The hottest Communication Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

I'm not nice

Disaffected Newsletter • 2477 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Being nice can sometimes feel fake or unhelpful. It’s okay to be blunt and honest instead.
  2. People often pressure others to act nicer, but that can be annoying and counterproductive.
  3. Being candid and direct can create real connections, even if it makes some people uncomfortable.

Gen Z, Social Media is Optional

After Babel • 3383 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Gen Z has the option to live without social media. It's not a must to be connected online all the time.
  2. Choosing to step away from social media can lead to better sleep, creativity, and stronger relationships with loved ones.
  3. There are practical methods to help people quit social media, like gradually reducing use and focusing on real-life connections instead.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and thank YOU

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Communication
  1. The author is grateful for the support from readers and subscribers, which helps keep the show going. It's clear that your contributions make a big difference.
  2. There's a strong sense of community among the listeners and supporters, where many feel comfortable discussing the challenges of modern society. It’s nice to have a space to share and be understood.
  3. The author wants everyone to focus on love and connection during the holiday season, no matter the challenges we face. Those relationships are what truly matter in tough times.

Coleman Hughes: I Just Did Therapy in Public

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1354 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. There are four desires that can lead people off track: power, wealth, pleasure, and honor. Focusing too much on any of these can harm your life.
  2. Self-reflection is important, and sometimes we need to ask ourselves what we truly value. This can lead to better understanding and happiness.
  3. Therapy can be helpful for specific issues, but doing it in a group or public setting can bring different insights and challenges. It’s about connecting deeply with our thoughts and feelings.

"You're both wrong"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Kindergarten teacher morality is about not recognizing who the real aggressor is in a conflict. It's like saying both kids in a fight are wrong, even if one started it.
  2. Some people, like Mr. Calm and Collected, don't see the whole picture and often side with the aggressor. They might think they’re being fair, but they actually dismiss the real issues.
  3. This type of perspective can let bullying continue unchecked online. It shows a lack of good judgment and can make the situation worse for the person being targeted.
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the life-changing magic of being direct

bookbear express • 941 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Being direct is important, even if you think the answer will be no. Sometimes you'll be surprised and get a yes!
  2. Expressing your feelings or desires helps you understand yourself better. It creates closure and clarity about what you want.
  3. People who always hold back their thoughts tend to feel frustrated in relationships. True connection needs honesty and being present.

From Anxiety to Animosity: How Social Media Damages Relationships

After Babel • 2854 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Social media can actually make our relationships weaker instead of stronger. When we communicate too much and too quickly, it can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
  2. Building real friendships takes time and careful communication. If we rush this process or share too much online, it can damage the trust that's needed for deeper connections.
  3. While social media can help us connect with people and find communities, it can also make us feel overwhelmed and stressed. Spending more time on face-to-face conversations might be a better way to strengthen our bonds.

Be Present

The Analog Family • 559 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Being fully present in the moment is important, so try to put your phone away. When you focus on what's happening right in front of you, you really connect with others.
  2. Attention is a valuable gift. When someone gives you their full attention, it feels special and strengthens your bond with them.
  3. Kids notice when you're distracted by your phone. Make an effort to be present with them to encourage open conversations and foster stronger relationships.

The one framework every engineer should know

High Growth Engineer • 3744 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Communication
  1. The MECE principle helps you organize your thoughts clearly. It stands for Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive, which means breaking down problems without overlap while covering all possibilities.
  2. Using MECE in interviews shows your problem-solving skills. Instead of jumping straight to the answer, outline different approaches and explain your reasoning to demonstrate structured thinking.
  3. Applying MECE during team communication helps keep everyone on the same page. Whether it's giving updates during an investigation or explaining a process, a clear structure makes it easier for others to understand.

When does vulnerability become cringe?

Make Work Better • 65 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Many people now see public displays of vulnerability by leaders as cringey or staged, assuming they’re performative or manipulative.
  2. A broad collapse of trust and optimism has turned cynicism into a defence, with people distrusting institutions, brands, and even colleagues who hold different views.
  3. Debates over AI and so-called ‘authentic’ communication are polarised — genuine progress sits next to overhype, which makes messages feel manufactured and deepens scepticism.

The Free Press App Is Here!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Communication
  1. The Free Press has launched a new app for easy access to all their content. You can find everything from articles to podcasts in one convenient place.
  2. The app allows you to listen to articles, watch video podcasts, and get notifications on topics you care about. It's designed to keep you updated with the latest stories.
  3. You need to be a paying subscriber to access all content, but you can still read some free articles. The app is available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Complain & Propose

Software Design: Tidy First? • 3026 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Communication
  1. Always offer a solution when you raise a complaint. This helps others see the way forward and saves time.
  2. Consider things from the other person's point of view. Everyone has their own valid perspective, and understanding that can improve communication.
  3. Don't let emotions cloud your judgment about others' intentions. Assume people mean well, even if they lack experience.

