The hottest Digital Trends Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Are Social Media Platforms the Next Dying Malls?

The Honest Broker • 54723 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Social media Online Communities Digital Trends Consumer behavior Community Building
  1. Social media platforms are becoming less unique and are starting to look and feel the same, just like many malls did. This makes them more vulnerable to losing users.
  2. Just as malls suffered from having too many of them, social media is facing similar issues. People are overwhelmed with options and may start to abandon these platforms.
  3. Both malls and social media platforms attract a lot of unwanted behavior, making it hard to build real communities. They often feel artificial and exploitative rather than supportive.

Breaking news: AGI is not imminent!

Marcus on AI • 4466 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Innovation Digital Trends
  1. Many people believe AGI, or artificial general intelligence, is coming soon, but that might not be true. It's important to stay cautious and not believe everything we hear about upcoming technology.
  2. Sam Altman, a well-known figure in AI, suggested we're close to achieving AGI, but he later changed his statement. This shows that predictions in technology can quickly change.
  3. Experts like Gary Marcus are confident that AGI won't arrive as soon as 2025. They think we still have a long way to go before we reach that level of intelligence in machines.

The Algorithmic Bridge in 2024

The Algorithmic Bridge • 520 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Writing Content creation News Coverage Digital Trends
  1. Balancing speed and quality is important. Sometimes it's better to be fast, and other times it's key to focus on a well-made piece.
  2. It's easy to write for your audience and lose sight of your own interests. Keeping true to your curiosity helps keep your writing authentic.
  3. Instead of stressing about subscriber numbers, focus on consistent writing. Let yourself write freely without worrying about stats.

I wouldn't market to Gen-Z in 2025 without knowing these stats and insights

The Social Juice • 95 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Consumer behavior Brand Strategy Digital Trends Social media
  1. Gen-Z is moving away from Google and is using TikTok more for searches. They want content that feels real and relatable, not just the same old marketing.
  2. Brands should avoid commenting on every viral post. Instead of trying to engage in comments sections, it's better to join existing conversations in places like Discord or Reddit.
  3. Gen-Z prefers authentic content over polished ads. They want brands to focus on real-life issues and community engagement rather than just selling something.

Are you leaving Twitter/X?

Men Yell at Me • 168 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Trends User Behavior Online Privacy
  1. Many people have been leaving Twitter/X since the recent election. They are trying out other platforms like BlueSky or Instagram.
  2. Some people are considering taking a break from social media altogether. Others might even think about disconnecting completely and going off the grid.
  3. The post invites readers to share their own plans for social media over the next four years, encouraging a conversation about online presence.
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Facebook has become a punchline

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media AI Podcasts Media industry Digital Trends
  1. Facebook is now seen as a joke, filled with low-quality content that doesn't engage users seriously.
  2. Feminist blogs that were popular in the 2010s are largely gone now, leaving a gap in discussions about women's rights.
  3. Political campaigns increasingly use social media influencers to promote candidates, often without clear rules, which can mislead voters.

I still miss you, StumbleUpon

The Rectangle • 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.

#1: Travel Companies need to evolve their thinking around Customer Experience

Bureau of Adventure • 259 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Customer Experience Travel Industry Digital Trends Information Management
  1. Travel companies must improve their customer experience to meet higher digital expectations. Customers now want their travel experiences to be as smooth and simple as their favorite online services.
  2. Communication is key in the travel industry, but many companies struggle with providing clear and helpful information to customers. They need to make sure customers understand what to expect throughout their journey.
  3. Internally, travel companies need better systems to share information about customers and products. This helps employees give the best service and avoids confusion for travelers.

AGI Emergence: Tracing the Path from Artificial Narrow Intelligence to the Birth of Superintelligence

The Future of Life • 39 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Automation Innovation Digital Trends
  1. AI is evolving through different levels, starting from basic text generation to more advanced reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
  2. As AI develops, it will be able to perform tasks across various domains, becoming competitive with humans in many jobs.
  3. Eventually, AI may reach a point of superintelligence, where it surpasses human understanding and decision-making abilities, posing potential risks if not aligned with human values.

The power of patterns

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Innovation Business Models Crypto Web Development Digital Trends
  1. Technology keeps changing, and it can be tough to keep up. It's common for people to use past experiences to help make sense of new tech.
  2. In the early days of the internet, companies tried to fit new ideas into old models, but they often missed the bigger picture. Real value comes from new solutions, not just familiar concepts.
  3. When exploring new ideas, like crypto, it's important to look for real problems being solved, not just familiar patterns. Focus on what new capabilities these innovations bring.

Run, Don’t Walk

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Future Tech Career development Digital Trends
  1. It's important to stay curious and willing to take risks while chasing your dreams. Being open to learning and trying new things can lead to great opportunities.
  2. Embracing AI is crucial for anyone looking to succeed in today's job market. If you avoid using AI, you might fall behind those who use it well.
  3. Failures are a natural part of the journey, so it's important to keep pushing forward. Running towards your goals, rather than walking, can help you seize valuable opportunities.

