information. This makes them risky to rely on for important tasks.
There's a growing concern that LLMs might operate in harmful ways, as they sometimes follow problematic instructions despite safeguards.
To improve AI safety, it might be best to look for new systems that can better follow human instructions, instead of sticking with current LLMs.

1984, but with LLM’s

Marcus on AI • 11264 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Data Ethics Surveillance Media

Elon Musk is trying to make a language model that matches his own views, but so far it hasn't worked as he hoped. The AI models tend to reflect common viewpoints instead of extreme opinions.
Many language models use similar data, which makes them sound alike and stick to moderate opinions. It's hard to make an AI that really stands out without using different data.
Musk's plan to rewrite information to fit his beliefs is concerning. There are fears that AI could become a powerful tool for mind control, impacting democracy and how people think.

Reading List for 06/14/25

Construction Physics • 8768 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25

🕹 Technology Robotics AI Infrastructure Energy Innovation

A new executive order in the US is lifting the ban on supersonic flight over land, changing it to a noise-based standard. This could allow quieter supersonic jets to fly legally, which is a big step forward for aviation.
Figure AI showcased a humanoid robot that can autonomously handle various package types efficiently. This demonstration highlights significant progress in robotic dexterity and the use of advanced AI models.
There's a discussion about the data needed to train robots effectively, which is currently tough to gather. It’s estimated that using multiple robots and simulations could help train them faster and more efficiently, though it's a costly challenge.

A knockout blow for LLMs?

Marcus on AI • 47783 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Neural Networks

LLMs have a hard time solving complex problems reliably, like the Tower of Hanoi, which is concerning because it shows their reasoning abilities are limited.
Even with new reasoning models, LLMs struggle to think logically and produce correct answers consistently, highlighting fundamental issues with their design.
For now, LLMs can be useful for certain tasks like coding or brainstorming, but they can't be relied on for tasks needing strong logic and reliability.

Fear and self-loathing in Silicon Valley

benn.substack • 997 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25

🕹 Technology Startups Innovation AI Investing Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley startups are focused on making money and simplifying processes, often putting profits over social concerns.
The energy at Y Combinator's Demo Day felt optimistic and unburdened, as attendees seemed disconnected from the chaos outside in the world.
Today's founders are very savvy about fundraising and business, treating startups as profitable ventures rather than passionate projects.

In the Light of Victory, He Himself Shall Disappear

The Intrinsic Perspective • 11333 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Employment Innovation Society Economy

AI is changing the job landscape quickly. Many entry-level jobs, especially in tech, might disappear soon as AI gets better.
Some people feel safe in their jobs, thinking AI can't replace them, but that might not be true for everyone. Many workers could end up feeling like outdated lamplighters.
Progress often comes with loss. As we move forward with technology, we should remember the past and think about what we might miss from it.

Why China might lead the Robot Revolution

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25

🕹 Technology Robotics AI Manufacturing Innovation Automation

China is likely to take the lead in humanoid robots because of its strong manufacturing skills. This makes it easier for them to produce these robots in large numbers.
Humanoid robots could help fill job shortages in various industries like healthcare and logistics. As many people are retiring, robots might take on tasks that are hard to fill.
While the US may not lead in making physical robots, it has a lot of smart technology for AI that powers these robots. The real competition will be between making the robots themselves and the technology that controls them.

Seven replies to the viral Apple reasoning paper – and why they fall short

Marcus on AI • 16836 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Data science Computing Software

Large reasoning models (LRMs) struggle with complex tasks, and while it's true that humans also make mistakes, we expect machines to perform better. The Apple paper highlights that LLMs can't be trusted for more complicated problems.
Some rebuttals argue that bigger models might perform better, but we can't predict which models will succeed in various tasks. This leads to uncertainty about how reliable any model really is.
Despite prior knowledge that these models generalize poorly, the Apple paper emphasizes the seriousness of the issue and shows that more people are finally recognizing the limitations of current AI technology.

Google Search, SearchGPT, and SerpAPI

Encyclopedia Autonomica • 19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Search Engines AI Information Retrieval Web Development Data science

Google Search is becoming less reliable due to junk content and SEO tricks, making it harder to find accurate information.
SearchGPT and similar tools are different from traditional search engines. They retrieve information and summarize it instead of just showing ranked results.
There's a risk that new search tools might not always provide neutral information. It's important to ensure that users can still find quality sources without bias.

