The hottest Online Communities Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

How much of HN is AI?

lcamtuf’s thing • 4081 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Hacker News front page in February 2026 was heavily dominated by AI-related stories, with AI often occupying most of the top-five slots on many days.
  2. A conservative AI detector (Pangram) flagged many of those stories as likely written by LLMs, and manual review generally agreed even though the tool had a few false negatives.
  3. Much of the AI coverage is vendor-focused or marketing, and the quasi-deterministic default style of current LLMs makes their writing detectable and is reshaping the site’s conversations.

How Epstein Warped the Entire Internet

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1970 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. Jeffrey Epstein had a hand in shaping early internet culture and platforms, from fringe sites like 4chan and gaming communities to mainstream services like Facebook.
  2. Revealed documents tie him to major online movements and controversies — examples include Gamergate and MeToo — showing his influence reached both toxic corners and mainstream activism.
  3. Investigations connect his network and money to many modern internet phenomena, linking influencer battles, viral trends, and tech misuse (like creepy AI/AR examples) to how online communities developed.

Doomscroll: Yung Chomsky

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 377 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. Yung Chomsky talks about his journey into the world of weight lifting and how he learned from different online communities. It's an interesting mix of lifting culture and personal growth.
  2. He addresses common mistakes people make when starting to lift weights, like following bad advice found online. Understanding proper training and nutrition can help you reach your fitness goals more effectively.
  3. The episode also touches on the surprising links between fitness culture and politics, particularly how some online groups can influence attitudes and behaviors.

Are Social Media Platforms the Next Dying Malls?

The Honest Broker • 54723 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Social media platforms are becoming less unique and are starting to look and feel the same, just like many malls did. This makes them more vulnerable to losing users.
  2. Just as malls suffered from having too many of them, social media is facing similar issues. People are overwhelmed with options and may start to abandon these platforms.
  3. Both malls and social media platforms attract a lot of unwanted behavior, making it hard to build real communities. They often feel artificial and exploitative rather than supportive.

Open Thread 416

Astral Codex Ten • 1995 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. There’s a new subscriber-only post called “Sell Me This Pen” that collects ultrashort stories based on the classic sales interview prompt.
  2. Some ex-Triplebyte employees are trying to revive the original Triplebyte idea as Otherbranch; they’re hiring (technical sourcer) and inviting engineers and employers to connect.
  3. There’s an ACX Grants meetup in San Francisco this Saturday — grantees should check their email and contact [email protected] if they didn’t get details, and judges, funders, VCs, and other potential supporters are welcome to attend.
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Scott Adams and the Art of Dying (and Living Forever) Online

Off-Topic • 453 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. He livestreamed his terminal illness, creating an unusually candid record of dying and drawing a mix of supportive, cruel, and medically questionable responses from viewers.
  2. His daily show acted like a virtual support group and creative crutch, keeping him connected to fans while his anger and online echo chamber drove away many real-world relationships.
  3. After his death an AI trained on his recordings began producing new content, touching off disputes over digital legacy, consent, and whether an AI can truly capture a person’s intentions.

Your Review: The Astral Codex Ten Commentariat (“Why Do We Suck?”)

Astral Codex Ten • 11494 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Online Communities
  1. The quality of comments has declined since 2016 and 2021, with many people feeling that discussions are less interesting now. This suggests that something has changed in the commenting community over time.
  2. Engagement with posts has seen ups and downs, which may affect how people interact with each other in the comments. A busy comment section can sometimes make conversations feel less personal and harder to join.
  3. The comment section values politeness and thoughtful discussion, which makes it a unique place online. Maintaining this environment is important for keeping conversations meaningful and respectful.

It’s Not Just a Game Anymore

After Babel • 3082 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Online gaming has changed a lot, with many games designed to keep players engaged and spending money all the time. This makes it important for parents to be aware of how their children interact with these games.
  2. User-generated content can be a double-edged sword; while it allows kids to play creatively, it can also expose them to harmful or inappropriate material that isn't well monitored.
  3. The risks associated with modern gaming include addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, and financial exploitation. Parents should take steps to understand the games their kids are playing and set rules around gaming.

