The hottest Internet Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Provocation-driven development

Subconscious • 2056 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Foundational computing projects started with provocations that transformed our vision of technology.
  2. Provocative questions act as seed crystals for creative answers to grow around.
  3. Communities gather around burning questions, sparking conversations that construct meaning together.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 28

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.

I Salute You, Saluting Face Emoji 🫡

Did Someone Say Emoji? • 281 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🎭️ Culture Internet
  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.

The Internet is Teetering

OK Doomer • 59 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. The internet is facing more outages and disruptions than ever before. These problems are likely to increase, and we may not always be warned about them.
  2. It's important to prepare for a future where the internet might not be reliable. This means considering how to survive without it.
  3. As a response to this instability, there's a renewed interest in printed books and offline resources. People are looking for ways to stay informed and entertained without relying on the internet.

Notes on Chapter 26

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.
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Import AI 348: DeepMind defines AGI; the best free LLM is made in China; mind controlling robots

Import AI • 339 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. DeepMind defines AGI levels and the risks they pose, highlighting the potential societal impacts of increasingly autonomous AI systems.
  2. Researchers have created smart glasses with object detection capabilities powered by a miniaturized YOLO model, showcasing the possibilities of on-device AI processing.
  3. Stanford's NOIR project demonstrates how brain-scanning signals can be used to control robots for a variety of tasks, paving the way for a future where humans interact with robotic systems through brain commands.

Could the Internet Become Useless?

The Digital Anthropologist • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. The internet might go through messy and confusing phases, but it has a history of overcoming challenges and evolving for the better.
  2. Infrastructure issues and the flow of information are key concerns for the internet's future, especially with the rise of AI technologies.
  3. Solving the complexities of the internet requires a holistic approach involving regulations, standards, and societal collaboration rather than relying solely on technological fixes.

Biology and the evolution of AI tools

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 16 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Major technological shifts mirror biological evolution: replication and innovation create new forms and disruptive functions that reshape systems over time.
  2. AI is a major economic transition driven by internet-scale data and modern neural networks, automating many digital tasks; its future will be shaped by competition for compute and users, technical advances like model compression, and cultural and legal responses.
  3. Individuals can adapt by learning to use AI as a practical sidekick to upskill and build new things, while being careful not to share sensitive information.

One Thing: a catalogue of authenticity

One Thing • 316 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. One Thing newsletter collects cool and good things like objects, people, and ideas to help you navigate the internet.
  2. The newsletter is a project started by Kyle Chayka and Nate Gallant, inspired by Kyle's upcoming book, Filterworld.
  3. It aims to provide short blurbs that offer a glimpse into the diverse and fragmented online world.

Notes on Chapter 30

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.

Is Wikipedia Reliable? (2023 Redux)

Everything Is Amazing • 1479 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Wikipedia is admired despite occasional inaccuracies because it provides constructive and inspiring information on the internet.
  2. Some Wikipedia articles have turned out to be elaborate hoaxes that fooled editors for years.
  3. While Wikipedia may have flaws and prank edits, its communal and updatable nature highlights a more dynamic and diverse approach to knowledge sharing compared to traditional encyclopedias.

Back to the Corecore

escape the algorithm • 299 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Reflecting on nostalgic online spaces like Myspace can evoke existential thoughts on our insignificance in the vast digital landscape.
  2. Considering the impact of AI-generated content and online manipulation leads to questioning the authenticity and purpose of online interactions.
  3. Engaging in unconventional internet navigation challenges, like exploring Instagram through tagged photos, can provide unique perspectives and experiences.

#91: Are you doing more or extra?

Many One Percents • 294 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
💼 Business Internet
  1. Focus on doing extra work that goes beyond your current tasks and requires new skills or research.
  2. Avoid getting stuck in doing more of the same work as it may not lead to significant breakthroughs.
  3. Adding value by going the extra mile, like training colleagues or improving team workflows, can have a big impact.

A Great Interruption Begins

From The Future • 294 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. A new era called The Great Interruption seems to be approaching, freeing us from the constant distractions and reclaiming our attention
  2. Information and attention have always been intertwined, impacting humanity's growth and evolution
  3. Interest Grids could be the future of organizing our attention, helping us navigate a world inundated with information and distractions

Education is a Joke

Pershmail • 294 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🚌 Education Internet
  1. Education can be seen as a joke, focusing on entertaining instead of teaching.
  2. Educational conferences and events are often criticized for prioritizing entertainment over substance.
  3. There is a growing concern about the unseriousness and anti-intellectualism in the field of education.