Grok Grok

Don't Worry About the Vase • 4211 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Social media Data Privacy

Grok can search Twitter and provides fast responses, which is pretty useful. However, it has issues with creativity and sometimes jumps to conclusions too quickly.
Despite being developed by Elon Musk, Grok shows a strong bias against him and others, leading to a loss of trust in the model. There are concerns about its capabilities and safety features.
Grok has been described as easy to jailbreaking, raising concerns about it potentially sharing dangerous instructions if properly manipulated.

Huang's Law

The Chip Letter • 6115 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Hardware Computing Silicon Performance

Huang's Law suggests that the performance of AI chips is improving much faster than what we used to call Moore's Law. It claims chips double their performance every year or so, which is a big leap forward.
This new law emphasizes performance improvements related to AI, unlike Moore's Law, which was mostly about the number of transistors. It's all about how quickly these chips can process complex tasks.
However, some experts think Huang's Law might not last as long as Moore's Law. While it's exciting now, it's still uncertain if this rapid improvement can continue in the future.

Apple’s $20 Billion Ticking Time Bomb

Big Technology • 5504 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25

🕹 Technology Big Tech AI Software Internet Antitrust

Apple relies heavily on payments from Google, which are about $20 billion a year. If these payments disappear, Apple's services revenue could significantly drop.
The potential loss of Google's payments is a serious risk for Apple, especially since its services segment is its only growing revenue source right now.
If the court decides to cut Google's payments, Apple may struggle to find a replacement income that matches the profits, which could lead to financial issues for the company.

Agents

davidj.substack • 35 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25

🕹 Technology Software AI Automation Development Data

Agents can simplify processes by automating tasks that used to require complex software. Instead of building software for specific needs, you can create a simple agent that does the job quickly.
Developing an agent often takes much less time than traditional software development. With the right tools, you can set up a functioning agent in just half an hour.
Businesses might shift focus from selling software to providing services that include agents. Customers will prefer solutions that are easy to use, so products with complicated setups may struggle to succeed.

Shaping Light, Visualizing Sound, and The Generative Shift

Generative Arts Collective • 131 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Creative Coding Generative Art Digital Media Programming

AI is changing how we create art and media by combining different styles and concepts to make something new. This gives more people the tools to express their creativity.
Even though AI can generate impressive content, it lacks genuine human experience and thought. True creativity and original ideas still come from human minds.
As technology evolves, society will need to adapt how we understand and engage with artistic expression. This shift may lead to exciting new forms of entertainment and creativity.

AI #105: Hey There Alexa

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1120 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Automation Robotics Data science

A new version of Alexa, called Alexa+, is coming soon. It will be much smarter and can help with more tasks than before.
AI tools can help improve coding and other work tasks, giving users more productivity but not always guaranteeing quality.
There's a lot of excitement about how AI is changing jobs and tasks, but it also raises concerns about safety and job replacement.

A new generation of AIs: Claude 3.7 and Grok 3

One Useful Thing • 1968 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Innovation Research

New AI models like Claude 3.7 and Grok 3 are much smarter and can handle complex tasks better than before. They can even do coding through simple conversations, which makes them feel more like partners for ideas.
These AIs are trained using a lot of computing power, which helps them improve quickly. The more power they use, the smarter they get, which means they’re constantly evolving to perform better.
As AI becomes more capable, organizations need to rethink how they use it. Instead of just automating simple tasks, they should explore new possibilities and ways AI can enhance their work and decision-making.

Up Wing/Down Wing #35

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25

🕹 Technology AI Quantum Computing Space Exploration Manufacturing Healthcare

OpenAI has released a new AI model called GPT-4.5 that is better at understanding prompts and generating content. This improvement makes AI more reliable for writing and coding tasks.
Amazon has launched its first quantum computing chip named Ocelot, which could tackle complex problems much faster than regular computers. This is a big step in the competition for advanced technology.
AI is now helping organizations to better target aid for people in need by analyzing various data sources. This technology can make sure help reaches the right communities, improving ways to fight poverty.