I Hit 4,000 Subscribers and Now I Need Your Help

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1378 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Online Communities
  1. The writer reached 4,000 subscribers in just 15 months, which is a big achievement for a newsletter. They did it without relying on friends and family for support.
  2. They are thankful for their readers, especially the paid subscribers, who help keep their content going. This support allows them to focus on creating quality material.
  3. The writer wants to know more about their audience's interests. They plan to use a new survey tool to ask readers directly what they would like to see in the future.

Inside the CEO shooter standom

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4418 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. People have started to view a shooter, who targeted a CEO, as a kind of hero because of frustrations with the healthcare system. Many are expressing support for him online, turning him into a symbol of rebellion against insurance executives.
  2. There's a growing disconnect between mainstream media and the general public. Some believe that media figures, who live in comfort, fail to understand the struggles ordinary people face, leading to misguided narratives about events like this shooting.
  3. Elon Musk’s idea that his platform is a replacement for traditional media may actually create echo chambers. It’s important for people to seek out diverse viewpoints and critically analyze information instead of relying on just one source.

Writing Prompt: Design the future of the internet!

The Novelleist • 141 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. A cooperative essay collection and printed pamphlet will explore how the internet should be owned, funded, regulated, and experienced, with contributors writing on topics like platform cooperatives, public infrastructure, social media's offline impact, hidden labour, niche online cultures, blockchain funding, and media futures.
  2. Community members can compete for the open pamphlet spot by publishing an essay by the end of February and sharing it in the Slack #essays channel, with paid members able to get editing feedback or request a designer for custom art.
  3. The community will vote on their favorite essay to include in the pamphlet, and the chosen writer will earn a share of pamphlet sales. The project also has patron support to cover design and printing costs.

Candace Owens and the Internet Brainrot Industry

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 228 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. Popular online commentators often reframe high‑profile shootings into conspiratorial, proprietary theories that prioritize attention over accuracy and can shift blame away from the most obvious explanations.
  2. The creator economy and social media reward shocking, original‑seeming takes because they drive views, engagement, and ad money, so creators frequently produce vague or unfalsifiable theories instead of careful, predictive analysis.
  3. This attention‑driven speculation fragments political energy and public understanding, turning serious events into entertainment and making it hard for people to reach clear, collective conclusions or take coherent action.

Exploring the Dark Web: Rivenrayne, HN and 764

Lucian’s Substack • 1 HN point • 05 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Rivenrayne, Harm Nation, and 764 are dangerous online groups that harm vulnerable people, especially kids. They promote violence, self-harm, and exploitation through organized networks.
  2. These groups use gaming and social media platforms to recruit and manipulate young people. They often focus on communities where members are already struggling with issues like mental health.
  3. It's important for parents and online communities to be aware of these groups and how they operate. By supporting at-risk individuals and monitoring online spaces, we can help reduce the impact of these harmful networks.

What Are You Reading?!? (In January)

Culture Study • 2436 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. Taking a break from social media can help you find more time to read. Less screen time often leads to more focus on books.
  2. A historical romance that feels genuine and avoids clichés can be very enjoyable. A well-researched story makes it easier to connect with the characters.
  3. Engaging with others about books can spark new reading interests. Sharing what you're reading helps build a community around literature.

Building new cultures

Escaping Flatland • 1120 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. Building new cultures is challenging and requires careful planning and inclusion of diverse perspectives.
  2. Online communities can mirror the challenges faced by historical attempts at creating new societies.
  3. It is important to be mindful of the culture you are creating by curating your social interactions and engaging with specific information.

Origins S13 Postseason has begun!

The Lunacian • 414 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. The Origins S13 Postseason has started, and the top player is TCO Nub. Thanks to everyone who participated in the competition!
  2. The Elite 8 tournament kicks off on July 13th, offering a prize pool of 3,000 AXS. Participants will also get Morph Tickets to help prepare.
  3. Don't forget, your collectible Axie tickets determine your rewards and AXS distribution. More tickets mean more prizes!

INTRODUCING ATIA'S LEGACY — THE AXIE MMO

The Lunacian • 782 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Axie Infinity: Atia's Legacy is a new MMO set in its unique universe where players can explore and create communities. It's designed for both mobile and PC gaming.
  2. Players can pre-register for play testing and earn rewards by referring friends and creating content. This will start around Summer 2025.
  3. The game will feature squad-based combat, dynamic progression, and social interactions, all focusing on player-owned assets to enrich the gaming experience.

