The hottest Internet Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The Internet Needs to Be Smashed and Rebuilt

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10189 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Internet Media Government Information Empowerment
  1. The Internet has become a barrier to understanding and access to information. It used to help people, but now it's harder to find reliable news.
  2. Many people question the trustworthiness of news sources, indicating a general distrust in media. This makes it tough to locate credible information.
  3. There's a call for a major overhaul of the Internet to make it a better tool for knowledge and empowerment again. The idea is to rebuild it from the ground up.

Google, 2001: Don’t Be Evil

Marcus on AI • 6481 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Internet Data Privacy Corporate ethics Surveillance
  1. Google's original motto was 'Don't Be Evil,' but that seems to have changed significantly by 2025. This shift raises concerns about the company's intentions and actions involving powerful AI technologies.
  2. The current landscape of AI development is driven by competition and profits. Companies like Google feel pressured to prioritize making money over ethical considerations.
  3. There is fear that as AI becomes more powerful, it may end up in the wrong hands, leading to potentially dangerous applications. This evolution reflects worries about how society and businesses are dealing with AI advancements.

Two stupid facts that rule the world

Experimental History • 27646 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Internet Writing Opinions Society Communication
  1. There are many people in the world, and they are all different. It's impossible to please everyone, and that's okay.
  2. Getting hate or criticism is normal when you reach many people. Instead of worrying, realize it's just part of the game.
  3. You don't need a huge audience to succeed. Even a small group of passionate readers can make a big impact.

Tuesday Thread: The Best Corners of Reddit

Culture Study • 1833 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Internet Community Society Social media Trends
  1. Reddit has many unique and specific communities that allow for thoughtful sharing and discussions. You can find advice and feedback that suits your interests.
  2. While Reddit is not perfect and can have its issues, it generally has good moderation that helps keep conversations on track.
  3. The dedication of many Reddit users often leads to valuable interactions and support within the platform's various subreddits.

‘We Were Wrong’

Magic + Loss • 159 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Internet Media AI Nostalgia Culture
  1. WIRED's first website, HotWired, launched the digital age by covering topics that traditional media missed. It helped introduce many people to the online world.
  2. The internet has evolved into a chaotic space filled with dangers like misinformation, cybercrime, and trolls. This raises the question of whether it was handled well from the start.
  3. Even though WIRED helped shape the internet, it recognizes its role in the problems that have emerged over the years and reflects on how things might have been different.
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China on Dario, DeepSeeking Truth, Ali + DeepSeek, and a Procurement IP Manifesto

ChinaTalk • 281 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Internet China Data Security Censorship
  1. DeepSeek, a new Chinese AI model, is being seen as a serious competitor to U.S. AI in helping researchers gather information about China. However, it struggles to answer questions that cross different areas of knowledge.
  2. Many in China believe the U.S. has double standards regarding AI and security, saying that U.S. restrictions are more about keeping an edge in technology than genuine concerns for safety.
  3. DeepSeek is powerful for safe topics, but it has issues with censorship. It often can’t handle politically sensitive topics, making it less useful for in-depth research on controversial issues.

JailBreak Protection on iOS

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2624 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Mobile Security Software Development Internet
  1. Jailbreaking on iOS means exploiting security flaws to gain more control over the device. This allows users to install apps outside of Apple's approval process and customize their phones more freely.
  2. While jailbreaking can be fun, it can also make devices less secure. People can easily install tools that can read private app data, leading to security risks.
  3. Developers should consider adding jailbreak protection to their apps. This helps safeguard sensitive information and prevents unauthorized access, keeping both the app and user safer.

Problems Sublime solves—at least for me

The Sublime Newsletter • 554 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Productivity Innovation Knowledge Management
  1. Sublime helps you remember important information by letting you save articles, notes, and quotes in one place. This way, you can easily find what you need when you need it.
  2. It collects inspiration from various platforms and organizes it all in one location. This makes it simpler to access ideas without searching through multiple apps.
  3. Sublime is designed to be user-friendly and doesn't require a steep learning curve. It focuses on making knowledge management easy and enjoyable for everyone.

In 2025, blogs will be the last bastion of the Good Internet

The Intrinsic Perspective • 34996 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Internet Blogging Art Media Literature
  1. Blogs are becoming one of the last good places on the internet. People are tired of social media and want more meaningful content.
  2. Writing blogs today is about sharing a lot of ideas often, rather than creating one perfect piece. It's about being expressive and engaging regularly.
  3. In 2025, bloggers should aim to create rich, detailed content that takes time to explore, much like appreciating a large, complex artwork.

