The hottest Digital Communication Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

The woman behind the viral Texas breakup speaks

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3941 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Relationships Digital Communication Youth culture
  1. A musician named Jillian Lavin shared her painful breakup story, where she moved to Texas for her boyfriend, who later ended things with a note. Her video went viral, sparking lots of reactions online.
  2. Different social media platforms reacted differently to Lavin's story. People on Twitter were harsher, while those on Instagram showed more compassion and understanding.
  3. Lavin expressed that despite her viral fame, she'd give it up to be back with her ex-boyfriend, highlighting the emotional toll of the breakup and the public's reaction.

Is the red heart emoji MAGA? ❤️

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3075 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Digital Communication Societal Trends Social media
  1. Some people now worry that using the red heart emoji means they're supporting a political party, especially after recent elections. This makes them think twice before using it.
  2. Emojis are evolving and can carry political meanings. Different emojis are being used by various groups to express their beliefs or identity online.
  3. People may feel anxious about certain emojis, like the red heart, due to changing contexts. Some are switching to different colors or types of hearts to avoid misunderstandings.

Jesse Singal: Bluesky Has a Death Threat Problem

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2480 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Social media Online safety Technology Regulation User Experience Digital Communication
  1. Bluesky was thought to be a friendlier alternative to X, but it actually has a lot of hostile behavior and threats. Many users feel unsafe there.
  2. There has been a huge spike in reports of violence and threats on Bluesky, especially after it gained a lot of new users. Moderation seems to be ineffective in handling these issues.
  3. The culture of Bluesky is not as welcoming as many expected, and the site has serious problems with managing violent content and doxxing. Users need to be cautious when joining.

Beta 1.0 Is The Loneliest Number

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 9 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Social Impact Human Interaction Loneliness Digital Communication
  1. AI friends are becoming popular, but they might not help loneliness. Many people are feeling isolated, and relying on robots for companionship could be harmful.
  2. Loneliness is a serious health issue and affects many people, leading to problems like depression and lower well-being. It's becoming clear that social connections play a big role in our health.
  3. Strong social ties are important for economic success. Having friends can help in finding jobs and building career networks, showing that friendships have real value beyond just companionship.

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.
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Do You Know How To Read Online Social Cues? I Certainly Don't

Default Wisdom • 111 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Digital Communication Online Communities Isolation
  1. Reading social cues online can be really hard and people often feel awkward in digital spaces. It’s not like we magically become better at socializing when we switch to the internet.
  2. The rise of online eating disorder communities is alarming, and it seems like each new platform struggles to address the issue. It's dangerous to have these conversations pushed into our feeds without proper care.
  3. There’s a theory called 'virtual autism' that suggests kids might miss out on learning social skills due to too much screen time. This could lead to them feeling out of place both online and offline.

The Work of Being Mid

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 235 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Engagement Trolling Digital Communication Viral Content
  1. In social media, using terms like 'mid' is a powerful way to engage audiences and spark conversation.
  2. Challenging people's preferences by calling something 'mid' can create personalized interactions and provoke reactions.
  3. Provocative social media tactics like 'mid' posts blur the line between criticism and trolling, garner engagement, and maintain relevance.

Introducing video to Substack Chat

Substack • 501 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Social media Video content Content creation Online Communities Digital Communication
  1. Substack now allows users to send video messages directly to their subscribers. This makes it easier for creators to connect and share their thoughts in a personal way.
  2. Videos can be paywalled, meaning only paying subscribers can view them, which helps creators monetize their content more effectively.
  3. The video feature in Substack Chat creates a private space for discussions, allowing subscribers to engage closely with creators without getting lost in social media feeds.

Elon Musk Blocks "Hostile Rival" Substack - Here's Why

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 539 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Communication Online Content Tech industry Content creation User engagement
  1. Elon Musk has blocked Substack links on Twitter, making it hard for creators to share their work. This is a big deal because many writers rely on Twitter to grow their audience.
  2. Substack is seen as a competitor to Twitter, so Musk's decision seems to be aimed at limiting its influence. He has done similar things before with other platforms like Mastodon and Instagram.
  3. Creators express disappointment over the block, arguing it restricts free sharing of their work. Many believe that writers deserve to share links freely without being censored.

Come for the culture, stay for the conversation

Substack • 359 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🕹 Technology Social media User Experience Online Communities Subscription Models Digital Communication
  1. You can now paywall your chat to only allow paying subscribers, which helps keep discussions focused and friendly. This can also be a great incentive for people to subscribe to your content.
  2. The chat features have been upgraded to make it easier to navigate, search for old conversations, and manage notifications. This makes participating in chats smoother and more enjoyable.
  3. Substack chats provide a private space for subscribers to connect and discuss topics they love, creating a sense of community among readers and writers. It's like a special hangout just for fans.

