The hottest Internet culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Scan Artist

escape the algorithm • 279 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity Social media Literature Art Internet culture
  1. The poem 'Pad' by Steven Zultanski dives into the concept of copy and repetition through a lengthy exploration of objects and capabilities
  2. The Instagram account 'everything.can.be.scanned' is part of a trend focusing on comprehensive stunts, showcasing scanned reproductions of various everyday items
  3. Artists like Kenny Goldsmith and projects like 'everything.can.be.scanned' emphasize on attention to detail and the mundane in their work

Vol. 2, Issue 24 - Interview with We All Live In A Pokémon World

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media Fan culture Internet culture Gaming
  1. The website 'We All Live In A Pokémon World...' defended Pokémon from unfair rumors and misconceptions, emphasizing the positive themes of friendship and kindness in the franchise.
  2. Pokémon has grown significantly over the years, with new generations creating a sense of community among fans who share their love for the franchise with their families.
  3. Despite facing various issues and criticisms, the Pokémon brand has maintained its popularity by focusing on the joy and connection it brings to fans worldwide.

Selling account names in the blue, blue skies

Conspirador Norteño • 36 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media Online Scams Data Analysis Internet culture
  1. Handle squatting is when people register social media handles to sell them later. Even though Bluesky allows custom domain names as handles, some still try to squat.
  2. Buying account names is risky and usually a bad idea. It's better to create your own accounts instead of getting them from spammers.
  3. Some recent accounts on Bluesky show repetitive bios and were created in batches, indicating possible spam activity. One such account even changed its bio to seem more legitimate.

⬜ Connecticut is a trend

One Thing • 296 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Influencers Pop culture Internet culture
  1. Influencers are shifting towards embracing the suburbs, with Connecticut becoming a trending location due to its appeal for content creation and lifestyle aesthetics.
  2. Connecticut's evolving image is influenced by pop culture references, creating a mix of traditional suburban ideals and modern internet-driven content.
  3. The state's suburban towns offer an attractive alternative to city living, with proximity to urban areas like Manhattan and a blend of capital dreams with references to other fictional or real places.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

No Signal

In Bed With Social • 138 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Digital detox Smartphones Tech accessories Internet culture
  1. The trend of utilizing blocking tools to manage digital distractions is on the rise.
  2. An emerging movement focuses on balancing technology use with a desire for simplicity and genuine human interaction.
  3. There is a growing market for products and initiatives that promote disconnection from digital devices and encourage reconnecting with the real world.

Margaritas at the Mall

Kneeling Bus • 215 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Exercise Internet culture Urban life Evolution Consumer behavior
  1. The concept of exercise is portrayed as peculiar and counterintuitive in modern society, with emphasis on the trend towards optimizing the self.
  2. The digital age has paradoxically renewed focus on physical appearance and maintenance, despite the technological liberation that was once presumed.
  3. There is a critique on contemporary gym culture, illustrating a disconnect between the adapted physical ideals and the practical lifestyle in today's society.

what's all this then

eieio games • 119 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Web Development Audience Building Creative Writing Internet culture
  1. The author, known as 'eieio', enjoys creating unique games and projects on the internet. They like using strange platforms to make fun experiences.
  2. They have a new project called stranger.video that pairs users for short, video-only chats. The call ends quickly, adding a fun twist to the experience.
  3. The author wants to build an audience but finds the process of audience-building uncomfortable. They promise to keep their communication genuine and low-key.

Art Perpetually Imitating A Simulacrum Diminishes Art

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
📚 Literature Novels Authors Internet culture Literary Criticism
  1. The race to write the ultimate internet novel may not yield groundbreaking insights, as the questions it poses may already have answers.
  2. The surge in literature focused on technology and its impacts on society comes with a risk of becoming repetitive or overly on-the-nose with its political messages.
  3. Literary fiction should strive to maintain a focus on human experience and not get lost in the distractions of technology, ensuring that it continues to offer a space for genuine connection and exploration of complex emotions.

Brazil Bailed on Twitter, and So Did I: The Vibes Are Off

What the Blurb • 2 HN points • 05 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Social media Internet culture Tech Trends Digital Platforms User Experience
  1. Brazil's Supreme Court banning Twitter led to a big drop in users there, and many are trying out other platforms like Bluesky.
  2. Bluesky is gaining popularity because it has cool features that users find fun and engaging, unlike some other social media apps.
  3. The writer feels stuck between using both Threads and Bluesky, realizing social media is becoming more divided and siloed.

