The hottest Internet Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Single-Use Disposable Applications

General Robots • 627 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Creating apps is getting easier and faster, meaning you can make exactly what you need without searching for it. It's now quicker to build a tool than to look for one that might work.
  2. Software apps are becoming single-use tools tailored to specific tasks. Instead of complex applications, people will create simple, disposable apps for immediate needs.
  3. In this new tech environment, anyone can build these tools, not just developers. This shift changes how software will be designed and used in the future.

Security Is Not a VPN Problem

Security Is • 59 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. VPNs used to be essential for online security, especially on public WiFi, but that's changed with HTTPS being widely available. Now, most websites encrypt your connection by default.
  2. While VPNs can protect your IP address and DNS queries, for most everyday users, these aren't major issues anymore. Modern browsers and services help keep our connections safe.
  3. Using a VPN isn't a priority for everyone, and it might not be worth the investment, especially for regular people who just want basic online protection.

BEAST at AWS re:Invent 2023

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 838 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. BEAST was recognized as the world's best web hacking technique of 2011 and led to advancements in internet security.
  2. The creation of BEAST resulted in the phasing out of insecure protocols like SSL 3.0 and the adoption of more secure TLS 1.3.
  3. The work on BEAST by the author and Juliano over a decade ago is still acknowledged at major conferences today, showcasing its lasting impact.

First Brick in the Firewall? Taiwan Blocks RedNote

Taipology • 107 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Internet
  1. Taiwan has blocked the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu over fraud concerns, surprising many users. This creates a sense of irony as Taiwanese netizens now need to use a VPN to access a platform they once made fun of.
  2. The ban on Xiaohongshu is viewed as an attempt by the ruling DPP to control the digital landscape, similar to China's methods. People question how blocking an apolitical app supports democracy and freedom.
  3. Users are worried about the future of online freedom in Taiwan, as more Chinese apps might be targeted next. This could lead to greater backlash, especially if popular e-commerce platforms are affected.

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

Freddie deBoer • 4238 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Links guide to newsletters

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 838 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. The author shares a list of personal favorite newsletters, including ones on internet culture, technology, and youth trends.
  2. The post includes a request for reader feedback through a survey to shape future content and projects.
  3. The newsletters recommended cover a range of topics from internet treasures to big-picture cultural analysis, providing readers with varied insights and perspectives.

Don't grab the brass ring, grab the copper pipe

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Focus on building the essential tools and infrastructure first. These are often overlooked but are crucial for long-term success.
  2. Reaching for groundbreaking goals is important, but make sure the technology is ready. Many ideas are great, but timing matters.
  3. While big ideas attract attention, don't forget about solving smaller, tougher problems that can support those ideas. Both are important for progress.

An hour of AI “comedy” (that sucks)

Garbage Day • 609 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Users are finding ways to exploit TikTok's new e-commerce features for viral marketing.
  2. X is experimenting with a mid-video paywall feature that could affect user engagement.
  3. AI-generated stand-up comedy content receives negative feedback and sparks discussions on AI impact on relationships.

The Case for Ephemeral Resolvers: Securing the Global Namespace

Phoenix Substack • 56 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Make DNS resolvers ephemeral so attackers have at most a short window to exploit them; rotating instances every ~15 minutes evicts compromises before they can be weaponized.
  2. Leverage PowerDNS’s modular stack—dnsdist as a stable front, database-backed authoritative servers, and shared-memory for recursive state—to rotate backend workers quickly without cache cold-starts.
  3. At scale this model adds minimal overhead (under 2% CPU) and changes security from reactive patching to proactive eviction, greatly raising the cost and shortening the lifespan of zero-day attacks.

My Internet: Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Embedded • 452 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Millennials are described as the enforcers of internet norms, likened to the role boomers play in society.
  2. Elamin Abdelmahmoud appreciates a wholesome and enjoyable For You page on TikTok, filled with heartwarming content.
  3. When it comes to creating content, Elamin feels uncertain about making TikToks due to struggles with the visual format, fearing he would abuse the 'Millennial pause.'

