The hottest Online Trends Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Spam in the firehose, part III

Conspirador Norteño • 32 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media Spam Detection User Behavior Online Trends
  1. There is a large network of fake accounts on Bluesky, all created to follow real users quickly and in groups. These accounts look almost identical, using default profile images and very little personal information.
  2. The spam accounts often follow a mix of different types of real accounts, including celebrities and businesses, but they usually don't have much content themselves. They mainly repost or reply with very simple comments.
  3. The way these fake accounts behave, like following in large swarms, makes it easy to spot them. They create a clear pattern that shows they aren't real users.

The newest AI slop on Facebook exploits suburban fear

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2746 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Digital Culture Online Trends Misinformation
  1. A recent Facebook post claiming that neighbors are egging cars over Halloween decorations is just a viral AI hoax. Many people believe it and react strongly, showing fear and distrust about their neighbors.
  2. AI-generated content is flooding social media and often incites extreme reactions, particularly fears related to neighborhood safety during events like Halloween.
  3. As AI content becomes more extreme, it might lead to worse stories and escalated fears about community issues, especially when it comes to kids and potential mischief.

My Internet: Brynn Wallner

Embedded • 963 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Online Trends Podcasts Music Fashion
  1. Brynn Wallner uses Instagram for work but doesn't feel comfortable keeping up with the online discourse for leisure.
  2. Brynn Wallner appreciates the creative potential of AI but is concerned about its sourcing information without proper fact-checking.
  3. Brynn Wallner enjoys Lana Del Rey's internet presence and follows Leila Rahimi's eclectic music playlists on Spotify.

The Men Who Love Being Ripped Off

Many Such Cases • 219 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Online Trends Consumer behavior Social Dynamics
  1. Some men find excitement in being misled or disappointed when it comes to online adult content. They enjoy the feeling of being 'ripped off' as part of their experience.
  2. For these men, the thrill comes from the contrast between their expectations and the reality. They might hope to see revealing images but often receive something completely different instead.
  3. This dynamic raises questions about the way sexuality is viewed, often reducing it to just a transaction. The focus can become less about connection and more about commerce.

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.
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Whither paper?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 14 Aug 20
🕹 Technology Workplace dynamics Online Trends Economic Impact Remote work
  1. The Covid-19 pandemic may accelerate the move towards a paperless office, as people adapt to working digitally and without physical paperwork.
  2. Despite the decline in paper use, demand for wood pulp products, such as cardboard boxes for online deliveries, remains strong.
  3. The pandemic has forced organizations to transition away from paper processes, leading to a potential long-term shift towards digital alternatives.

Who among us has NOT dreamed of shooting the computer screen?

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 22 Apr 15
🎭️ Culture Technology Social media Collectibles Online Trends Internet culture
  1. The world is becoming more complex, similar to a Rube Goldberg machine, due to the influence of smartphones and computers.
  2. A new group of tech-savvy travelers are embracing hoboism through social media platforms like Instagram and Craigslist.
  3. Just like vinyl records, VHS tapes are becoming a collectible item for some people, with games on cartridges and films on VHS gaining popularity.

Millennial obsolescence

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Online Trends Youth culture Memes
  1. The market for memes has consolidated over the years, with fewer platforms generating a larger share of memetic content, impacting the influence of smaller sites.
  2. Millennials, the first to grow up on social media, are now navigating growing older online, with platforms evolving and trends shifting.
  3. There is a shift in online culture, from the types of food photos shared on Instagram to the rise of podcasts critiquing wellness consumerism, reflecting changing digital trends.

Counting the goddamn days

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 14
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Content Internet History Virtual reality Online Trends
  1. An art critic reflects on the world of Art Instagram and the intrigue of observing without complete knowledge of the creators.
  2. Efforts to create 'digital smells' are yet to reach the realm of reality despite advancements in sending visual and auditory elements over the internet.
  3. Exploring the history of the internet through various formats like .html, .doc, and .psd that have shaped the online landscape.