The hottest AI Impact Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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AI and the future of literature.

The Common Reader • 2090 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Creative Writing AI Impact Cultural Theory Modernism
  1. AI is changing literature and writers need to pay attention to it. It's becoming a tool that helps with research and creates new possibilities in storytelling.
  2. Some see AI as a threat to writing because it can generate content, which might take away from the unique human experience in literature. Others believe it's just another tool that can enhance creativity.
  3. Literature has always adapted to new technology, and ignoring AI might leave writers behind. Engaging with AI might lead to new forms of art and storytelling that we cannot yet imagine.

Neither Robot Nor Baby

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics AI Impact Human condition
  1. The folk theory of mind suggests that humans have feelings and decision-making abilities, while AI does not. This means we shouldn't think of AI as having a mind like ours.
  2. AI operates based on code and rules, not feelings or intentional decisions like humans have. Mistakes made by AI don't come from emotional reactions like they would in a person.
  3. While AI can cause harm, it's not because it has its own mind. It's important to recognize that AI's actions reflect human intentions, whether they're intended or not.

We're Losing the Battle Against AI

Writerly Things with Brooke Warner • 1924 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Impact Digital ethics
  1. The Authors Guild and Created by Humans are teaming up to fight against the risks AI poses to writers and their work. They want to find ways to make sure AI companies pay for the content they use.
  2. There’s a new badge for books that are 'human authored' to help readers know that real people created the content. This move emphasizes transparency and aims to distinguish between human and AI-generated works.
  3. Many in the writing community feel overwhelmed by the AI threat, but actions taken by organizations like the Authors Guild are small steps in a much larger battle for creative rights and standards in publishing.

AI: Productivity vs Performance

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Workforce AI Impact Productivity
  1. AI can create both big opportunities and greater inequalities in the workforce. While some people will thrive, others might struggle even more.
  2. Current pay models based on time may not work well anymore. Focusing on how much work gets done, rather than just hours worked, could be better for both companies and employees.
  3. The future job market may see more freelancers and solopreneurs. Schools should prepare students for entrepreneurship, as many people might choose to work for themselves.

16 Musings on AI’s Impact on the Labor Market

The Algorithmic Bridge • 838 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Impact Labor Market
  1. Generative AI may replace many jobs in the short term because it makes work easier, while demand doesn't increase right away. But in the long run, new jobs will appear to replace the old ones.
  2. Adapting to this change is important, especially for older workers and those in poorer areas who have fewer opportunities to switch careers. Digital tools change jobs faster than physical machines, impacting the workforce more rapidly.
  3. It's essential for companies to help their workers learn to use AI as a tool for better skills. The future will reward those who can build good relationships in their jobs and adapt to new technologies.
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How AI Is Quietly Changing What It Means to Be Alone

The Algorithmic Bridge • 1167 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior AI Impact Technology influence
  1. AI is making it easier for people to be alone without feeling lonely. This can be concerning because we may lose the desire to connect with others.
  2. We're spending less time socializing, and our connection to shared experiences is fading. This means we don’t have much in common to talk about anymore.
  3. While it might seem fun to have personalized entertainment and AI companions, it can lead to deeper solitude. We might start to prefer this over real human connections.

Will AI Take Your Job? Deconstructing Job Descriptions To Understand What Roles Are Most Vulnerable

High ROI Data Science • 297 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💼 Business Automation Employment AI Impact Market Trends
  1. Job descriptions might not fully show what a role truly involves, which can lead to misunderstandings about automation risks. Some essential skills of great workers aren't even mentioned.
  2. As AI improves, many tasks in roles like AI Product Manager and Java Developer could be automated. Workers need to consider upskilling if a large part of their job can be done by AI.
  3. Data scientists may face reduced demand as companies prefer to buy AI solutions instead of building them. They might need to shift focus to more customer-facing roles to stay relevant.