Go gentle into that good night

WORLD GONE WRONG • 117 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Social media Cryptocurrency Data Privacy Internet culture
  1. Web 2.0 is coming to an end, leading to uncertainty about the future of online platforms.
  2. Social networks may not be well-equipped to handle the scale of connecting billions of people.
  3. The concept of global interconnectedness through technology raises questions about human scale compatibility and the need for building healthier systems.

What's so alluring about incest fic?

Default Wisdom • 188 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Fandom Psychology Online behavior Fantasy
  1. The appeal of incest fic in fandom may stem from a desire for emotional intimacy and intensity.
  2. Online behaviors like playing the victim can be influenced by internet culture and the need for validation.
  3. Being labeled 'dangerous' online can hold a certain allure, while being called 'insincere' can be more dismissive and delegitimizing.

Revisiting Desire

Many Such Cases • 419 implied HN points • 22 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Sexuality Desire Subcultures Gender Roles
  1. The writer reflects on their relationship with the concept of desire, exploring how it influences writing. They see desire as a common thread in many topics.
  2. They discuss a subreddit called r/CensoredForBetas, where some men identify as 'beta' and choose to limit their access to sexual content. This reveals complex views on self-identity and masculinity.
  3. The writer hopes to create a personal space for casual exploration of these themes, using desire as a guiding principle in their writing.

Danger, Will Robinson! Content warning!

Social Warming by Charles Arthur • 98 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Social media Artificial Intelligence Internet culture
  1. Mastodon is like a unique social network where users can hop between different 'boats' unlike Twitter's giant 'cruise ship'.
  2. Content warnings on Mastodon can be mysterious, as users often use them without clear reasons.
  3. The interaction between humans and AI like ChatGPT and Sydney from BingGPT is becoming increasingly bizarre and unpredictable.

Digital dark age.

Default Wisdom • 210 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Content creation Cultural Preservation Internet culture Societal Impact
  1. The future of content creation is uncertain, but people are still making money from platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
  2. Despite predictions of a Digital Dark Age, mass culture still exists with recognizable cultural touchpoints and influencers.
  3. The internet's 'perpetual now' raises concerns about the loss of digital history and the value we place on online content.

Institute of Modern Art: DNR Australia Book Launch

Do Not Research • 79 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Event Book launch Culture Internet culture
  1. Do Not Research (DNR) is a platform that focuses on internet culture and was founded in 2020 as a private Discord server.
  2. The platform publishes content twice a week, has over 200 contributors, and hosts physical exhibitions, film screenings, and book launches.
  3. The launch of DNR's new 402-page book 'Do Not Research 2022–2023' is being celebrated at the Institute of Modern Art in Australia.

Good Luck / episode 4

Nice Try • 59 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
😂 Humor Dark humor Internet culture Personal Stories Anecdotes Scams
  1. A friend died while laughing on the phone after a funny online scam. It's shocking how life can take such unexpected turns.
  2. The scam was about wiring money to help Harvard, filled with misspellings and bad grammar. This made the situation even more ridiculous for the friend.
  3. The story shows how humor can sometimes lead to unthinkable outcomes in life. It reminds us to appreciate laughter, but also the fragility of life.

Second Winds

SatPost by Trung Phan • 84 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Venture Capital Internet culture
  1. Many famous YouTubers are quitting after about a decade due to burnout, desire for new challenges, and moving on to new things.
  2. Václav Havel's essay 'Second Wind' explores the choices an artist has after initial success: repeat past successes, build on them in the same lane, or try something completely new for a 'second wind.'
  3. YouTubers like Tom Scott, MatPat, and Seth Everman are examples of creators seeking their 'second winds' by quitting YouTube after around ten years of success.

01/11/24 - You never see real life in news.

Moly’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social Commentary Internet culture Satire Relationships Humor
  1. People in their 30s might still be single because of factors like appearance, temper, laziness, or being too picky.
  2. Korea is facing a declining birth rate and population collapse, leading to economic and social challenges in the future.
  3. Real life situations often differ from what is portrayed in the news and online discussions.

The Greatest Meme Template Ever

SatPost by Trung Phan • 47 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Interviews Internet culture Film
  1. The meme template featuring Juan Joya Borja, also known as El Risitas, has gained immense popularity for its universal humor and captivating storytelling.
  2. Juan Joya Borja's infectious laughter in the meme is a key factor contributing to its widespread appeal, as laughter is a universal social bonding mechanism.
  3. The structure of El Risitas' story, following a narrative arc that gets progressively worse, adds to the meme's appeal and showcases the power of storytelling in humor.