Best of ChinaTalk 2024

ChinaTalk • 281 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Research Internet Gaming
  1. China is focusing on developing its AI and technology sectors, addressing the balance between innovation and security.
  2. The chip industry in Taiwan is evolving, with a strong emphasis on local strategies to maintain competitiveness.
  3. ChinaTalk has produced a variety of engaging content, covering topics like politics, technology, and culture, while also expanding its reach through podcasts and YouTube.

Here lies the internet, murdered by generative AI

The Intrinsic Perspective • 100547 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Internet Generative AI OpenAI ChatGPT
  1. Generative AI is overwhelming the internet with low-quality, AI-generated content, polluting searches, pages, and feeds.
  2. Major platforms and media outlets are embracing AI-generated content for profit, contributing to the cultural pollution online.
  3. The rise of AI-generated children's content on platforms like YouTube is concerning, exposing young viewers to synthetic, incoherent videos.

I've built a city, now it needs residents!

polymathematics • 153 HN points • 27 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Innovation Community Collaboration
  1. Greenwich is a new app that creates a secret network of links on the internet. It lets users find and share interesting webpages with each other like hidden subway stations.
  2. Anyone can join as a resident of Greenwich and help contribute links to webpages. This means that users can see others' suggestions and discover related content more easily.
  3. The idea is to make the internet feel more alive and connected, allowing people to share interesting recommendations instead of relying on algorithms like on social media.

Childhood and Education #8: Dealing with the Internet

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🚌 Education Childhood Internet Technology Social media Bullying
  1. Smartphones in schools are a big distraction, and many people think they should be banned. Too many notifications from social apps during class just makes it hard for kids to focus.
  2. Social media can harm kids, especially girls, by exposing them to things like cyberbullying and unwanted advances. Many parents want more safety and protection for their children online.
  3. There's a scary trend called sextortion where scammers take advantage of kids online. It's important for parents to talk to their kids about it so they know how to handle such situations.

Lunduke's Quest - December 16, 2024

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1723 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Hardware Innovation Internet Gadgets
  1. Everyone deals with challenges, it's a universal experience. We all face tough times, and it's important to recognize that you're not alone.
  2. Being real about feelings can help you connect with others. Sharing your honest emotions can strengthen relationships.
  3. Understanding that struggles are part of life can be comforting. It helps to remember that overcoming difficulties is how we grow.

AI Haves and Have-Nots

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Internet Market Trends Data security
  1. AI tools are becoming more focused on specific markets rather than serving everyone broadly. Companies are looking for niche areas to make money instead of trying to compete with big players.
  2. Using AI will likely come with costs in the future, leading to a divide between those who can afford it and those who cannot. This shift could create a two-tiered internet experience.
  3. As AI and tech services become paywall-heavy, they may lose a lot of casual users, much like publications did when they went behind paywalls. This might limit access to quality information for many people.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 131 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Humor Media Trends Social Internet
  1. Mean tweets are coming back, which feels nostalgic, like a blast from the past. It's like we've gone back to the 90s in some ways.
  2. Everyone seems to be talking about how those who don't like it will keep complaining. Some people just can’t resist hating on trends.
  3. There's a playful vibe in the air, as if everyone is ready to embrace the fun and chaos of old-school internet culture.

Origins Season 12 Preseason is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 736 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gaming Software Development Internet Virtual reality
  1. The Dream World Arcade Mode is now live, replacing the Haunted House tickets with Dream World tickets while keeping the same gameplay.
  2. Players can test new Runes and Charms for free before the official season starts, allowing them to prepare better for the competition.
  3. Delegatees will soon have the ability to morph their Axies using their own resources, and a new Axie Check-In feature will reward players based on their chosen Axie's tier.

Meter: The Internet Utility

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 183 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Networking Internet Software Infrastructure Hardware
  1. Meter aims to make internet access as easy and universal as electricity. The founders believe that just like buildings come ready for power, companies should have straightforward internet setups too.
  2. By integrating hardware, software, and support into one package, Meter can provide better service at a lower cost. This approach helps them stand out from traditional network providers.
  3. Meter is working on creating advanced AI models to automate network management. This means that over time, networks could self-configure, get smarter, and require less human intervention.