The opportunity to rehumanise work

Make Work Better • 174 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture AI Impact Remote work Employee Wellbeing
  1. More companies are exploring shorter work weeks, like a four-day work week, to improve employee satisfaction. This trend shows that businesses are starting to value work-life balance.
  2. Younger workers are more hopeful about using AI in the workplace, seeing it as a chance to enhance their skills and job prospects. In contrast, older workers often feel anxious about changes brought by technology.
  3. Organizations have the chance to create a better work culture by focusing on human and memorable aspects of their service. This shift could lead to happier employees and customers alike.

The Big Data Center Water Problem

The Asianometry Newsletter • 2707 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Data Centers AI Impact Energy consumption
  1. Data centers use a lot of water, around 80-130 million gallons a year for just 15 megawatts of IT capacity. That's similar to the water use of multiple hospitals or golf courses.
  2. Cooling systems in data centers are essential since they generate a lot of heat. Most use air or liquid cooling, which requires significant amounts of water for efficient operation.
  3. As AI becomes more popular, data centers will consume even more energy and water. Companies need to adopt better cooling and energy solutions to manage this growing demand sustainably.

America's Internal Brain Drain

The Permanent Problem • 15 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🚌 Education Literacy Cognition Reading AI Impact Curriculum
  1. There's a growing concern that American students are struggling with basic reading and writing skills. Many students can't handle complex texts, which affects their ability to think critically.
  2. The shift away from deep reading and literature in schools, combined with distractions like TV and smartphones, is hurting our literacy. This decline in reading habits might be making society less capable overall.
  3. As more students lean on AI tools to do their thinking for them, there's a risk that they won't realize their potential. Learning requires effort, and using AI in the wrong way could stunt their cognitive growth.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #107

Creative Destruction • 41 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Digital Culture Social media Information Overload AI Impact User Behavior
  1. There's a new term called 'appistocracy,' which describes how a few tech apps and their creators control our daily lives. These powerful apps affect everything from our news to our relationships.
  2. Digital hoarding is like collecting too much stuff online. It includes downloading lots of apps or creating content just to feel safe, but it can take away our ability to control our digital lives.
  3. The internet is changing, moving from a place of links and connections to using AI chatbots for information. This could mean losing the rich web of ideas we used to explore.

Future is Lean, Mean, and Scary for UX Agencies

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 50 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology UX Design AI Impact Productivity Innovation
  1. UX agencies are facing tough times because more companies are building their own in-house UX teams. This means less need for outside consultants.
  2. AI is changing the UX game by making work more efficient. With AI tools, one UX professional can do the work of three, leading to smaller, more effective teams.
  3. The future of UX will split into two paths: high-end firms offering specialized strategic consulting and low-end providers using AI to deliver basic design services. Mid-sized agencies may struggle unless they adapt.

The '#1 restaurant in Austin' doesn't exist

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4120 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Social media AI Impact Food culture
  1. The '#1 restaurant in Austin' is actually fake and only exists on social media. People are liking and sharing photos of food that was created by artificial intelligence.
  2. Many restaurants now use AI to produce realistic food images, making it hard to tell what's real and what's not. This trend makes people more likely to believe that outlandish food items are real.
  3. The rise of AI-generated food content is blending with real food culture, leading to a situation where it’s tough to distinguish genuine culinary offerings from those that are just for social media attention.

The Work Identity Paradox will change our jobs

Make Work Better • 65 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture Identity AI Impact Employee engagement
  1. Many people see their jobs as part of who they are. Losing a job can feel like losing a piece of your identity.
  2. As jobs become more unstable due to technology and AI, our sense of identity tied to work may also change. We need to adapt to this shifting landscape.
  3. Future workplaces will need to focus more on helping employees grow as individuals, rather than just what they do. It's about becoming the best version of ourselves.

✨ Central planning in the Age of AI: A Quick Q&A with … economist and regulation expert Lynne Kiesling

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Regulation Policy AI Impact
  1. Central planning has often failed in the past, but some people still find it appealing. It suggests that government control can better manage resources compared to free markets.
  2. Knowledge and data are different. Personal experience and understanding shape our knowledge, while data is just numbers generated from actions, like purchases.
  3. Markets are important because they turn personal knowledge into useful data. Through buying and selling, individual choices help coordinate production and drive innovation.