Fighting for the farm

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Gaming Online community Digital Trends
  1. Farmville was more than just a game for some people, it was a cherished digital refuge.
  2. Some devoted fans of discontinued websites struggle to move on and find replacements for their lost source of enjoyment.
  3. The last of the Farmville diehards continue to fight for the game's revival, showcasing a unique level of dedication to a game that many have forgotten.

Teenage Kicks

GOOD INTERNET • 17 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Technology Social media Psychology Digital Trends
  1. Be cautious of technology that dissolves your narrative structure into an atemporal, editable state.
  2. The trend of creating digital twins of teenage selves is growing, reflecting social media-induced distorted self-images.
  3. The concept of wishful mnemonics is explored through the implications of an AI-anachronism, leading to deep societal and psychological concerns.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, culture wars, influencer economy, COVID-19 comms skills, share of search, disinformation dozen, budgets up, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture Media Society Marketing Public Relations Digital Trends
  1. Culture wars can divide people. Politicians should focus on building a vision that everyone can be part of.
  2. Influencer marketing is growing, but it's important to discuss issues like online harassment and how brands work with influencers.
  3. Marketing budgets are increasing as the economy stabilizes, which is a good sign for businesses as they plan for recovery.

The Future is AI Agents. No Doubt.

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Automation Digital Trends
  1. AI agents are becoming a hot topic in technology, with many experts predicting their rapid adoption. People believe these agents will play a big role in the future of work.
  2. A personalized AI avatar for each individual is envisioned, helping manage daily tasks and improving efficiency in various activities.
  3. Research and courses about AI agents are increasing, showing a growing interest in how to create and use these technologies effectively.

STEP IT UP, slacker.

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 17 Sep 14
🕹 Technology Internet Wearable Tech Social media Online Culture Digital Trends
  1. The internet hit one billion websites milestone. Not all of them are great, but the ones that are bring us unique and fun content.
  2. Nowadays, having a Fitbit and aiming for 10,000 steps on top of other Type-A behaviors is the new standard for success.
  3. Even long-time Twitter users like Erin Kissane are considering leaving the platform due to its troubles.

Is the Metaverse Our Post-Web Future? Probably Not.

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 01 Oct 19
🕹 Technology Internet Metaverse Web Development Digital Trends
  1. Historical confluences were crucial in the development, adoption, and ubiquity of the Web, showing that technology evolution isn't sudden but a result of various factors.
  2. The rise of walled-gardens and cyberbalkanization poses a threat to the open and free nature of the Internet, potentially dividing users and hindering collaboration.
  3. Potential future trends include cyberbalkanization, walled-garden ecosystems, stratified Web with paid access tiers, and the development of a high-bandwidth Web.

Coming soon: Unmoderated Insights

Unmoderated Insights • 0 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media Data Analysis Human behavior Digital Trends Online Communication
  1. The blog focuses on breaking down complex topics into simple explanations. It's meant for people who like understanding things without the confusion.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of data over beliefs, especially regarding social technologies and their impact on our lives.
  3. The author invites readers to subscribe and share the blog with others who might enjoy it or benefit from it.

You have a right to ignore this email.

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 16 Feb 16
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Entertainment Digital Trends
  1. Some insights into TMZ's impact on the entertainment industry and L.A., sparking debate on its influence.
  2. Lessons on love and dating from a Japanese video game, highlighting not changing for a partner and unique tastes.
  3. Curiosity around the existence and interest in peculiar internet phenomenon like #DrummondPuddleWatch.

raelzie wat yoi've got

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 16
🕹 Technology Social media Internet culture Web Design Digital Trends
  1. The coolest club in Los Angeles is actually on Facebook, where only suggested members can join, creating an exclusive group.
  2. Even the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, focuses on making content go viral with a savvy team and her relatable family.
  3. At Facebook, a team is working on creating tools for online interactions, such as helping users deal with breakups or identifying signs of depression.

Introducing... Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Quarantined

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 31 Mar 20
🎭️ Culture Internet Newsletter Substack Internet culture Digital Trends
  1. The author is reviving an old newsletter called 'Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends' and is relaunching it on Substack.
  2. The newsletter will be similar to the original one, featuring links, humor, and GIFs, now on a twice-weekly schedule.
  3. The newsletter will focus on various internet culture topics and will include content like Zoom clubs, digital church, and livestreamed loneliness.

Digitally pickled

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Social media Internet culture Influencers Digital Trends
  1. Few things live up to the hype that precedes them, like the metaverse being just Mindcraft in different packaging.
  2. The newsletter recommends intriguing articles like the one about the cultural revisionism industry and Jake Paul's profile in The New Yorker.
  3. South Korea's evolution into a global cultural force, marked by state policies, YouTube metadata, and Gangnam Style, is explored in detail.

The Fun is in The Friction

The Renaissance Man • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Consumer behavior Digital Trends Human Interaction Patience Experience
  1. We often want everything instantly, but patience can lead to surprises and joy. Sometimes the journey to find something special is what makes it exciting.
  2. We've started to value digital experiences over real-life ones. This shift can make us forget the joy of tangible objects and human interactions.
  3. Having a frictionless life sounds good, but it can also be boring. Embracing challenges can make experiences more fun and meaningful.