The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Could Trump Buy TikTok?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Government Social media
  1. Trump, who initially started the anti-TikTok movement, now supports a plan to save the app. This shows how opinions can change based on circumstances.
  2. There is a looming deadline for TikTok's future, which has sparked conversations about its potential sale or shutdown. Time is running out for a resolution.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is important, and it helps provide access to in-depth stories and commentary on significant issues. Subscribing can help maintain this kind of journalism.
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Four unpersuasive arguments against TikTok

Read Max • 1132 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Media Analysis Entertainment Books Content creation
  1. There are four unpersuasive arguments for banning TikTok, including concerns about Chinese manipulation, user data security, trade war retaliation, and societal impact not related to China.
  2. MrBeast's transparency with his audience about YouTube business models and growth strategies sets a new standard for authenticity in online content creation.
  3. The future of YouTube and media content creation may shift towards authenticity and relatability, reminiscent of TikTok's success, moving away from the professionalized approach of current YouTube stars like MrBeast.

The NPC Question 4: I Have No Mind and I Must Think

Egg Report • 1238 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Technology Behavior Communication Identity
  1. The concept of 'NPC' explores a reported lack of internal monologue and the impact of social media on cognition and thinking processes.
  2. Engaging in social media performances like recording oneself and seeking validation may lead to weakening internal reflection and dependence on external validation.
  3. The use of smartphones and social media can contribute to a sense of brain damage, hindering genuine self-expression and promoting a cycle of self-performance and externalized thinking.

Here are 13 Other Explanations For The Adolescent Mental Health Crisis. None of Them Work.

After Babel • 2133 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Technology Youth Issues Social media Schooling
  1. Smartphones and social media are the main factors behind the adolescent mental health crisis.
  2. The decline in independence among children and teens may be a contributing factor to the rise in teen depression, but it works in conjunction with smartphones and social media.
  3. Alternative explanations such as increased academic pressure or lack of places to hang out do not fully explain the significant increase in teen depression rates.

Anatomy of a Fact Check

Machine Learning Everything • 459 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fact-checking Social media Freedom of Speech Public Policy
  1. Fact checks can be biased in what they choose to examine and how they define the claims. This means they may not always provide a clear or balanced picture.
  2. In a recent case, an 11-year-old was arrested, but it was for violent disorder and not for posting mean tweets. This shows how information can get misinterpreted.
  3. There are indeed laws in Britain against sending offensive messages online, highlighting that some people can face serious consequences for their posts, even if it seems extreme.

The internet is for 12-year-olds

Read Max • 2950 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation YouTube Internet culture Online Platforms
  1. Many content creators online are pressured to create content aimed at 12-year-olds due to the large number in the audience.
  2. Internet platforms lack adult mediation between young viewers and content creators, leading to a focus on adolescent content.
  3. Successful creators may reintroduce wholesome content into the online sphere, standing out in a sea of material targeting younger audiences.

Your Attention Has Been STOLEN | Peter Boghossian & Johann Hari

Peter Boghossian • 609 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media Algorithms Interpersonal Relationships Democracy
  1. Johann Hari and Peter Boghossian discuss the impact of technology addiction on attention spans and society.
  2. They emphasize the role of social media in capturing attention and keeping users engaged through algorithms.
  3. The shortened attention spans affect relationships, political engagement, and democracy.

the porkulous is dead

bad cattitude • 336 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Social media Governance Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Social media changed how people discuss and analyze big bills. Instead of waiting for Congress to pass a bill without scrutiny, people can now quickly share and dissect it online.
  2. More eyes on a problem means faster and better solutions. With many people looking at a bill, issues can be spotted and addressed almost instantly, making it harder for Congress to sneak in unwanted parts.
  3. The rise of social media has empowered everyday people to hold Congress accountable. Now, representatives who engage with social media can access real-time feedback from their constituents, leading to stronger governance.

Video Game Thoughts Bonus Bag #4

The Bottom Feeder • 339 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Entertainment Music Art Social media
  1. Not many gamers know about online game controversies. Most people play games without getting involved in drama on social media.
  2. UFO50 is great for learning game design by showing how to make fun games without unnecessary complexity. It invites players to think about what really matters in game design.
  3. AI could really improve experiences at parks like Disney, but people might misuse it for funny or mean content, making it a tricky situation.