AI is going to break how schools work – but that will be good

Odds and Ends of History • 871 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🚌 Education AI Impact Teaching Methods Technology Integration
  1. AI will change how schools operate, making learning more efficient. It can help reduce the workload for teachers, like grading and paperwork.
  2. AI might even take over parts of teaching, which some might find troubling. There's a fear that it could impact the personal connection between teachers and students.
  3. Everyone needs to accept that AI is coming to classrooms. This will lead to big changes in education and how kids learn.

This week in the science of learning, August 18, 2024

The Bell Ringer • 139 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🚌 Education Learning Science AI Impact Math education
  1. There is a new online math platform that focuses on how kids feel about math rather than just their performance on tasks. Teachers have noticed that this approach makes kids want to participate and help each other more.
  2. A report warns that generative AI in schools may not be improving student outcomes. Some experts are concerned that it could automate thinking, which isn't what we want for student learning.
  3. Many high school students struggle with reading, and secondary teachers often lack the training to help them. There's a push to change this, but it's unclear if integrating reading lessons will take away from important content learning.

So, Yeah, AI Is Already Taking Our Jobs

The Algorithmic Bridge • 530 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Impact Automation Labor Market Skill development
  1. AI is changing the job market quickly. Many people could lose their jobs because machines can do tasks faster and more efficiently.
  2. Learning to use AI tools is becoming important. Those who adapt and learn these skills will likely have better job prospects in the future.
  3. Despite the negative effects on some jobs, there's still hope for creativity and new opportunities. People can find ways to use AI to enhance their work instead of seeing it only as a threat.

The Year of the Big-Balled Rat

Marcus on AI • 2687 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🔬 Science GenAI AI Impact
  1. GenAI is causing issues in science, with errors in research papers being linked to AI
  2. Using AI for writing and illustration might have negative impacts on the quality and credibility of scientific research
  3. The use of LLMs in research articles could lead to a decline in reputation for journal publishers and potential consequences for the science community

#101 - How AI Is Supercharging the Demand for Product Managers

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 23 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Product Management AI Impact Software Development Market Trends
  1. AI is changing how software is developed, making coding faster and easier. This shift requires more skilled product managers who can focus on what to build rather than just how to build it.
  2. Product managers are becoming key players as products get more complicated. They need to manage different technologies and ensure that everything works well together to meet user needs.
  3. As AI tools handle more routine tasks, product managers will have a bigger role in driving innovation and defining new products, ensuring that technology advancements translate into meaningful solutions.

Ways Of Flourishing

Adjacent Possible • 379 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology Longevity Aging AI Impact
  1. Human life expectancy has greatly improved in the last century, doubling from around 35 years to over 70 years. This shows how much we have advanced in health and longevity.
  2. Flourishing isn't just about living longer; it's about building meaningful connections across generations. These relationships enrich our lives and help transfer knowledge and wisdom.
  3. With the rise of AI, we are facing rapid changes that could compress decades of progress into just a few years. This raises important questions about how we can adapt and ensure positive outcomes for both humans and AI.

We don't feel ready for what comes next at work

Make Work Better • 141 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Work Culture AI Impact
  1. Many workers today feel unprepared and untrained for their jobs, especially with new tools like AI. There’s a noticeable dip in how well people collaborate at work.
  2. New hires often come in with fewer skills and less confidence. Things like eye contact and proper dressing seem to be common challenges for recent graduates.
  3. Training is really important. Companies need to focus on teaching employees how to use new technologies effectively so they can perform better and feel more engaged.

5 Big Questions for Work in 2025

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 97 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business AI Impact Remote work Corporate culture Freelancing
  1. AI will change how we work by letting us have our own digital helpers for specific tasks. It's important to see if these tools will really help or just add noise to our work.
  2. The debate on whether remote work or office work is better is still ongoing. Some big companies are pushing workers back to the office, but studies show it doesn't always lead to better productivity.
  3. There's a rise in one-person businesses thanks to lower costs and faster technology. This gives individuals a better chance to create successful ventures without needing a big team.