TikTok is done for

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 8539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Society Internet Politics Mental health
  1. TikTok is facing a ban in the U.S., which many people believe is coming soon. This could change how we interact with social media and restrict freedom of expression.
  2. In New Jersey, there have been many reports of mysterious drones, but most sightings are just everyday planes or stars. This has caused confusion and panic among the public.
  3. There is growing concern about how men view women's bodies, especially after a celebrity's unedited photos went viral. Some men seem to forget that real women look different from their edited images in media.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 29

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Startups Silicon Valley History
  1. Janet got a job at Netscape and felt nervous about the fast-paced startup culture compared to her old job at 3Com. She was excited but also unsure about how she'd fit in with the younger crowd.
  2. People at Netscape worked really hard, often late into the night, showing their commitment to making their browser successful. They truly believed they could compete with big companies like Microsoft.
  3. Netscape was gaining traction and businesses were interested in licensing the browser for their employees. This surprised Janet because many people assumed the software was only free for individuals.

How Has the Internet Changed Since Tyler Cowen Started Using it?

Default Wisdom • 140 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Internet AI Social media Blogging Communication
  1. The internet has changed a lot since the early days, with tools like email and blogging becoming significant for communication and sharing information.
  2. Social media platforms like Twitter have transformed how people engage online, creating new dynamics in communication.
  3. AI developments, especially with tools like GPT-4, are revolutionizing how we access and organize information, making it an exciting time for tech enthusiasts.

The Slop School of Internet Success and other lies about cyberspace

Experimental History • 19425 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Internet Writing Science Art Psychology
  1. Making a living on the internet doesn't have to involve creating 'slop' content like clickbait or scams.
  2. Success online can come from creating honest, original, and interesting content that people genuinely enjoy and share.
  3. Supporting creators financially for content you enjoy can help create a better internet ecosystem and encourage more quality content.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 30

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Startups Investment Software Finance
  1. Netscape went public and became super successful, even though they weren't making profits yet. People were excited about the potential for growth instead of just focusing on profits.
  2. The IPO day was a big moment, with the stock price skyrocketing to $74. This was a huge deal for the people involved, changing their lives and how they viewed their work.
  3. There was a shift in the tech world where everyone suddenly wanted to invest in Internet companies. It became a trend to have '.com' in a company's name, showing how fast things were changing.

Notes on Chapter 29

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Silicon Valley Corporate strategy
  1. Janet leaves her job at 3Com to work at Netscape during a hectic time in the tech industry. Many developers worked long hours, often staying late into the night.
  2. Netscape was seen as a major threat to Microsoft because of its browser capabilities. The belief was that if everything could be done through a browser, the operating system wouldn’t matter much.
  3. There were shady practices in Silicon Valley, including how Microsoft tried to hinder Netscape's success. This atmosphere led to a sense of distrust among companies during that era.

Last week at The Lunduke Journal (Nov 10 - Nov 23, 2024)

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1148 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Hardware Development AI Internet
  1. Mozilla's Firefox is running out of money, with just nine months of funds left. This raises concerns about its future as a popular web browser.
  2. The Linux community is facing chaos as its Code of Conduct Board blocks essential file system changes. This conflict highlights issues within the community's governance.
  3. Red Hat is shifting focus from Linux to artificial intelligence, suggesting a major change in their business strategy and the future of open-source operating systems.

The Great Subduction

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 967 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Internet Technology Philosophy Media Society
  1. The internet is changing how we live and work, making people feel more like resources than active participants. This change means we might end up being used for our data rather than our creativity.
  2. Our understanding of truth and reality is shifting. Many people are struggling to agree on basic facts, which leads to confusion and conflict. This shows how adaptable human culture can be.
  3. With new technology, the way we create and experience art is evolving. Instead of traditional movies and books, there are now many different forms of media, like podcasts and videos, shaping culture in new ways.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 31

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Tech History Silicon Valley Startups Internet Investment
  1. Cassie at Palm is excited about a new product called Touchdown but worries about funding for its launch. They found a partner to help manufacture it, which is a positive step.
  2. Len's career is taking a turn after Netscape's success, leading him to a possible job managing a new Internet-focused mutual fund. He’s starting to realize he enjoys this direction more than retirement.
  3. The bond between Len and his daughter Janet grows as they navigate their new potential successes together. Both are starting to embrace a more ambitious and wealthy future.

