The hottest Internet Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

~Infinite content~

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 01 Apr 22
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. Instagram brought back a version of its old chronological feed, pleasing those who disliked the algorithmic feed's filtering mechanisms.
  2. The algorithmic feed risked hiding content users wanted to see, creating mainstream bias, and making real-time event updates difficult.
  3. Comparison of posts in the algorithmic and chronological feeds demonstrated the differences in content prioritization.

Manifest that shit

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 07 Jan 22
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. Manifesting is a popular practice gaining traction, especially during times of crisis like the pandemic
  2. Manifesting comes in various forms, from self-help to spiritual practice to wish-fulfillment
  3. The trend of manifesting is intertwined with larger conversations around health, wellness, and a revival of New Age beliefs
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My favorite reads from 2021

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Dec 21
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. The year 2021 was a mix of chaos and fun, with events like an armed uprising and a tornado happening.
  2. The recommended articles cover a diverse range of topics, such as influencers' anxiety, bird board games, and the gig economy.
  3. The list of favorite reads reflects a variety of thought-provoking and insightful articles from different publications.

A queasy sense of prophecy and prescience

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 08 Oct 21
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. The movie 'The Social Network' has been recognized for its prophetic depiction of attitudes towards Facebook, contrasting with initial criticisms.
  2. Explore intriguing reads: the disappearance of alt-lit figure Marie Calloway, TikTok's focus on trauma responses, and the impact of vaccine denial stories on empathy.
  3. Consider the implications of constant personal data tracking and the paradox of freedom in a world where every move is monitored.

Hipster scum

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Sep 21
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. History on Wikipedia can be heavily influenced by editing wars, with truth at stake.
  2. The business of library e-books can be surprisingly lucrative, as seen with the app Libby.
  3. A conspiracy theory suggests the internet is controlled by the U.S. government, even though a significant portion of web traffic comes from bots.

Hell, I have no idea

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 30 Jul 21
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. This week's newsletter discusses topics like Artificial Intelligence, the nostalgia for the 'good' internet, and why millennials love dogs.
  2. To-do apps are numerous, but they may not be as effective as we think, requiring deeper introspection to enhance productivity.
  3. The internet's realm of quotations is often inaccurate, attributing lines incorrectly, shedding light on the quirky world of attribution websites.

Everybody can own themselves

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Jun 21
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. People can buy shares in others on platforms like BitClout, leading to a trend of 'financializing people.'
  2. Monetizing every aspect of someone's life raises questions about incentivizing behavior and the impact on undercompensated individuals.
  3. The rise of platforms like BitClout and NFTs leads to creators making money from previously unpaid actions like having interesting ideas and avoiding scandals.

The white-male effect

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Sep 20
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. The close friendship between Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her reporter friend showed remarkable devotion to principles and ethics.
  2. An exploration into how the 'white-male effect' in Silicon Valley leads to ignoring risks in pursuit of innovation.
  3. Investigations reveal the extent to which websites track user data, with tools available to uncover trackers and ad cookies.

A matter of internet speculation

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Sep 20
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. People often invent boogeymen to ease their fears when faced with overwhelming challenges, even if these threats are mostly products of internet speculation.
  2. Right-wing conspiracies often focus on creating concrete villains like child traffickers and pedophiles during times of social upheaval to provide a target for battle.
  3. When feeling destabilized by change, people tend to look for a tangible enemy to fight against, leading to the emergence of internet boogeymen like looters, arsonists, and mad scientists.

Mentally I am here

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 28 Aug 20
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. QAnon has transitioned from an odd internet phenomenon to mainstream politics and culture.
  2. There are thought-provoking articles and profiles to explore, from personal interviews to explorations of evolving cities.
  3. The newsletter features a variety of interesting topics, from the racial undertones in reaction videos to the black market for white sage.

And yet ā€¦ here I am, hustling on Substack

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 01 Aug 20
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. The "hustle economy" has emerged during the pandemic, leading people to sell various services online like classes, podcasts, and newsletters.
  2. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, the concept of what makes a "blockbuster" has evolved, blurring traditional definitions of popular culture.
  3. MSCHF, known for creating viral products, represents a throwback to a whimsical internet era, despite operating in a more commercialized current landscape.

Is 2020 over yet?

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Jun 20
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. People and brands posting black squares on social media faced criticism for making it about themselves rather than the cause. It's important to question if online actions complement offline efforts for social justice.
  2. The internet's translation challenge in providing COVID-19 information in multiple languages is a significant issue affecting over half of the world's population.
  3. Venezuelans turning to selling Runescape currency for income showcases an interesting shift to a virtual economy during real-world economic challenges.

A fireball of chaos and internet drama

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 22 May 20
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. Digital technologies have blurred the distinction and meaning of individual places, allowing tasks to be done from anywhere.
  2. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in our relationship with geographic place, with the potential for remote work to reshape urban landscapes.
  3. Remote work flexibility may lead to people moving away from expensive cities and reevaluating the importance of physical proximity to others.

Oh man, I miss 2011

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 08 May 20
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. The author reflects on the current world situation, expressing interest in more dystopian stories that mirror the present fears and explore different responses.
  2. The text includes useful links for wellbeing apps, supporting shuttered clubs, and a source of joy on Twitter related to bookcase credibility.
  3. Book and movie recommendations such as 'Minority Report' and 'Station Eleven' are made for those interested in exploring themes of technology and personal legacies.

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

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 31 Mar 20
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  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.