2025 Predictions

The Corbett Report • 28 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Predictions Climate Policy AI Impact Public Opinion Conspiracy Theories
  1. 2025 is expected to be a major year for AI, likely bringing an increase in AI-related news and developments. It's essential to stay informed about how AI is changing the landscape around us.
  2. There is a growing shift in public opinion against the climate crisis narratives, with people realizing the realities behind climate policies and backing away from extreme measures. This indicates a potential retreat from aggressive environmental agendas.
  3. There is hope for unity among various groups who believe in conspiracy realities. People are encouraged to come together, share ideas, and work towards freedom and solution-oriented actions.

Curator

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture AI Impact Cultural Trends Philosophy International relations
  1. AI is changing the way we work and create, making many jobs redundant while offering new opportunities for creativity. It's important to think about how we value work and identity in this new landscape.
  2. There is a shift happening in culture where algorithms and commercial success often overshadow true artistic expression. For high culture to survive, artists need to step away from these pressures and create in their own space.
  3. The idea of progress isn't always straight or guaranteed. Examining different historical world orders, especially non-European ones, can give us new ideas about what is possible for our future.

Start meeting more people: Salvaging your career in a GenAI world

FutureIQ • 3 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
💼 Business Networking Career development Personal Branding AI Impact Professional Growth
  1. Networking is really important for your career. Meeting new people can help you find great opportunities and gain insights into what others are doing.
  2. As technology changes, knowing the right people becomes more valuable than just having degrees. Your network and personal brand will matter more as information becomes easily accessible.
  3. Don't stay in a job where you don't like the people. If you're not enjoying your work environment, it's ok to look for something better.

Thus ends my Twitter addiction

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media AI Impact Digital Communication Data Analysis
  1. The author has become less fond of Twitter due to its negative impact on news gathering, especially during events like the LA fires. They now prefer niche subreddits for information.
  2. AI is causing tech companies to stop hiring new staff as they optimize productivity with technology, which may affect job growth in the industry.
  3. The slowdown in hiring at big tech companies could lower the value of talent in acquihire situations, affecting startup exit strategies.

“A title similar to the curious content that makes users click to see”

Conspirador Norteño • 48 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Social media Spam Detection AI Impact Content creation Plagiarism
  1. Social media networks are being flooded with spammy posts that link to fake news sites. These are typically run by accounts that pretend to be real people using stolen profile images.
  2. Many spam accounts were created in batches, suggesting automated processes are involved. This makes it easier to spot the fake accounts since they often post the same content repeatedly.
  3. The spam accounts are not limited to one platform; they are also found on different social media like X (formerly Twitter). They mainly promote articles that are simply copied from popular news sites.

AI & Satisfaction at Work, AI Agents & More | #282

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 37 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Impact Workplace dynamics Productivity Tools Labor Market
  1. AI is becoming a big part of our daily lives, helping with tasks like writing emails, generating recipes, and even providing translations. It's exciting but makes us question how we feel about our work and creativity.
  2. The rise of AI agents could significantly change our jobs, raising questions about employment and how we see work in the future. Ideas like tradeable AI licenses could help spread benefits more fairly.
  3. Understanding changes in the publishing industry shows that there are still ways to innovate and capture value, especially closer to what customers want. It's important to keep exploring these opportunities.

The Offense-Defense Balance Rarely Changes

Maximum Progress • 294 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Cybersecurity AI Impact
  1. The offense-defense balance in technology, like cybersecurity, has remained stable despite technological advancements.
  2. Historical evidence shows that major technological revolutions have not significantly shifted the offense-defense balance.
  3. The distinction between attackers and defenders is not always clear in practice, impacting the balance of power in offense and defense.

