The hottest Internet Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Apple’s $20 Billion Ticking Time Bomb

Big Technology • 5504 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Big Tech AI Software Internet Antitrust
  1. Apple relies heavily on payments from Google, which are about $20 billion a year. If these payments disappear, Apple's services revenue could significantly drop.
  2. The potential loss of Google's payments is a serious risk for Apple, especially since its services segment is its only growing revenue source right now.
  3. If the court decides to cut Google's payments, Apple may struggle to find a replacement income that matches the profits, which could lead to financial issues for the company.

The Second Annual Blog Post Competition, Extravaganza, and Jamboree

Experimental History • 7495 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Blogging Internet Renaissance Creativity Community
  1. The internet is a big experiment we're all part of, and everyone can contribute to how it turns out. Your actions online can shape this space, so don't just sit back and watch!
  2. Blogging is like a block party where everyone is welcome. More voices can make the experience richer, so don't be afraid to jump in and share your thoughts.
  3. There's a chance for everyone to be heard on the internet. Even if you think no one will listen, your unique perspective might be just what someone else is looking for.

You're Alone and You're Scared but the Banquet's All Prepared!

Default Wisdom • 236 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Technology Internet Society Art Philosophy Identity
  1. People are feeling more lonely these days, which makes them look for companionship in unexpected places, even with objects like robots or machines.
  2. The internet can change how we think and relate to things, making it easier for some people to connect with objects rather than other humans.
  3. Technology is designed to feel more alive, which makes it easier for us to see machines as having feelings, leading to a mix of friendship and use in our relationships with them.

‘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.

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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(Don't Fear) The Blackpill

Default Wisdom • 177 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Internet Subcultures Language Media Psychology
  1. Incel slang is used within those communities as a way to show membership and create a sense of belonging. This helps to prove insider status among its members.
  2. Not all incels fit into a simple political label, and their community is actually quite diverse. They come from different backgrounds and hold various beliefs.
  3. People are forming emotional attachments to AI similar to their bonds with other humans. This could help some individuals practice healthier relationship habits.

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.

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.

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.

I Salute You, Saluting Face Emoji 🫡

Did Someone Say Emoji? • 281 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🎭️ Culture Emoji Communication Internet Social media
  1. The saluting face emoji 🫡 is a way to show presence and agreement. It can be used sincerely or sarcastically, making it versatile in conversations.
  2. Saluting has various cultural meanings and styles across different countries. The emoji represents a blend of these styles without favoring any one tradition.
  3. Emojis, like the saluting face, can express a mix of emotions. This emoji fits many situations, from respectful gestures to playful communication.

"A Browser with a ChatBot": Watching the Evolution of The Browser Company Toward "AI", Whatever That Might Become

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Web Development AI Software User Experience Internet
  1. The Browser Company is trying to create a new web experience by mixing a familiar browser interface with a chatbot. They hope this will make it easy for users to adapt to their product.
  2. There is a lot of competition in the browser market, with big companies like Google and Apple also developing AI features. This makes it hard for smaller companies to stand out.
  3. The goal is to not just be another browser, but to help users manage their entire online life better. They want to offer advanced features that save time and improve productivity over time.

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.

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.

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.

Imitation Game

Situation Normal • 80 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🎭️ Culture Identity Internet Scams Self-Expression
  1. Imitation might seem flattering, but it often shows mediocrity. It's important to create your own identity instead of just copying others.
  2. Online scams are becoming more common, especially with easy impersonation. Being vigilant about who you trust online can help avoid falling for these scams.
  3. The desire to be someone else can be tempting, but staying true to yourself is essential. Embracing your own identity leads to a more fulfilling life.

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.

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.

When the Internet Was for People

Path Nine • 12 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Internet Creativity Content creation Social media
  1. The internet used to be a place for genuine creativity, where people shared their thoughts and ideas without worrying about making money. Now, it's more about popularity and profit.
  2. AI is changing the way we create, often leading to superficial content instead of meaningful work. This trend can make us lose interest in real, deep creativity.
  3. To bring back real creativity, we need to be picky about the content we engage with, support authentic voices, and focus on making things that truly matter, not just what's trendy.

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.

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.

Finding fake followers (Bluesky edition)

Conspirador Norteño • 68 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Internet Data Analysis Spam Detection Artificial Intelligence
  1. You can spot fake followers on Bluesky by looking for accounts with similar join dates and generic profiles. These accounts often have no posts and repetitive bios.
  2. Using a method where you track the followers of suspected fake accounts can help identify whole networks of fake followers. By downloading and filtering their followers, you can map out these networks.
  3. The Bluesky platform has a real-time feature called the firehose that makes it easier to catch fake follower activity as it happens. However, this can give some false positives, so users need to be careful.

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 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.

The Internet Takes the Amazon

The Analog Family • 399 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Internet Digital Rights Indigenous issues Social media Cultural impact
  1. The introduction of the Internet in remote Amazon villages has both benefits, like staying in touch with family, and drawbacks, such as young people losing interest in traditional crafts and customs.
  2. Some tribe leaders are noticing that excessive screen time is hurting community interactions and daily life, prompting them to set limits on Internet usage.
  3. Reactions to this change highlight hypocrisy in our own technology use; while we express concern for Indigenous cultures, we often ignore the negative effects of screens in our own families.

Artificial Intelligence... is really just "Someone Else's Intelligence"

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 10340 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Internet Software Data Ethics
  1. When we talk about 'The Cloud', we're really just talking about internet-connected computers.
  2. Artificial Intelligence, like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot, is essentially copying and repackaging data created by humans.
  3. As AI systems evolve, there's a risk that original human work will be devalued and intelligence may decrease.

The Case for Big Action to Regulate Artificial Intelligence

chamathreads • 2653 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🕹 Technology Regulation Artificial Intelligence Innovation Internet Tech industry
  1. Regulation of artificial intelligence is essential to manage risks and protect society from potential harms.
  2. Regulating AI can set global standards and prevent censorship on the internet.
  3. Past successful regulatory models, like those in the pharmaceutical industry, demonstrate the importance and effectiveness of oversight.

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.