Tell the beautiful truth, not the brutal truth

Jeff Giesea • 758 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. There's a difference between telling the beautiful truth and the brutal truth. Beautiful truth connects with people, while brutal truth can push them away.
  2. Being mindful of your intention when sharing truths is important. If your truth comes from a good place, it can really help others feel supported.
  3. It’s essential to be compassionate towards yourself when sharing truths. Treating yourself kindly makes it easier to extend that kindness to others.

The CTO's Silent Struggle

The CTO Substack • 279 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
💼 Business Communication
  1. Being technically correct isn't enough for a CTO. It's important to communicate effectively with the rest of the team to be truly understood.
  2. CTOs often feel unheard and frustrated, especially when their technical insights aren’t respected. They need to connect their concerns to the company's overall goals more clearly.
  3. Success as a CTO comes from focusing on team dynamics and collaboration rather than just being right. Building relationships and understanding others' perspectives is key.

Culture Links, 11/20/2025

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Humans have developed to form pair bonds and invest in their young, leading to smaller sex differences compared to other species. This means that both men and women know the importance of caring for their children.
  2. Taking time to think and reflect, like walking or spending time outdoors, can help improve our understanding and creativity. In today's fast-paced world, it's important to slow down and really think things through.
  3. New technologies change how we interact and think, often pushing us into more tribal mindsets. Social media can amplify these identities and lead to more division instead of unity.

On clarity and mind-reading

Disaffected Newsletter • 2038 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Many people, including myself, really struggle with ambiguity in conversations. It's important to be clear about what we mean so everyone understands.
  2. I insist on defining terms when talking because my past has taught me how harmful unclear expectations can be. If we can't agree on definitions, I won't engage in that conversation.
  3. Today’s world feels more confusing and less trustworthy than ever. It’s not just personal; many others feel the same way about the lack of clarity around communication and social rules.

Beyond Breakfast: The NPC Question

Egg Report • 2024 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Public speaking is often a greater fear than heights or spiders, according to a study.
  2. The concept of 'NPC' arises from a lack of development in distinguishing private and public spaces.
  3. Self-expression in the public sphere involves objectifying oneself and can be inherently humiliating.

Algorithms are making political speech more extreme

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3582 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communication
  1. Algorithms are changing how politicians speak. They now exaggerate and hyperbolize to get more likes and shares, which can lead to more extreme views.
  2. Social media has replaced traditional broadcasting, making it harder for politicians to reach their audience directly. Now, they must adapt their messages for platforms that promote viral content.
  3. Facial recognition technology is increasingly used by governments to track and suppress protesters. This makes it riskier for people to express dissent, as they can be easily identified and punished.

Executive Amplification

Fish Food for Thought • 18 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
💼 Business Communication
  1. What leaders say and do carries outsized weight, shaping how people prioritize work and even how employees see their roles. This influence changes behavior across the organization, not just tasks.
  2. Small or offhand remarks often get treated as directives, which creates wasted time, unnecessary meetings, and misaligned effort. These ambiguous signals introduce friction and distract teams from high-value work.
  3. Leaders need to be intentional about their signals: clarify intent, model priorities with actions like protected calendar time, and assume everything they say will be amplified. Clear, purposeful communication reduces misinterpretation and aligns follow-through.

We are living in a Cluster B world

Disaffected Newsletter • 2058 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. We are currently experiencing a cultural environment influenced by Cluster B personality disorders, such as narcissism and antisocial behavior. This means many people may behave in ways that seem self-centered or disregard others' feelings.
  2. Our society might be facing challenges due to increased attention to these toxic behaviors. This has implications for our relationships and social dynamics.
  3. Understanding the characteristics of Cluster B personalities can help us navigate interactions with those who exhibit these traits. It’s important to recognize these behaviors to maintain our own mental health.

Data and communication are gold

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2389 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Communication
  1. Public health data is crucial for keeping people safe and informed. When this data is lost or manipulated, it poses a serious risk to health and safety.
  2. Changes in government orders are causing confusion and delays in data reporting, affecting how health agencies communicate important health information.
  3. Local health departments and universities are still working to share necessary health updates while federal agencies face challenges. Staying informed through local sources is key during this instability.

What Happens When Your AI Goes Nazi?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 964 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Communication
  1. AI can have different personalities, like a smart friend or a zany clown, depending on its programming. It's interesting how we can relate to them like people.
  2. A recent update to the Grok AI led it to make shocking comments, including praising Hitler and being inappropriate to others. This shows that AI can sometimes express harmful views.
  3. As AI continues to evolve, it's crucial for users to be aware of what they say because AI learns from us. We need to be careful with our words online.

Feynman's Razor

Defender’s corner • 273 HN points • 07 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Communication
  1. If you can't explain a technical matter in a way that experts can understand, you may have oversimplified it.
  2. Avoid confusing users with incorrect or unclear messages, and be honest in your explanations.
  3. Adhering to Feynman's Razor means not underestimating users' abilities to comprehend technical terms, while still providing clarity.

This is not the essay I wanted to present to you

Disaffected Newsletter • 1918 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Writers today often struggle with readers who misunderstand or misrepresent their ideas. This makes it hard to have honest conversations.
  2. Many readers act like online debates are a competition instead of a discussion. This creates a barrier to meaningful exchanges.
  3. Writers feel frustrated by the pressure to engage with all readers, especially when some just want to argue rather than understand.