January 2024 - The story so far...

Development Hell • 631 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Screenwriting TV shows Social media
  1. The life of a screenwriter is filled with surprises, challenges, disasters, and triumphs, constantly learning new aspects of the business and ways to work and cope.
  2. The television industry is currently facing turmoil due to various factors like Covid, WGA strike, and Wall Street, making it difficult for new projects to materialize, but classics like The West Wing, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Battlestar Galactica remain timeless.
  3. New tools like Plottr for novelists and screenwriters or strategies like time-blocking mornings for writing and afternoons for other tasks can enhance productivity and creativity.

⬜ Beyond the search engine

One Thing • 573 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Search Engines Algorithms Internet Social media Data Privacy
  1. Utilize small, alternative search engines that offer unique approaches not influenced by market trends
  2. Consider using unconventional methods when searching, such as leveraging platforms like Reddit for information
  3. Prioritize authentic search experiences, focusing on genuine connections and unique discoveries rather than catering solely to algorithms

The Point Of Posting | #286

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 246 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Writing Social media Community Creativity Personal Growth
  1. Posting online can be really rewarding, as it helps people sharpen their ideas and connect with others. It’s like brainstorming with a big group, which can boost creativity.
  2. However, it can also attract negativity as audiences grow, which can make sharing ideas feel overwhelming. It’s important to stay focused on personal goals and connections amidst the noise.
  3. The online space for sharing ideas has changed a lot, making it harder for new voices to be heard. Despite this, continuing to write and share is still a valuable endeavor, even if the environment is different.

Why the largest creators are bypassing traditional book publishers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Publishing Digital Social media
  1. Many big creators are skipping traditional book publishers. They can earn much more money by self-publishing their books instead.
  2. Companies are starting to focus more on engaging their subscribers through mobile apps. This helps keep people interested and less likely to cancel subscriptions.
  3. Creators like Kai Cenat are making huge money through platforms like Twitch. This shows how individuals can now earn as much as, or more than, traditional celebrities.

What happened in marketing: Meta is cooked, Microsoft goes big and TikTok's last hope

The Social Juice • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Technology Investments Social media AI
  1. Microsoft is investing heavily in AI, planning to put $80 billion into data centers this year. This shows their commitment to growing their technology influence.
  2. Meta is facing serious challenges and has decided to remove certain AI character accounts, signaling struggles in their strategy.
  3. TikTok is in a critical situation and needs to find new ways to maintain its user engagement and popularity.

Solving the Social Dilemma: Many Paths to Social Media Reform

After Babel • 1610 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Social media Policy Solutions Youth Mental Health
  1. Laws are crucial for solving collective action problems like those caused by social media companies exploiting users.
  2. Historical examples show that coordinated efforts from various groups can solve complex issues like worker safety in factories.
  3. Proposed social media reforms include content-based, age-gating, and design-based solutions to address harms, aiming for a more humane tech future.

Gaza 2.0 – The World’s First Digital Genocide

Pen>Sword • 898 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Genocide Social media Palestine Human Rights Media
  1. The emergence of social media has revolutionized how protests can be carried out, offering virtual platforms for those in authoritarian nations where physical protests are impossible.
  2. Social media platforms showcase and even justify genocides, with images and videos of Gaza representing a new level of instant and widespread exposure to violence.
  3. Viewers today are exposed to graphic content from conflict zones in real time, leading to desensitization and a dangerous normalizing of human tragedy on social media.

Who to Follow on LinkedIn and X for A.I. Knowledge & News (repost)

AI Supremacy • 530 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Newsletter Influencers Tech Trends
  1. The post provides lists of AI experts to follow on LinkedIn and Twitter for the latest insights.
  2. The recommended individuals include researchers, authors, builders, journalists, and more in the AI field.
  3. Following these experts can offer valuable breaking news and insights in AI, aligning with the latest trends and discussions.