Here...comes...INDIA!!!

Noahpinion • 37588 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Global Influence Geopolitics Cultural Exchange Economic Growth Internet
  1. India has surpassed China as the world's most populous country, marking its arrival on the global stage.
  2. India's economic growth has been remarkable, lifting many out of poverty and positioning the country as a significant player on the world economic stage.
  3. India's influence is expanding due to factors like internet access, cultural exchanges, and economic opportunities, shaping a more interconnected global community.

Last week at The Lunduke Journal (Oct 20 - Nov 2, 2024)

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1148 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Open Source Internet Security Programming
  1. There has been a lot of news recently about Linux and its relationship with Russia, especially regarding programming bans. This issue seems to be getting more complicated in the coming weeks.
  2. The Internet Archive is in the spotlight with some strange developments that are capturing attention. It's raising questions about how information is preserved online.
  3. RISC OS has made progress by adding modern features like WiFi and a web browser. It's nice to see tech advancements, even amid all the chaos in the software world.

Notes on Chapter 30

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet IPO Software Business Innovation
  1. Netscape going public marked a big moment, but it wasn't an instant fortune for everyone involved. There were rules that kept employees from cashing out right away.
  2. When IPOs happen, share prices can soar initially due to limited availability. But once the lockup ends, prices often drop sharply, leading to disappointment.
  3. Not everyone realized the Internet's impact back then, and many were oblivious to its potential. While some like Bill Gates recognized it as a threat, others lagged behind in understanding.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 28

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Innovation Venture Capital Startups
  1. The author is publishing a new book and sharing it in chapters online, hoping readers will find it interesting enough to buy it later.
  2. The story features characters navigating the early internet business landscape, highlighting their challenges and opportunities.
  3. There's a focus on growth versus profitability, showing the tension between the desire to expand fast and the need to make money.

Notes on Chapter 26

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Internet Computing Corporate Innovation Telecommunications
  1. Grant Avery returns to the story, showcasing his journey from working with Fuji Xerox to facing challenges with global citizenship and personal relationships.
  2. Len and Dan's TV segment highlights the mixed reality of media portrayals and the success they found in pushing Internet investments, despite public misconceptions.
  3. The chapter emphasizes how big companies underestimated the Internet, thinking it was only for niche groups, while it was actually on the brink of becoming mainstream.

Notes on Chapter 27

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Innovation Startups Investing
  1. IBM partnered with Apple to create Taligent, hoping to finally compete with Microsoft in the PC market. They planned to introduce a 'guest operating system' idea like their mainframes, but not everyone believed it would succeed.
  2. Miriam's divorce from Matt is final, and she's likely to marry someone Matt dislikes. This adds tension to their already complicated relationship.
  3. Len, now a retired investor, is being courted by a VC firm that wants his help with clients. His retirement status makes him less of a threat, allowing him to offer support without competition.

The Hidden World of Undersea Cables

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2869 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Internet Infrastructure Data Security Geopolitics
  1. The internet largely runs through undersea cables spanning about 900,000 miles, connecting the world in a hidden network.
  2. Early undersea cables were made possible by materials like gutta-percha and played a key role in rapid communication during events like the US Civil War.
  3. Specialized ships lay and repair undersea cables made of fiber optics, and even guard against threats like sharks and sabotage by SCUBA divers.

The Meme Fossil Record

Kneeling Bus • 381 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Internet Social media Cultural Commentary
  1. Memes can live on longer than expected, like Hawk Tuah, which has become a part of our culture even as social media changes. People may not forget them easily, showing how our online history keeps coming back.
  2. The blending of natural and manmade elements, like plastiglomerate, reflects how our digital content also mixes elements from the past and present. This process creates a new kind of cultural landscape shaped by everything that has come before.
  3. As we interact more with AI and technology, we might feel like we're stuck in a loop of consuming the same content repeatedly. This could impact how we express ourselves and might lead to a feeling of overload from the internet.

There's Probably Nothing We Can Do About This Awful Deepfake Porn Problem

Freddie deBoer • 4238 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Internet Censorship Communication AI Deepfake
  1. In the age of the internet, censoring content is extremely challenging because of the global spread of digital infrastructure.
  2. Efforts to stop the spread of harmful content like deepfake porn may not be entirely successful due to the structure of the modern internet.
  3. Acknowledging limitations in controlling information dissemination doesn't equate to a lack of will to address concerning issues.