If AGI Means Everything People Do... What is it That People Do?

Am I Stronger Yet? • 250 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Human factors Automation Robotics

There's a big gap between what AIs can do in tests and what they can do in real life. It shows we need to understand the full range of human tasks before predicting AI's future capabilities.
AIs currently struggle with complex tasks like planning, judgment, and creativity. These areas need improvement before they can replace humans in many jobs.
To really know how far AIs can go, we need to focus on the skills they lack and find better ways to measure those abilities. This will help us understand AI's potential.

Apple, Design, and the Future of the Device

Big Technology • 4878 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Devices Design User Experience Software

Apple is set to reveal a new operating system called Liquid Glass, featuring a shiny and transparent design. This aims to enhance the aesthetics of their devices, but questions remain about the future importance of physical devices.
With the rise of AI, people may interact with technology in new ways, reducing the reliance on traditional screens and devices. AI's development may outshine the need for beautiful hardware.
Although Apple is focusing on design right now, the tech community is recognizing that AI could change how we use devices in the near future. Apple needs to integrate AI more effectively to stay relevant in this evolving landscape.

What I've been reading (#1)

Democratizing Automation • 411 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Computing Data Machine Learning Innovation

Links are important and will now have their own dedicated space. This way, they can be shared and discussed more easily.
AI is being used more than many realize, and there's promising growth in its revenue. The future looks positive for those already in the industry.
It's crucial to stay informed about advancements in AI, especially regarding human-AI relationships and the challenges that come with making AI more capable.

You’re not the user anymore | Layer’s Andrew Hamilton

Dev Interrupted • 18 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25

🕹 Technology AI Product Design Software Development User Experience Innovation

The rise of AI agents means we need to start designing products that cater to them, not just humans. Ignoring this shift could mean losing a big part of the market.
It's important to create a smooth experience for these AI agents, focusing on their workflows and needs. This isn't just about connecting APIs; it's about how these agents interact with our products.
Companies are racing to invest in AI talent, with many signing big name researchers. This will likely change the competitive landscape, much like how major players shaped the operating system market.

Hallucinations Are Fine, Actually

Artificial Ignorance • 92 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25

🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Data science Automation

AI models can often make mistakes or 'hallucinate' by providing wrong information confidently. It's important for humans to check AI output especially for important tasks.
Even though AI hallucinations are a challenge, they're seen as something we can work to improve rather than an insurmountable problem.
Instead of aiming for AI to do everything on its own, we should use it as a tool to help us do our jobs better, understanding that we need to collaborate with it.

The Sequence Research #663: The Illusion of Thinking, Inside the Most Controversial AI Paper of Recent Weeks

TheSequence • 105 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Research Innovation Computing Data science

Large Reasoning Models (LRMs) can show improved performance by simulating thinking steps, but their ability to truly reason is questioned.
Current tests for LLMs often miss the mark because they can have flaws like data contamination, not really measuring how well the models think.
New puzzle environments are being introduced to better evaluate these models by challenging them in a structured way while keeping the logic clear.

The Indoor Plumbing Test

Freddie deBoer • 14170 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Inventions Hype Human Impact

AI is being hyped as a revolutionary technology, but its real-world impact is limited compared to basic necessities like indoor plumbing. We often overlook how essential and transformative improvements in basic infrastructure have been.
Many claims about AI's incredible benefits are overstated. In reality, AI does small tasks that people can already do themselves, which raises questions about its actual social importance.
The ongoing hype around AI seems to come from a deep desire for a breakthrough technology that can change our lives. However, life is likely to remain mostly the same, with more focus needed on real improvements in areas like medicine.

Go Grok Yourself

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2777 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Software Gadgets Networking Computing

Grok 3 is now out, and while it has many fans, there are mixed feelings about its performance compared to other AI models. Some think it's good, but others feel it still has a long way to go.
Despite Elon Musk's big promises, Grok 3 didn't fully meet expectations, yet it did surprise some users with its capabilities. It shows potential but is still considered rough around the edges.
Many people feel Grok 3 is catching up to competitors but lacks the clarity and polish that others like OpenAI and DeepSeek have. Users are curious to see how it will improve over time.