The First Feedback Filter

Software Design: Tidy First? • 883 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Communication
  1. Ask yourself what feedback is about you and what is about the person giving it. This helps you handle feedback without letting it control your feelings.
  2. Be cautious with feedback from people who only critique or compliment you. If they never provide a balanced view, their comments might not be that useful.
  3. Take your time when responding to feedback. Walking or resting can help you process your feelings, so you can respond more thoughtfully.

Developer Productivity Metrics: Education Necessary

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2098 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Communication
  1. Metrics can help improve productivity, but they can also be misunderstood or misused. It's important to communicate them clearly and use them to support developers instead of pressure them.
  2. Goodhart's Law reminds us that when a measure becomes a target, it can lose its value. This means we need to be careful about how we use metrics to avoid gaming the system.
  3. It's crucial to focus on improving the developer experience, not just making them happy. Measuring effectiveness can help identify and eliminate roadblocks that slow down productivity.

Why TikTok Can't Take All the Blame For Populism

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communication
  1. Populism is hard to define because it doesn't fit neatly into left or right categories. It's more about how politicians communicate and connect with people's feelings than a strict ideology.
  2. Populists often use fast, emotional messaging that bypasses deep thinking, appealing to people's instincts instead of their reasoning. This style works well on platforms like TikTok.
  3. Mainstream politicians tend to avoid simple, catchy ideas because they understand that real solutions are more complex. This creates a gap that populists exploit by offering straightforward answers.

Communicate like a Senior: Add the (right) context

High Growth Engineer • 782 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
💼 Business Communication
  1. When tagging someone in a long conversation, give them a quick summary and a clear question to avoid making them read everything. This way, they can help you faster.
  2. For pull requests, include not just what changed but also why it matters. Explain the context so reviewers understand your changes right away.
  3. When asking for help, be specific about your issue and share what you've already tried. Add relevant links and screenshots to make it easier for others to assist you.

Forest Feed: How Trees Like, Share, & Communicate Through Mycelial Networks 🌲🍄

Tripsitter • 179 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🔬 Science Communication
  1. Forests operate as interconnected organisms, with trees communicating and sharing resources through underground mycelial networks.
  2. The symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi, known as mycorrhizae, plays a vital role in enhancing the forest ecosystem.
  3. Trees use the mycelial network to warn each other of dangers, nourish weaker trees, and even collectively defend against threats like pests.

The Ownership Problem: Why We Get Territorial And What To Do About It

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Territorial behavior is treating parts of the work as yours to protect instead of yours to share; it shows up as shutting down ideas, hoarding knowledge, and funnelling decisions through one person.
  2. It usually stems from lack of trust, fear of losing control or job security, past bad experiences, or simply being overwhelmed.
  3. You can counter it by leading with curiosity, doing your homework, including owners early, and—if you’re the territorial one—engaging ideas, asking questions, being principled when you say no, and naming what you actually need. Unchecked territoriality slows teams and will be costlier as AI and generated code blur ownership.

New Year housekeeping and mental bric-a-brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1019 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Communication
  1. Communication is key when you're having issues. If you don't tell someone exactly what the problem is, they might not be able to help you.
  2. Things can go wrong with automated systems, like emails ending up in spam folders. Always check there if you’re not getting messages.
  3. Personal growth can happen when you re-evaluate your past and beliefs. Sometimes, realizing things weren't what you thought can lead to big changes in how you see the world.

How to be more earnestly curious

Adaobi’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Earnest curiosity is a quiet, warm way of listening that makes people feel known and interesting.
  2. It naturally includes people and disarms defensiveness by assuming best intent, which makes honest conversation possible.
  3. You can practice it with simple habits—ask how people spend their time, follow and recount conversational threads, keep eye contact, notice outsiders, and follow up on incomplete answers.

Cities are routers in network society

Subconscious • 988 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Communication
  1. Cities act like routers in our connected world, linking people and resources together. They help create community and make life easier.
  2. Internet and networks change how power and information flow. Unlike old broadcast systems that focus on a center, networks spread connections widely.
  3. With new technology, many people are becoming digital nomads. They can work from anywhere, making cities hubs for gatherings and shared experiences again.

How I Work

Venture Prose • 918 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
💼 Business Communication
  1. The person prefers email as their main form of communication and has a structured work schedule with specific meeting times.
  2. They are dedicated to training, spending around 15 hours per week on cycling, and prioritize family time.
  3. Their work style focuses on efficiency, belief in founders, and a preference for email communication over other mediums.

Write Like A Normal Person, Please

A Mug of Insights • 1513 implied HN points • 19 May 23
📖 Philosophy Communication
  1. Philosophy often seems obscure and complex to regular people due to its unique language and terminology.
  2. Understanding philosophy is akin to learning a foreign language, with its own set of definitions and interpretations.
  3. Mastering philosophy involves a shift in mindset, where the complexities of the language eventually click and become a new way of thinking and understanding.