The hottest Pop culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

I’m a copycat 🙀 — Bandwagon effect

10x your mind • 99 implied HN points • 07 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Trends Social media Influencers Pop culture
  1. The bandwagon effect is when people follow trends or make decisions based on what others are doing, without considering personal preferences.
  2. It's important to distinguish between following popular opinions and seeking expertise when making decisions, especially in high-stakes situations.
  3. While we may naturally tend to follow the crowd, we can use the bandwagon effect positively by surrounding ourselves with people who inspire us and help us grow.

From Beatlemania to Taylor-mania

SatPost by Trung Phan • 74 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music Entertainment Social media Pop culture Celebrity
  1. Taylor Swift's 'Eras' tour is set to be the first ever to gross over $1B, with massive demand and $200+ ticket prices.
  2. The hype around Taylor Swift's tour draws comparisons to the rise of Beatlemania in 1963, with similarities in audience psychology and social context.
  3. Swift's tour success highlights the significant role of luck and timing in creative endeavors, emphasizing the importance of effort and strategy while acknowledging external factors.

An Introduction to PAWG Politics

Many Such Cases • 199 implied HN points • 22 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Pop culture Sexuality
  1. The term 'PAWG' has gained popularity since 2010, reflecting changing beauty standards and preferences for body shapes. More people are searching for it, especially related to online content.
  2. Race and ethnicity play a big role in discussions around PAWG, influencing how different body types are perceived, especially in pornography. This raises questions about cultural appropriation and preference.
  3. While PAWG is often used humorously and has entered mainstream chat, it also encourages us to think about body politics and how people's views on bodies can change over time.
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How to safeguard your sanity in the last days of the election

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 99 implied HN points • 30 Oct 20
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Politics Social media Pop culture Social Issues
  1. Consider taking breaks from social media to preserve your mental well-being, try focusing on positive distractions like creating Pinterest boards filled with puppies.
  2. Avoid election stress by engaging in activities that help you relax and stay away from constant polling updates and online political debates.
  3. Remember the importance of voting to contribute towards a sense of normalcy and to have a say in the future, regardless of the chaos around.

The less sense it makes, the more attractive it becomes

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 59 implied HN points • 12 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Digital Culture Internet Trends Influencer Culture Pop culture
  1. The more nonsensical something is, the more appealing it can be, like with AI romance and internet trends
  2. There are detailed Wikipedia debates about Joe Biden's dogs, questioning their notability and training methods
  3. The rise of NFTs and other unconventional trends shows how the less sense something makes, the more ironic and attractive it becomes in popular culture

Wishful thinking

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 59 implied HN points • 11 Dec 20
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Trends Pop culture Youth culture
  1. The trend of 'shifting' to alternate realities has gained popularity among teenagers, offering an escape from the challenges of the current times.
  2. Shifting involves a belief in transporting one's consciousness to a different, controllable environment, often inspired by Harry Potter and filled with desired experiences.
  3. Many individuals engage in shifting practices as a means to cope with the restrictions and difficulties of 2020, seeking solace and excitement through this imaginative practice.

Okay, I’ll Bite: Who’s Taylor Swift?

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Music Pop culture TV Streaming
  1. The author questions why Taylor Swift is so prominently featured in media and popular culture.
  2. The level of attention and coverage Taylor Swift receives seems disproportionate to other important global events like the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
  3. The author reflects on the changing landscape of entertainment industry, specifically mentioning challenges in finding quality content and the shift towards a few mega-hits.

Super Bowl Presser Gets Dark: Reporter Asks If There ‘Credible Threats’ Involving Taylor Swift Amid MAGA Backlash

The Washington Current • 0 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security Pop culture Conspiracy Theories Celebrities
  1. Homeland Security was asked about 'credible threats' involving Taylor Swift at a pre-Super Bowl press conference
  2. Taylor Swift has faced bizarre conspiracy theories from MAGA Republicans linking her to diabolical plans
  3. Despite concerns, Department of Homeland Security stated they have not seen any additional threats related to Taylor Swift

Stoicism in Pop Culture: Why This Ancient Philosophy is More Relevant Than Ever

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Pop culture Ancient Philosophy Self-Improvement Resilience
  1. Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, teaches rationality, self-control, and accepting what we can't change - a philosophy reflected in popular characters like Batman and Spock
  2. Stoicism's modern resurgence stems from its ability to provide guidance in uncertain times, offering a way to remain calm amidst chaos
  3. Incorporating stoic principles into daily life can enhance resilience, improve decision-making, and lead to a more intentional and meaningful life

Rewatch: A technicolor Y2K time capsule

I have thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 21 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Movies Fashion Art Creativity Pop culture
  1. Josie and the Pussycats is a movie from 2001 that deserves a rewatch, offering a satirical take on consumerism and pop culture in a colorful, over-the-top manner.
  2. The film serves as a time capsule of the early 2000s, critiquing the power of the recording industry and prominently featuring various brands as a commentary on consumerism.
  3. Despite initial critical reception, the movie presents ambitious women in a positive light, focusing on their success and camaraderie, standing out in a landscape that often punishes ambitious female characters.

Movies Of My Life # 31: Wrestlemania III

Sounds Good! • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Wrestling Pop culture
  1. The author fondly recalls watching Wrestlemania III and considers it the peak of pro-wrestling.
  2. Watching Wrestlemania III allows the author to reminisce about childhood and enjoy the nostalgia of past wrestling matches.
  3. The event stands out as a significant moment in 80s pro-wrestling culture that helped establish the genre in mainstream pop-culture.