Meet the teen who tried watching 'The Lorax' every day for a year

The Rectangle • 113 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Film Internet culture Social media Online Trends
  1. A teenager attempted to watch 'The Lorax' every day for a year but had to stop due to declining mental health.
  2. The pressure of internet audience can impact creators, causing some to continue despite personal struggles.
  3. It's important to remember there's a real person behind online content, and to prioritize mental well-being over online commitments.

The Pipes of Heaven

Zero HP Lovecraft • 23 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
😂 Humor Satire Absurdism Parody Internet culture
  1. Online interactions may be deceptive: The story explores the complexities of online relationships, highlighting the challenges of distinguishing reality from deception in the digital world.
  2. Unreliable information online: The narrative delves into the concept of _Hrönir,_ suggesting that online content and even historical texts could be fabricated or unreliable, blurring the line between truth and falsehood.
  3. Symbolism of the yellow dream: The recurring imagery of the yellow dream in various characters' experiences hints at a deeper, mystical significance, questioning the nature of reality and existence.

A selfie trend of pandemic proportions

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 199 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Internet culture Music Health
  1. Some people are taking 'vaxxies' - photos of themselves before or after getting vaccinated, which can be both informative and potentially boastful on social media.
  2. Vaccination photo shoots aim to educate and encourage vaccination, but they can sometimes come off as self-centered, particularly on social media platforms.
  3. There are concerns that 'vaxxies' might inadvertently discourage people who haven't received the vaccine, leading to further division and disparities in access.

Max Dauven: Heracles series

Do Not Research • 19 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Internet culture Online Communication
  1. The photographic works in the Heracles series explore visual language related to men's rights activists, esoteric fitness influencers, and incel culture on the internet.
  2. Understanding the visual languages of online subcultures is important as they heavily influence online behavior, which is slowly gaining recognition in mainstream media.
  3. Analog photographic techniques are used to bridge online imagery with artistic photography, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond subcultural online forums.

Jak Ritger: Digital Economy Models

Do Not Research • 39 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Digital economy Information Systems Social media Media Critique
  1. Digital producers are undervalued by platforms, so they must seek support outside the platform to sustain their work.
  2. Attention bubbles in viral stories offer opportunities for new narratives and community building at different stages of the story's cycle.
  3. Producers can create interdependent ecosystems by bridging silos, allowing for broader audience access and collaboration in the digital space.

Things in Culture that might help you as a marketer

The Social Juice • 17 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Marketing Internet culture Music Entertainment Social media
  1. Language interpretation is crucial in marketing, as different cultures may interpret the same message differently.
  2. Understanding the cultural context is important in marketing, like how certain ads at the Super Bowl may not resonate with everyone.
  3. Embrace hate as an opportunity, like Taylor Swift's success in leveraging negative narratives for positive outcomes.

How to safeguard your sanity in the last days of the election

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 99 implied HN points • 30 Oct 20
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Politics Social media Pop culture Social Issues
  1. Consider taking breaks from social media to preserve your mental well-being, try focusing on positive distractions like creating Pinterest boards filled with puppies.
  2. Avoid election stress by engaging in activities that help you relax and stay away from constant polling updates and online political debates.
  3. Remember the importance of voting to contribute towards a sense of normalcy and to have a say in the future, regardless of the chaos around.

A bad case of the burnouts

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 79 implied HN points • 19 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Social media Media Analysis Influencer Culture
  1. The writer is feeling overwhelmed and in need of a break, enjoying a weekend trip.
  2. Double-checking links is important, even with potential issues like a sticking keyboard key.
  3. Interesting articles recommended for weekend reading, including one about Slate Star Codex discourse and the Facebook Oversight Board.

xleepy fay: femcel z-dolls and the memetic urge surfing of their irl compulsive insanity

Do Not Research • 19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Generation Z Online Culture Social Issues Youth culture Internet culture
  1. The current generational gap leads to a crisis where older governing systems clash with the beliefs and needs of the younger generation, especially Gen Z.
  2. Femcel z-dolls navigate a digital world filled with information overload, developing a keen eye for discerning truth from propaganda.
  3. Online communities provide an outlet for femcel z-dolls to fulfill their urge for transgressive behavior in a memetic way, seeking relief and connection in a futureless reality.