Channels, not Addresses

Philip’s Newsletter • 31 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. The internet's address-based model lets anyone send messages to you uninvited, which enables spam, DDoS, stalking, and will get much worse with persuasive AIs.
  2. Creating shared private channels between people makes messaging a pull-based, encrypted inbox you control, so others can't overwhelm you and you can stop contact by deleting the channel.
  3. Simple relays only store and forward encrypted channel messages, letting many devices and servers carry traffic without reading it, which makes messaging decentralized, censorship-resistant, and usable even offline.

Artisinal white noise

escape the algorithm • 199 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Social media can turn personal identity into obligation, like with Spotify Wrapped.
  2. There was a period where white noise podcasts were popular due to an algorithmic trend.
  3. There are creative acts of algorithmic resistance, like music artists and extensions that subvert norms.

Google sees more than other AI companies

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Google's AI has access to way more internet pages compared to other companies like OpenAI and Microsoft. This gives Google an advantage in providing better answers and improving its technology.
  2. The stock market reactions to layoffs are not always positive, as seen with companies like Meta and Amazon. Investors aren't rewarding these companies with significant stock increases after staff cuts.
  3. Micro1 is doing great by reaching $100 million in annual recurring revenue in a short time, showing that there's strong growth potential in innovative AI startups.

I See the SubStack Culture Wars Have Started Up Again

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 307 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. SubStack has both supporters and critics. Some people like it for helping independent writers reach audiences, while others worry about its pricing and who benefits from its platform.
  2. The discoverability feature of SubStack is seen as a double-edged sword. While it helps writers gain readers, it can also make them dependent on the platform, limiting their options.
  3. Many creators feel stuck on SubStack due to its advantages, even if they have concerns about its practices. This highlights the struggle of balancing the need for exposure with the desire for better platforms.

Letter to Arc members 2025

Keeping Tabs by The Browser Company • 558 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. The team realized they should have embraced AI much earlier while developing their browser, Arc. They felt excited about it but held back due to industry hype.
  2. They found that Arc was too complex for most users, making it hard for people to stick with it long-term. The goal now is to create a simpler, faster product that people can easily understand and use.
  3. They believe traditional web browsers will be replaced by AI-driven interfaces, as technology changes how we interact with computers. The new product, Dia, is aimed at this shift.

cat-slop sunday

bad cattitude • 102 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. The phrase 'you never go full catslop' suggests there are limits to creativity or expression. It's okay to push those boundaries a bit.
  2. Emotions might get hurt when challenging norms, but it's important to express yourself anyway.
  3. This space is dedicated to exploring different ideas and thoughts, especially those that might be seen as unconventional.

Vol. 2, Issue 26 - Interview with Poké-Amph

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Poké-Amph was a popular fan site for Pokémon that ran from 1999 to 2014. It was created by Ryan, who shared his love for Pokémon and helped fans enjoy the games and shows better.
  2. Ryan enjoyed creating video game guides on the site, which helped visitors learn more about Pokémon games. He also learned a lot about web design and programming while managing Poké-Amph.
  3. Despite still loving Pokémon from his childhood, Ryan isn't impressed with recent games. He hopes to keep the old Poké-Amph site as a piece of internet history, even if he won't update it anymore.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 29

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.

Close reading the trees

escape the algorithm • 339 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Rainbolt's impressive skills in locating Google Street View images demonstrate the depth of human knowledge and expertise in navigating the world.
  2. Rainbolt's ability to identify locations in old photos and videos showcases a unique way of connecting with people and revealing the distinctiveness of the world.
  3. Rainbolt's adventures in using technology and human intelligence together present a hopeful perspective on how we can appreciate the diversity and texture of humanity despite the homogenizing effects of the internet.

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

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1148 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology 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.

Why aren’t there more websites about love?

escape the algorithm • 679 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Love can be expressed through creating websites as love letters, capturing emotions and longing in digital spaces.
  2. Personal websites allow for intimate expressions of love and the reclaiming of digital space for genuine connection.
  3. The internet's potential for expressions of love is hindered by platform constraints, detaching communication from genuine emotions.

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

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1148 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.