Miraculous to Mundane

Bastiat's Window • 294 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. The essay reflects on past cultural and technological firsts, highlighting how amazement over innovations shifts over time.
  2. Personal anecdotes from different decades show the evolution of technology, from fax machines to personal computers to internet access.
  3. The narrative showcases how advancements in communication, like email and video calls, have transformed interactions and access to information over the years.

The Work of the Truth

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 157 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📰 News Internet
  1. Misinformation online can be rampant and dangerous, especially when created by exploiting the absence of accurate information.
  2. AI-generated content is becoming more prevalent, but it often sacrifices accuracy for speed and efficiency.
  3. Access to reliable information may become a privilege, leading to an information divide between those who can afford it and those who can't.

Satellite Internet: The Next $100B Market Investors Have Been Waiting For?

Space Ambition • 279 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Satellite internet uses space satellites to provide internet access instead of cables. This technology has been around for over 70 years and is trying to help connect underserved areas.
  2. While satellite internet is growing, it currently has limited speed and higher costs compared to fiber internet. Most people still rely on fiber for quicker and cheaper connections.
  3. The satellite internet market is expected to expand a lot in the coming years, with many startups getting involved. Investors see potential in this area to bridge the digital divide.

Laughing at the Lowlifes: A Missing Piece in Explaining Online Radicalism”

House of Strauss • 44 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Online figures like Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate attract young men partly because they're funny, even if their messages are harmful. Humor can make serious topics easier to engage with.
  2. People often struggle to admit that someone they dislike can be entertaining. It’s easy to overlook the funnier aspects of a person's personality when focused on their negative ideas.
  3. Shock value plays a big role in why these figures gain audiences. Many find the outrageous or unexpected things they say amusing, even if they don’t agree with their views.

(Don't Fear) The Blackpill

Default Wisdom • 177 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Internet
  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.

Notes on Chapter 27

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.

Kolrami and Social Media.

The Good Life • 235 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Playing for fun and balance, not just to win, can be a powerful strategy.
  2. Consider using social media platforms in a way that goes against the typical approach, focusing on genuine enjoyment rather than audience growth.
  3. By being authentic and unconcerned with building an audience, it's possible to navigate social media algorithms in a more fulfilling manner.

"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 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.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 25

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Len is looking for ways to get hired in the tech world. He knows he has the skills, but he wonders how to get noticed by the big players in Silicon Valley.
  2. The team at Palm is excited about a new handheld product called Touchdown. They are focusing on what customers really need and ignoring unnecessary features to make it great.
  3. Len and Dan go on a TV show to talk about their work with the Internet and crime. They manage to discuss their mutual fund and share how technology helps with their investigations.

💬 Feeling some type of away.

New_ Public • 255 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. Different eras had different ways of communicating availability.
  2. Status updates can serve multiple purposes, from sharing current activities to general updates.
  3. Various platforms offer tools for synchronous and asynchronous communication, but a need remains for more flexibility and interoperability.

Hot Guy Books and GPT Admissions

Embedded • 117 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. The post discusses 'Hot Guy Books' and GPT Admissions, sharing a roundup of articles, links and thoughts from the internet.
  2. There are featured stories like 'Are creators the future of media?' and 'The TikTokification of ASMR'.
  3. The post includes exclusive content for paid subscribers and promotes subscriptions for full access.

GPT-4 Plugs In

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Internet
  1. GPT-4 is getting an upgrade with plug-ins for browsing the internet and using various websites.
  2. Concerns about safety and risks involved in using these new plug-ins have been raised.
  3. The introduction of plug-ins makes it easier to interact with GPT-4, but also raises questions about trust and potential misuse.

China on Dario, DeepSeeking Truth, Ali + DeepSeek, and a Procurement IP Manifesto

ChinaTalk • 281 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.

The Meme Fossil Record

Kneeling Bus • 381 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Internet
  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.

Best of ChinaTalk 2024

ChinaTalk • 281 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Internet
  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.

Xleepyfay & Aemmonia: The Xenofeminist Hauntology

Do Not Research • 199 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Questionable fandoms and post-identity roleplays are replacing traditional political identities online, with origins in initially progressive communities.
  2. Xenofeminism challenges current identity politics, transitioning into hyper-aesthetisized roleplay as a response to political disillusionment.
  3. Post-identity roleplay serves as a detached, non-consequential fantasy exploration, replacing traditional political values and aims.

The web is a place where people gathered

escape the algorithm • 219 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Internet
  1. Archiving personal work online helps preserve self-identity and memories over time, creating a digital record of personal growth and experiences.
  2. Engaging with web projects and maintaining online spaces can signify personal transformation and serve as a form of ritual, akin to shedding old identities and adopting new ones.
  3. Focusing on intimate, personal archives and small community connections on the internet promotes a culture of deep care, preservation, and maintenance over constant expansion and scaling.