Find out

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. Set clear boundaries in communication. It's important to let others know what is acceptable and what isn't.
  2. Emotional manipulation will not be tolerated. It's crucial to stand your ground against such behavior.
  3. Be firm and direct when addressing issues. A straightforward approach helps maintain respect and integrity.

Et tu, Substack?

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Substack has introduced a feature called 'Notes' that users cannot turn off. This feels like forced participation to many writers.
  2. Many writers joined Substack to avoid the constant notifications and pressure of social media like Twitter.
  3. The changes to Substack have made some users reconsider their support for the platform and their plans to continue using it.

Even Diabetes Research Foundations Are Trying to Connect With Kids Through Roblox

Crossplay • 235 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. JDRF used Roblox to create spaces for kids with type 1 diabetes to connect and learn about the condition.
  2. When trying to engage with a younger audience on platforms like Roblox, it's important to understand the platform and its audience well.
  3. Charity Walk Simulator in Roblox by JDRF incentivized players to walk and learn about diabetes, showing success with over 2,500 virtual bears given away in 24 hours.

The Jon Swift List: Best Blog Posts of the Year

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 30 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. Blogging helped build lasting political communities and careers in the early 2000s, but its cultural cachet has faded as podcasts and short-form platforms rose, even though small-blog energy survives on places like Substack.
  2. A satirical blogger known as Jon Swift inspired an annual "best blog posts" roundup that continues today, and the 2025 list has been released to honor that tradition.
  3. The publisher plans to focus on big-picture critique of nation-states, offer middle-distance commentary instead of daily outrage, and bring more hope, humor, and some fiction into the coming year.

You're not a true software engineer unless...

A Perfectly Cromulent Software Engineer • 99 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. In some tech communities, there's a concept called 'No True Scotsman' fallacy where group definitions get reshaped to exclude counterexamples.
  2. Humor in tech, especially when joking about expertise, can inadvertently lead to gatekeeping and exclusion, promoting dogmatism and fragmentation.
  3. Tech choices should not define our worth or belonging - divisive jokes can lead to isolated communities that hinder growth and acceptance.

Axie Classic Competitive S6 is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 598 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Axie Classic Competitive Season 6 is happening for four weeks, with lots of AXS rewards to earn for guilds and players. This is the last chance for guilds to get Placement Points before the next Guild War.
  2. New features like Axie Delegation and Level 2 Card Effects are now part of the game. Players can delegate their Axies or test 33 new card effects in the Cursed Coliseum.
  3. The Guild Point system has been updated to reduce player burnout. Now, only the highest points per player count, and a new guild chat feature allows for better communication among members.

Problems at Roblox (RBLX) #5

The Bear Cave • 513 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Roblox has been linked to serious issues like school shooting games and child abuse, raising concerns about children's safety on the platform.
  2. Many Roblox developers admit the site isn't safe for kids, often referring to its content as harmful and emphasizing the lack of proper moderation.
  3. Roblox's current sign-up process allows easy access for predators, as it only requires a username and password, and there are serious suggestions for improving safety measures to protect children.

One year of Substack Notes—now with video and external embeds

Substack • 702 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Substack Notes has grown significantly over the past year, attracting many new subscriptions for writers. This shows how important online conversations are for discovering and sharing content.
  2. Writers can now share their notes outside of Substack by embedding them on other websites. This helps their work reach a bigger audience and gain more recognition.
  3. Substack is focused on empowering creators by giving them control over their content and revenue. Unlike traditional social media, most money earned goes directly to the writers.

Disinformation & Why People Believe It

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
📰 News Online Communities
  1. Disinformation and misinformation are unintended consequences of the early days of the Digital Age, impacting societies globally.
  2. Disinformation often revolves around storytelling, with different groups creating narratives to shape their reality.
  3. The spread of disinformation is fueled by the rapid dissemination of stories in our hyperconnected world, highlighting the need for critical thinking skills in education.

Why do I write?

The Leftovers • 199 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
📚 Literature Online Communities
  1. The online literary community is evolving with readerships shrinking, posing a challenge for writers.
  2. It is essential to adapt to the changing landscape of writing and readership.
  3. Consider offering free trials to attract more readers and grow your audience.

Many Such Cases: a formal relaunch

Many Such Cases • 559 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. The newsletter focuses on exploring desire and how it affects our lives. It's about understanding our feelings and how they influence our interactions.
  2. There is a growing concern about the decline of sexual relationships and social connections in society. This change reflects a bigger problem with loneliness and isolation.
  3. The writer plans to share personal stories and thoughts regularly, and will also offer paid content with a community element. They want to engage with readers and help with their questions.