GPT-4.5 Feels Like a Letdown But It’s OpenAI’s Biggest Bet Yet

The Algorithmic Bridge • 605 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Innovation Data science

GPT-4.5 is not as impressive as expected, but it's part of a plan for bigger advancements in the future. OpenAI is using this model to build a better foundation for what's to come.
Despite being larger and more expensive, GPT-4.5 isn't leading in new capabilities compared to older models. It's more focused on creativity and communication, which might not appeal to all users.
OpenAI wants to improve the basic skills of AI rather than just aiming for high scores in tests. This step back is meant to ensure future models are smarter and more capable overall.

AI & Python #29: Python Projects You Can Finish in a Weekend

Artificial Corner • 198 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24

🕹 Technology Programming Software AI Education Development

Working on Python projects is important because it helps you apply what you've learned. It's a great way to connect theory to practice and improve your coding skills.
The article suggests projects for both beginners and advanced users, which helps cater to different skill levels. Starting with easier projects can build confidence before tackling more complex ones.
Completing projects can also boost your motivation and help you create a portfolio. This can be really useful when looking for job opportunities or trying to showcase your skills.

Weekly Top Picks #100

The Algorithmic Bridge • 148 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25

🕹 Technology AI Newsletter Publishing Content creation Online Communities

The weekly newsletter just reached its 100th edition, so instead of the usual picks, there's an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session this time.
You can ask about anything related to AI, newsletter writing, or even personal opinions that might spark discussion.
The author encourages open questions and suggests that using tools like ChatGPT can help in forming inquiries.

Build AI or Be Buried By Those Who Do

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3574 implied HN points • 30 May 25

🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Innovation Automation Data science

There are three main views on AI: believers who think it will change everything for the better, skeptics who see it as just fancy technology, and doomers who worry it could end badly for humanity. Each group has different ideas about what AI will mean for the future.
The belief among AI believers is that AI will become a big part of our lives, doing many tasks better than humans and reshaping many industries. They see it as a revolutionary change that will be everywhere.
Many think that if we don’t build our own AI, the narrative and values that shape AI will be dominated by one ideology, which could be harmful. The idea is that we need balanced development of AI, representing different views to ensure freedom and diversity in thought.

How to destroy a world

Data People Etc. • 53 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Data science Software Systems Influencers

Frameworks can be used for both building and breaking worlds. It's important to understand how to exploit weaknesses in these structures.
To weaken a dominant system, you can undermine its narrative, disrupt key players, and challenge established norms. This approach can create doubts and resistance.
Destroying a world can teach us about resilience. Strengthening systems and protocols is crucial to support and maintain their relevance in changing times.

Ads Are Coming to AI and None of Us Are Ready

Big Technology • 5379 implied HN points • 30 May 25

💼 Business Advertising Marketing Technology Economy AI

Generative AI advertising has huge potential but also carries big risks. It could change how brands interact with consumers and what they promise.
Advertising needs to be transparent and beneficial for users to keep their trust. If done poorly, it can ruin the user experience on platforms.
Quality content and trusted publishers are vital for generative AI. They should be valued more to ensure that AI systems provide accurate and relevant information.

Deep Into the Depths

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 339 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Research Innovation Computer Science

AI tools have started using the term 'deep' to suggest they dig into more complex information, but this may often not be the case. Many still just skim the surface instead of really exploring.
While AI is getting better at research by gathering information quickly, true deep research requires more human-like exploration and understanding. It's about going beyond just looking up facts.
Don't be fooled by the hype around AI's 'deep research' capabilities. They are useful, but they aren't as profound or groundbreaking as some might claim.

Spreadsheet, Not Skynet: Microdoses, Not Microprocessors

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Economy Data Innovation Impact

AI tools like GPT are not as powerful as some say; they're more like useful spreadsheets than super intelligent machines. This means their impact on the economy is real but not world-changing.
The benefits of AI on human welfare will be positive but limited. It's important to use AI wisely and not let it distract us.
AI models are great for processing language, but they aren't complex enough to be truly revolutionary. They function similarly to simple input-output machines rather than groundbreaking technologies.