Basicallyyy visions of armageddon

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 20 Oct 16
šŸ•¹ Technology Internet
  1. In the attention economy, our focus is the real commodity, and we often end up as the losers.
  2. Creators of addictive apps like BJ Fogg question whether they're truly improving the world or just aiming to make money.
  3. Understanding how Russia executed a significant election hack sheds light on the complexities of the ongoing situation with Wikileaks and the US election.

Sent from my iPhone

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 02 Sep 16
šŸ•¹ Technology Internet
  1. Silicon Valley promotes an ideology of freedom through technology, but many don't feel 'free' after 20 years.
  2. Uber's dominance in public transit impacts cities differently, creating faster options for some and leaving others behind.
  3. Chuck Tingle used a Hugo nomination to advocate for diversity in science fiction, turning the tables on his trolls.

Far-out

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Jun 16
šŸ•¹ Technology Internet
  1. Medium is like the Whole Foods of the internet, trying to improve while making a profit.
  2. WeChat in China serves as a mega-app, combining various online services like Facebook, Uber, and Amazon.
  3. Lonelygirl15 was a pioneer in online fiction before viral phenomena like 9M9H9E9, with potential to become a TV show.

Maybe people are just shitty. Or maybe it's the Internet's fault.

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 03 May 16
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. The definition of "bullying" has expanded so much that it's losing its true meaning of powerful people intimidating the powerless.
  2. Online trolling and cyberbullying can have devastating real-life consequences, like disrupting a family's grieving process.
  3. There are instances of heart-wrenching online harassment, but on a lighter note, there's a young food critic making waves on YouTube.

"Links" Weekend Edition: IT'S ON

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 29 Apr 16
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. The post discusses the dumbest side of humanity seen through websites like Yahoo Answers and Quora.
  2. On Fridays, the newsletter takes a different form, offering an ebook or direct links for catching up on digital culture.
  3. Links included in the post cover various topics like internet changes, laxative teas on Instagram, and Facebook's evolving role.

Walking, talking, phone-unlocking

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Apr 16
šŸ•¹ Technology Internet
  1. The Internet reaches even the most remote areas, changing people's perceptions of isolation.
  2. Facebook has evolved from a social network to a centralized hub for various online activities, keeping users engaged within its platform.
  3. Balancing online activities like social media with real-world actions is crucial, as seen in the story of a man who tried to help but ended up in prison.

The Olds have won

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Apr 16
šŸ“° News Internet
  1. Viral videos that exploit people of color for YouTube views are not actually funny and can be harmful.
  2. Online communities can be nicer when men are absent, leading to a rise in female-exclusive spaces like Slack chats and Facebook groups.
  3. Being targeted by a pro-Trump Facebook mob can result in serious consequences like death threats and racist messages.

Real talk:

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 13 Apr 16
šŸ•¹ Technology Internet
  1. The secret rules of the Internet are enforced on whims, leading to varying perceptions of censorship and moderation.
  2. Using a flip phone in 2016 can help you engage more with the world and reduce distractions.
  3. Staying in has become the new trend due to the convenience of the Internet, making it unnecessary to leave the house for various activities.

Like it's 1990

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 06 Apr 16
šŸ•¹ Technology Internet
  1. The Great EVE War was a massive conflict in a video game involving 50,000 players over two years, feeling strangely real to participants.
  2. PRIME, a new app, is showing promise in helping with schizophrenia based on positive results observed during early patient testing.
  3. There's a talent agency representing Internet-famous dogs, with one noteworthy pooch named Dory yet to be offered a job.

If it seems too good to be true THEN IT IS, part 17:

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Apr 16
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. Silicon Valley's unheard voices are being highlighted through 'The Techies Project', showcasing minorities in the tech industry.
  2. Be wary of online scams promising discounted designer dresses - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  3. Our relationship with photographs is changing as we take more but look at them less, raising questions about the purpose of photography.

c u soon

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 24 Mar 16
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. Life in the aftermath of a viral death can be unsettling, with media attention sometimes overshadowing helping those affected.
  2. Computers are being taught humor through New Yorker cartoons with trial and error, algorithms, and human input.
  3. Celebrities' online personas can shift over time, like J.K. Rowling transitioning from beloved author to attention-grabbing Twitter presence.

"Links" Weekend Edition: What's shakin', bacon?

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 18 Mar 16
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. Scientific minds have identified textual cues that indicate someone is drunk, like saying 'pong' or 'Friday.'
  2. The newsletter's weekend edition includes some unique reads and an opportunity to catch up on digital culture through an ebook.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share the newsletter with friends or enemies if they like or dislike it, respectively.

OFF my lawn

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Mar 16
šŸ•¹ Technology Internet
  1. Garbage person insult originates from Manson's self-reference during trial, now widely used online for various situations.
  2. The internet is transforming discussions in the art world towards shallowness and democracy, seen in literature and other creative fields.
  3. Humans created the computer program that beat humans at the game of Go, showcasing the complexity at the intersection of strategy games and computer science.

Newfangled fads

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends ā€¢ 0 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Mar 16
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Internet
  1. Twitter's saddest celebrity, Melissa Broder, faces criticism for potentially romanticizing anxiety.
  2. The identity politics of 4chan's 'beta males' are complex, going beyond being simply under-sexed and anti-feminist.
  3. The Internet's petri dish for 'erotic audio' is described as collaborative, anonymous, and surprisingly not terrible.