The Titan memes are not that deep

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Media Analysis Humor Social Issues Pop culture
  1. Cruel disaster jokes may not be as deep as they seem, often reduced to symbols of resentment towards institutions.
  2. The rise of AI is creating many new low-paid jobs like annotating photos for AI learning systems.
  3. Online shopping trends reflect deeper societal shifts, like the changing dynamics of women's labor and the pursuit of household power.

Not-so-obvious

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 25 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Pop culture Social media Science Entertainment
  1. Hank the Tank, a 500-pound bear, is breaking into homes near Lake Tahoe for snacks, gaining fame and support from people.
  2. Potato controversies, like Mr. Potato Head losing the 'Mr.' title, show how common sense can clash with scientific explanations, sparking debates.
  3. Fun science facts, like monkeys in Japan preferring salty sweet potatoes or evidence that knives made from frozen feces don't work, highlight the importance of funding research for interesting discoveries.

A queasy sense of prophecy and prescience

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Social media Literature Technology Internet Pop culture
  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.

Hell, I have no idea

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture Internet Technology Art Media Pop culture
  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.

The kindness of nerds

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Entertainment Technology Pop culture
  1. Reddit's Secret Santa, where strangers worldwide exchanged gifts, was a symbol of internet kindness that Reddit executives believed in despite the cynicism in the tech industry.
  2. The transition of Reddit from a platform symbolizing kindness to one driven by a more realistic business model, like selling ads, reflects a change in perception of 'value' in the online world.
  3. The concept of 'value' on the internet has shifted, as seen in the change in Reddit's engagement with Secret Santa over the years, showing a different approach to community and interactions.
  4. Don't forget: despite good initiatives, Reddit still has its share of issues.

Four Big TV Shows End Their Runs, Plus Avatar: The Way of Water Opens Big

The Entertainment Strategy Guy • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Movies TV shows Streaming Entertainment industry Pop culture
  1. The Streaming Ratings Report covers popular streaming TV shows and movies from 29th May to 11th June 2023.
  2. The success of theatrical releases like 'Avatar: The Way of Water' on streaming platforms shows the impact of cinema releases on viewership.
  3. Several major TV series, including 'Succession' and 'Ted Lasso,' ended their runs in May 2023.

The calamari guy isn’t voting for Biden

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 20
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Literature Media Social Issues Pop culture
  1. The Democratic National Convention affected people emotionally, making them cry or sob due to its effective messaging and format.
  2. Interesting articles worth reading include an analysis of internet astrology, a profile of a prominent woman in modern romance novels, and an unflattering look at quack orthodontists.
  3. Family vlogging on the internet is scrutinized for toxicity and several thought-provoking stories on various topics are recommended for further reading.

And yet … here I am, hustling on Substack

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 01 Aug 20
🎭️ Culture Internet Media Social Issues Pop culture Entertainment
  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.

Yes, fine, but it’s been done.

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 24 Apr 20
🎭️ Culture Marketing Social media Media Pop culture Internet culture
  1. Steak-umms brand is being revitalized by a 28-year-old marketer's engaging pandemic tweets
  2. Social media marketing often uses familiar tropes like 'millennial angst' and working-class appeal to create engagement
  3. The internet content landscape during the pandemic reflects a mix of joy, sadness, and randomness in digital relationships

it ain't all awful! :)

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 16
🎭️ Culture Social Trends Pop culture Internet culture Media Self-help
  1. Your next best friend might be a robot named Xiaoice by Microsoft, who can even exhibit emotions.
  2. The PUA figure Roosh gained publicity, despite controversial views, leading to more audience for him.
  3. New gay icons on YouTube are everyday people sharing normcore content like Bath & Body Works reviews instead of flashy glamour.

No worries!!

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 16
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Fashion Pop culture
  1. Twitter can be a powerful tool for speaking out and bringing down abusers in power-imbalanced industries like the music world.
  2. Reconnecting with online communities from the past, like an X-Files fan forum, can be a nostalgic and rewarding experience.
  3. In the battle of FOMO (fear of missing out) vs. JOMO (joy of missing out), finding joy in missing out may be the way to go.

Uhhh you're an adult human, so

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 17 Dec 15
🎭️ Culture Internet Books Pop culture Literature Social media
  1. The viral web thrives on sharing collective hatred, like in the case of Martin Shkreli, but sometimes it's good to focus on more positive topics.
  2. Reading can be an intimate experience that shapes one's personal narrative, as seen in the example of Alexandra Molotkow and her bookshelf.
  3. Year-end reflections can offer valuable insights, like the one from The Morning News recapping the year 2015 with contributions from cool writers.

get it together human

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 15
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Entertainment Mystery Pop culture
  1. Being distracted can sometimes boost productivity, according to the 'anti-mindfulness' movement.
  2. Following the Ashley Madison hack, victims have experienced a range of outcomes, from divorce to moving on.
  3. Imagining Facebook's 'On This Day' feature run by real humans offers a humorous perspective on the content that might be shared.

Dude, relax!

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 17 Aug 15
🎭️ Culture Internet Social movements Trends Pop culture
  1. Who really runs #BlackLivesMatters? It started as a hashtag, turned into a protest movement, now a disruptive political organization.
  2. On the Internet, it's all about videos and cats. Some find cat videos exhausting and a disconnect, like small talk after dinner.
  3. Chartreuse is a trendy color in Silicon Valley, maybe symbolizing maturity or money reference, seen in companies like Zendesk and Google.

What We're Listening to: Robin Hood, Space Civilization, and More

drpawd • 0 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🎙 Podcasts Science History Pop culture Space AI
  1. Discover the power of mental training and visualization for improved learning from The Huberman Lab Podcast.
  2. Explore the mystery of whether Robin Hood was a real person or a fictional character from Stuff You Should Know.
  3. Learn about cutting-edge research on space structures and the potential for humanity's first space civilization from StarTalk.