Introducing video to Substack Chat

Substack • 501 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Substack now allows users to send video messages directly to their subscribers. This makes it easier for creators to connect and share their thoughts in a personal way.
  2. Videos can be paywalled, meaning only paying subscribers can view them, which helps creators monetize their content more effectively.
  3. The video feature in Substack Chat creates a private space for discussions, allowing subscribers to engage closely with creators without getting lost in social media feeds.

Bluesky as the Ship of Theseus

The Future, Now and Then • 291 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Bluesky is gaining popularity as an alternative to Twitter, attracting users unhappy with changes in X under Elon Musk. It's becoming a new hub for online conversations.
  2. The platform aims for a more user-friendly experience by limiting algorithms and promoting straightforward feeds. This makes it feel like the early days of Twitter.
  3. Bluesky focuses on community and real interactions, reducing toxic behavior from users aiming for outrage. This change may result in lower engagement metrics, but leads to a better overall environment.

Leftist Men Are Pussies

Default Wisdom • 244 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. Many people learn about political ideas online, with platforms like Tumblr shaping modern identity politics more than traditional classrooms. This shift influenced how journalists and young adults view these topics.
  2. The conversation around political beliefs can shift quickly, especially when people explore new ideas. It's easy to get caught up in finding identity through opposing viewpoints, whether on the left or the right.
  3. Understanding differing opinions can be enlightening, even if you don't agree with them. Engaging with various perspectives helps refine your own beliefs, but it can also be uncomfortable or lead to deep personal questions.

The Origins S13 Final Era is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 92 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. The Origins S13 Final Era is now live, giving players a chance to win part of the 24K AXS prize pool. It's an exciting time to compete!
  2. You can qualify for the Elite 8 Tournament by performing well during this final era. Make sure to give it your best shot!
  3. Don’t forget to check in with your axies to earn points, which you can exchange for helpful items in the shop. It's a quick way to boost your game!

Weekly Top Picks #100

The Algorithmic Bridge • 148 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. The weekly newsletter just reached its 100th edition, so instead of the usual picks, there's an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session this time.
  2. You can ask about anything related to AI, newsletter writing, or even personal opinions that might spark discussion.
  3. The author encourages open questions and suggests that using tools like ChatGPT can help in forming inquiries.

Come for the culture, stay for the conversation

Substack • 359 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. You can now paywall your chat to only allow paying subscribers, which helps keep discussions focused and friendly. This can also be a great incentive for people to subscribe to your content.
  2. The chat features have been upgraded to make it easier to navigate, search for old conversations, and manage notifications. This makes participating in chats smoother and more enjoyable.
  3. Substack chats provide a private space for subscribers to connect and discuss topics they love, creating a sense of community among readers and writers. It's like a special hangout just for fans.

Vol. 1, Issue 23 - How to spot fake Pokémon games

Johto Times • 139 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. Know what real Pokémon games look like before you buy. Research and compare labels online to make sure you're getting the real deal.
  2. Pay attention to the quality of the game cartridge. Look for things like crisp print, correct colors, and legitimate logos to spot fakes easily.
  3. Always buy from trusted sellers and feel free to ask them questions. If something seems off or too cheap, it's better to walk away.

Bluesky, smiling at me

WORLD GONE WRONG • 98 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🕹 Technology Online Communities
  1. Bluesky is a small social app with positive vibes but lacks universal moderation.
  2. Bluesky's content filtering allows users to manage what they see based on categories.
  3. Content moderation is effective at limiting how bad actors exploit online platforms.

Vol. 1, Issue 47 - Interview with The Cave of Dragonflies

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Online Communities
  1. The Cave of Dragonflies is a long-standing Pokémon fan website created by Dragonfree in 2002. It offers a variety of content, including guides, reviews, and fanfiction, all inspired by her love for Pokémon.
  2. Dragonfree emphasizes the importance of community and personal enjoyment over popularity. She encourages others to create their own websites and pursue their passions, regardless of audience size.
  3. Over the years, Dragonfree has contributed significantly to understanding Pokémon game mechanics and inspired many to start their own fan sites and projects, showcasing the lasting impact of her work.