Jobs Apocalypse

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🕹 Technology AI Impact Job Market Automation Future Trends
  1. Many experts believe that AI development should be paused due to safety concerns. A significant number of people think AI could harm society and want it to be regulated.
  2. A Cornell study suggests 80% of American jobs could be affected by AI, especially higher-paying roles. Many workers may find their tasks taken over by AI tools, which could lead to job loss.
  3. As AI technology advances, it will likely transform many jobs, especially in knowledge work. There's a call for governments to step in and set rules to manage this change effectively.

Subtle resistance

Sunday Letters • 99 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🚌 Education AI Impact Teaching Methods Technology Adoption
  1. People often resist new technologies because they feel uncomfortable with change. This can lead to silly arguments against using something that actually helps.
  2. In the past, teachers were hesitant to accept printed papers due to concerns about quality, but this resistance seems odd now. It shows how we can misjudge new tools.
  3. It's important to examine why we push back against new ideas. Sometimes our reasons might not make sense and could actually prevent us from benefiting.

The CrowdTangle Shutdown: Yet Another Wake-Up Call for Social Media Transparency

3188 Labs • 6 HN points • 17 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Social media Data Privacy Digital ethics Information Flow AI Impact
  1. CrowdTangle was a tool that helped researchers and journalists track how information spread on social media. Its shutdown by Meta shows a lack of support for transparency.
  2. Social media algorithms often promote divisive content for profit, making it hard for regulators to step in. Without tools to understand these algorithms, it’s tough to address misinformation properly.
  3. There’s a growing need for better tools and processes to help people navigate social media. As we consume more online, it's crucial to be aware of the influences shaping our thoughts.

The Cartesian Crisis: Why You Will Believe Nothing

Mind Prison • 30 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Impact Digital Content Propaganda
  1. People are struggling to tell what's real because trust in institutions and information is falling apart. When no one can be sure about what truth is, it leads to confusion and chaos.
  2. AI is making it harder for individuals to recognize genuine information. It's creating convincing fake content which contributes to a world where discerning truth feels impossible.
  3. We might be losing our history and understanding as much information from the past keeps disappearing online. Without a clear record of what has come before, it's tough to navigate the present or plan for the future.

Civilization and Its Distrusts

Earthly Fortunes • 176 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Trust AI Impact Psychological Warfare Democracy
  1. Generative AI tools can be used as weapons to spread untruths and break the foundations of trust in society.
  2. Untruth campaigns have historically led to the downfall of nations, like the story of Guatemala in 1954.
  3. Trust is the foundation of society, and defending it from the constant barrage of untruths is crucial to prevent societal breakdown.

The Catastrophe of Shiny Objects: Boredom, Attention, and Creativity

Mind Prison • 13 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media Attention Economy AI Impact User Behavior Creativity
  1. Technology keeps us entertained but can limit our creativity. Constant stimulation from devices can make it hard for us to think deeply or come up with new ideas.
  2. Boredom is a key part of our thinking process. It helps our brains reset and can lead us to explore new ideas and solutions if we let it.
  3. Ignoring boredom by filling our time with distractions can hurt our ability to develop skills. If we always seek instant entertainment, we miss chances for growth and creativity.

Generative AI will not kill the sales profession...

EarlyGTM | Craft Ventures • 117 implied HN points • 31 May 23
💼 Business Sales AI Impact Customer success
  1. Generative AI will have profound impacts on the economy, but won't replace sales professionals soon due to the complex nature of sales cycles.
  2. The intricate steps of the sales cycle require human guidance to avoid 'lossiness' between interactions that AI cannot manage effectively yet.
  3. AI can assist in sales processes, but trust in human sellers is essential for revenue goals, as AI lacks the social, nuanced aspects crucial in high-stakes sales.

How Religions View Artificial Intelligence

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 10 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religions AI Impact Ethics
  1. Religions around the world are adapting to Generative AI tools, like chatbots acting as spiritual guides and AI-delivered sermons.
  2. Understanding how religions view and use AI can shed light on the ethical implications of AI in society and potentially influence AI's future evolution.
  3. Major religions have varied perspectives on AI, aiming for its use to benefit humanity while also grappling with questions of sentience, consciousness, and societal impact.