The Top 100 TikTok Alternatives: Where to Go As Trump Dithers on Its Reinstatement and Musk Issues Weird Ransom Demands

Proof • 21 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Internet Trends Pop culture Digital Communication Entertainment
  1. There are many alternatives to TikTok for people looking for new platforms. This means even if TikTok is down or changes, users have plenty of options to explore.
  2. Social media platforms are currently experiencing issues, including Twitter and Meta, which could affect users' experiences. It's important to stay informed about these changes.
  3. Finding a new platform can help users connect with others and share content, especially during uncertain times in social media.

Hellban

72 Degrees North • 79 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Social media Internet Online Content Digital Communication
  1. Hellbanning is a common practice on social media where users are banned without warning or notification.
  2. Quality content is harder to find on social media platforms due to an abundance of junk and ads.
  3. The internet has not fulfilled its promise of democratization, instead leading to a world where exposure and success require payment and connections.

Betting on WhatsApp

Just Messaged • 10 HN points • 12 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Startup Ecosystem Digital Communication
  1. WhatsApp is a significant platform with immense potential for communication, business, and innovation.
  2. Assessing the platform risk of startups built on WhatsApp is crucial, and a formula can help investors navigate this.
  3. Invest in startups that solve real problems using WhatsApp's strengths and capabilities, while avoiding risky third-party APIs and thin integration layers.

Substack fights Elon Musk [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Tech industry Content creation Online Platforms Digital Communication
  1. Substack introduced a new feature called Notes resembling Twitter, aimed at enhancing writer engagement.
  2. Substack's focus on paid subscribers sets it apart from traditional social media platforms, indicating a unique strategy.
  3. The move by Substack to introduce Notes hints at a strengthening independent writer community and a shift in digital content consumption trends.

4 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Mastodon — The Anti-Twitter

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 119 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Social media Platforms Digital Communication Content creation User engagement
  1. Mastodon is growing while Twitter is losing users. Many people are leaving Twitter, and Mastodon is gaining traction as a new option.
  2. Creators are seeking alternatives to Twitter due to the changes made by Elon Musk. Mastodon offers a decentralized space where users can have more control.
  3. On Mastodon, you can post short messages called 'toots' that are up to 500 characters long. This is a great way for users to connect and share their thoughts.

The Digital Age and Language Evolution

The Digital Anthropologist • 39 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Language Evolution Digital Communication UX Design Artificial Intelligence
  1. Human language is always evolving, incorporating symbols, voice, gestures, and text - a complex creative process that continues to adapt to the digital age.
  2. The use of symbols like emojis reflects an evolution in communication akin to ancient cave drawings, now combined with voice, gestures, and text in modern digital interactions.
  3. Advancements in digital communication technologies, including AI, AR, and VR, are shaping how we evolve language to facilitate global interconnection and problem-solving.

The Internet Is Dead. Long Live the Internet.

The Corbett Report • 26 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Internet Decentralization Social media Censorship Digital Communication
  1. The concept of the Internet has evolved over time, with the current centralized landscape contrasting the decentralized and diverse early days.
  2. Concerns about censorship, surveillance, and control highlight the shift from a free and open Internet to a controlled digital space.
  3. Despite the challenges, emerging decentralized technologies offer hope for rediscovering authentic human connection online.

Quick Update

Malt Liquidity • 6 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Online Platforms Digital Communication
  1. The author is apologizing for a lack of posts due to a busy work schedule, but mentions having several in progress.
  2. The author is considering different ways to engage readers and potentially move discussions to a more permanent format.
  3. There are plans to transition content to a native URL and potentially create a separate site for non-core content.

Meme machine

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 15
🕹 Technology Social media Tech Companies Internet culture Innovation Digital Communication
  1. Fighting online propaganda with memes at the State Department is a strategy to combat ISIS social media influence.
  2. Google's innovative project this year focuses on creating unconventional office spaces that break traditional design norms.
  3. There are compelling arguments for quitting Twitter, reflecting on the platform's negative impact on daily life.

The real cool kids

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

What was the listserv?

Cybernetic Forests • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jun 21
🕹 Technology Internet Artificial Intelligence Digital Communication Cybernetics Automation
  1. Listserves are email discussion lists where people share thoughts and responses on similar topics without likes or shares, but through emails exchanges.
  2. Listserves have roots in academic conversation structures and Usenet Newsgroups, encouraging collaboration and feedback to continue a conversation thread.
  3. Participation in listserves contrasts with modern social media, focusing on thoughtful contributions and respect for ongoing discussions rather than likes and clicks.

Dating apps shift to friendship as user fatigue leads to major declines

philsiarri • 0 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Dating Apps User Behavior Social media Market Trends App Development Digital Communication
  1. Dating apps are changing their focus from finding romantic partners to building friendships, as many users are getting tired of dating apps. For example, Bumble created Bumble For Friends and gained a lot of new users quickly.
  2. Despite launching friendship features, major dating apps like Bumble and Tinder are experiencing drops in user numbers. Bumble lost 8% and Tinder lost 16%, showing that user engagement is a real issue.
  3. There is big competition in the friendship app space, with new platforms that cater to people looking for group activities or travel buddies. Some experts think that getting involved in local events might be a better way to make friends than using these apps.