Checking in on Twitter

Read Max • 2186 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Social media Tech industry Competitors
  1. The state of Twitter following Elon Musk's acquisition is still uncertain, with questions about website functionality, business sustainability, and user engagement remaining unanswered.
  2. Although Musk announced plans to eliminate the block function on Twitter, it seems like a questionable idea that may not actually materialize.
  3. Changes in Twitter's culture have been observed, with a shift towards tech industry influencers, impacting the dynamics of stories and discussions on the platform.

Thus ends my Twitter addiction

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media AI Impact Digital Communication Data Analysis
  1. The author has become less fond of Twitter due to its negative impact on news gathering, especially during events like the LA fires. They now prefer niche subreddits for information.
  2. AI is causing tech companies to stop hiring new staff as they optimize productivity with technology, which may affect job growth in the industry.
  3. The slowdown in hiring at big tech companies could lower the value of talent in acquihire situations, affecting startup exit strategies.

Failing Upward at the State Department

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1896 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Afghanistan Middle East Social media Canada United States
  1. The U.S. diplomatic pullout from Afghanistan left many allies stranded, showing a failure in leadership.
  2. The Biden administration faces challenges in responding to attacks in Jordan by Iranian proxies, highlighting the complexity of foreign policy decisions.
  3. Farmers across Europe, like the French farmers in Paris, are protesting over issues like rising costs and green regulations, showcasing a trend of rural discontent.

The $94,900 X account

Conspirador Norteño • 12 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Assets Online Marketing Cryptocurrency
  1. Buying a social media account like @crypt0mutant for $94,900 is a risky move. There's a good chance it won't work out and the account might get banned.
  2. These accounts have a history of being renamed and repurposed, which makes it hard to trust them. Many followers might not even be real.
  3. The accounts post repetitive replies and promote random crypto coins, but they don't get much engagement. This suggests their followers aren't very active or interested.

I Suffer From Platform Fatigue and I Bet You Do Too (Without Knowing It)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 999 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Social media Platforms User Experience Trends Digital Culture
  1. Many people feel overwhelmed by constant changes and new social media platforms. It's tiring to keep up with what each one offers.
  2. Users experience a sense of loss when platforms change or delete their content. This frustration adds to the fatigue of using these platforms.
  3. The rapid evolution of social media can lead to confusion and a feeling of disconnect. It can be hard to find a platform that meets your needs consistently.

Meta's surrender, Walmart brand refresh and Heineken's brand genius

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Advertising Social media Trends
  1. Meta's recent changes haven’t affected most businesses because their content moderation was already lacking. Many users are concerned about hate speech and adult content getting out of control as Meta steps back.
  2. Walmart is refreshing its brand with small changes to appear more friendly, but it's more about their recent collaborations and less about a big transformation. This reflects the trend of brands wanting to look welcoming without really changing much.
  3. Heineken is working hard to connect with Gen-Z by addressing loneliness and promoting a positive drinking culture. Their creative campaigns are helping them stay relevant, even as younger audiences trend towards less alcohol consumption.

Harry Potter and the Magical Phone

After Babel • 1471 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books Technology Social media Youth Education
  1. Harry Potter story reimagined for Gen Z revealing the impact of social media on mental health.
  2. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok can contribute to issues like depression, distorted views, and unrealistic expectations.
  3. The story emphasizes the importance of protecting young individuals from the potential dangers of unrestricted access to online content.

The Creator Credibility Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Podcasts Content creation Influencer
  1. Having a camera crew or a podcast mic can add authority and credibility to a content creator.
  2. The visual presentation, like a podcast mic in shot, can influence perceptions of credibility even if the content itself is not impactful.
  3. Demonstrating credibility in the creator economy is crucial, and visual cues like microphones are a modern way to achieve it.

How writers and creators are using the Substack app to publish from anywhere

Substack • 605 implied HN points • 20 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Mobile Apps Publishing Content creation User Experience Social media
  1. The Substack mobile editor is now available for Android, allowing writers to publish posts from anywhere. This lets users share their ideas whenever inspiration strikes, whether they're on the move or relaxing at home.
  2. Since launching the mobile editor, many creators are posting from unexpected places, which adds a fun and personal touch to their writing. They have shared personal stories and insights while being in unique locations.
  3. The app aims to keep improving its features and matching the web editor's capabilities. This means users can look forward to more tools and options to enhance their writing experience on mobile.