Inside the Manosphere (2026)

The Author Is Dumb • 1 implied HN point • 15 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. He used to excel at humanising fringe subjects while still holding them to account, but in recent specials he shifts toward harder journalism and often produces reductive films that don’t capture complex contexts.
  2. The manosphere film struggles because its subjects are media‑savvy and rarely slip up, it misses key figures and an intended arc, and the longer runtime feels padded with filler.
  3. Most importantly, it fails to grapple with the real harm the manosphere does to young men, so the documentary understates the danger and the broader social impact.

Star Trek or Mad Max?

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Experts debate whether AI will lead to a better future like 'Star Trek' or a dystopian one like 'Mad Max.'
  2. Some say AI, like ChatGPT, doesn't really think or create but uses existing data, raising concerns about job losses and content theft.
  3. Regulation and accountability are important, as many believe tech companies should be held responsible for their actions instead of managing themselves.

The Great Subduction

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 967 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Internet
  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
  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
  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 technology of nationalism

Yasha Levine • 589 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. The concept of nationalism is tied to the emergence of mass media technology like the printing press.
  2. Print technology created national identities by standardizing languages and expanding cultural identity beyond local communities.
  3. The Internet may not be creating new ideologies, but rather reproducing existing nationalist ideals from before.

How Do You Find a Good [Insert Profession Here]?

Culture Study • 2116 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. The post discusses the importance of finding trustworthy professionals in various fields like doctors, therapists, contractors, and more.
  2. Detailed information is key when seeking recommendations or providing advice on services to ensure transparency and clarity.
  3. Conflicting advice and experiences are normal, emphasizing the idea that everyone's mileage may vary when it comes to service providers.

Origins Season 12 Preseason is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 736 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.

The Dark Forest Anthology of the Internet

Do Not Research • 239 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📚 Literature Internet
  1. The Dark Forest Anthology of the Internet is a 208 page book documenting how we adapted to an adversarial internet over five years.
  2. The anthology includes eleven pieces from various authors, covering topics like the Dark Forest Theory, the Cozy Web, and generative AI.
  3. The book is available for purchase, offering a print edition and PDF version on Metalabel.

We need better LLM evaluations

The AI Frontier • 159 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Current methods for evaluating language models (LLMs) are not effective because they try to give one-size-fits-all answers. Each LLM is better suited for different tasks, so we need evaluations that reflect that.
  2. It’s important to look at specific skills of LLMs, like how well they follow instructions or retrieve information. This will help users understand which model works best for their needs.
  3. We need more detailed benchmarks that assess individual capabilities rather than general performance scores. This way, developers can make smarter choices when selecting LLMs for their projects.

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

Default Wisdom • 284 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Internet
  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.

Why the internet isn't fun anymore + A.I. and magic

Read Max • 2186 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Many feel the internet is less fun now because of changing demographics and shifting cultural preferences.
  2. The internet may not be objectively worse, but it is used differently by various audiences.
  3. The embrace of AI in tech culture is influenced by historical themes of hierarchical society and authoritarian politics.

Work beef in the NBA dark ages

Good Morning It's Basketball • 452 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Internet
  1. The internet changed sports debate by providing more sources of information and hot takes.
  2. Pre-internet NBA drama relied more on TV, work discussions, and real-life arguments.
  3. The Shaq vs. Kobe feud was a major story that crossed over to become a work beef for many fans.

🟧 Is boutique a bad word?

One Thing • 217 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. The concept of a boutique has evolved from locally-owned stores with unique goods to a term that is overused and often diluted in online advertising.
  2. Boutiques represent a curated taste experience, but their high prices can make them exclusive and inaccessible to many customers.
  3. The internet provides opportunities for boutique-style businesses to reach wider audiences, but it lacks the physical charm and surprise of an in-person boutique.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 31

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.

There is a Russia Iran news outlet blackout across the internet.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
📰 News Internet
  1. Several major Russian state outlets and Iran's Press TV are currently inaccessible online, with sites like RT and TASS showing "website can't be reached" errors.
  2. The outage looks widespread and simultaneous, suggesting it’s more than a simple isolated technical problem.
  3. If the blackout continues, it could significantly disrupt official news flow and change how people access information about events in those countries.