The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Sit Down and Be Sorted

Kneeling Bus • 146 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Social media and airport lounges both turn personal worth into visible status tiers, making people feel measured and sometimes excluded.
  2. Lounges have spread beyond airports into other public places, becoming branded hangouts where access signals privilege more than actual need.
  3. Companies create and maintain these spaces so people ‘marinate’ in a brand, turning presence and attention into a gamified hierarchy of status.

I wouldn't market to Gen-Z in 2026 without knowing these stats and insights

The Social Juice • 88 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Gen Z builds trust through access and shareability. Brands earn that trust by being transparent, giving real access to spaces or experiences, and making things easy to share with friends.
  2. Gen Z lives on social platforms where clips and "platformers" rule, so creators who package people and moments drive attention. Brands should post ritual content (mornings, bedtime, seasonal) and focus on platforming/clipping strategies while watching the news cycle for brand safety.
  3. Many young people feel a sense of doom and treat spending like gambling, choosing small "little treats" over long-term savings. Marketers need to account for mental‑health and financial anxiety by designing offers, pricing, and loyalty that match short‑term joy and cautious trust.

IG meme pages rejoice!

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2567 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Meta's content moderation has had too many mistakes, often removing harmless posts by creators. They want to improve how they enforce rules to protect free expression.
  2. Memes and funny content, especially on Instagram, have been heavily affected by Meta’s strict moderation. Creators are frustrated with the inability to distinguish between humor and real misinformation.
  3. The conversation around internet freedom is changing, with voices like Joe Rogan suggesting that recent shifts in moderation policies are paving the way for more free speech. However, many argue that these changes started before recent events.

The self(ie)

The Free Mind • 1572 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Social media is turning people into everyday propagandists.
  2. Filters on apps can drastically alter people's perceptions of themselves.
  3. Consider the impact of social media and filters on self-image.
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On Hatereading as Method

The Future, Now and Then • 152 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
📚 Literature Social media
  1. Ridicule can be a powerful tool for critiquing elite ideas; reading what powerful people actually say and pointing out how it makes no sense is a useful way to push back when other levers are limited.
  2. Short, screenshot-driven live threads let readers react in the moment, riff on tangents, and work out critical analysis more spontaneously than formal reviews, making them both method and entertainment.
  3. Hatereading works best when selective and balanced: aim it at books that punch upward, keep it to a small portion of your reading, and complement it with careful, positive criticism elsewhere.

My afternoon with The Rizzler

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2955 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The Rizzler is a popular third grader who went viral on social media and maintains a normal life despite his fame. His dad supports him but has no plans to push a long-term online career for him.
  2. Using tech like 'dumb phones' won't solve problems with technology use; people need to learn how to manage their time and choices better instead. It’s more about personal control rather than blaming gadgets.
  3. Sam Altman is trying to make an eye-scanning orb a reality for verifying identities with AI, although it's facing challenges like getting people to use it. They're now offering delivery for these orbs, similar to food delivery.

Platforms Redux

Agents and Books • 1533 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
💼 Business Social media
  1. A platform connects you to readers and can lead to sales.
  2. Platforms are not just limited to social media; spread your presence to reach readers better.
  3. Different authors need different platforms based on their genre and audience.

Colleen Ballinger’s apology song was the last gasp of old YouTube

Embedded • 1533 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Colleen Ballinger's apology song on YouTube was criticized for trivializing serious allegations and being dated.
  2. Creators should learn to evolve with the industry to sustain success, beyond just relying on one viral schtick.
  3. Ballinger's response to allegations highlights the importance of adapting to changes in online behavior and audience expectations.

Group chats, AI girlfriends and algorithmic culture

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 838 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Mormon women have had a significant impact on internet culture, particularly through the popularization of products like the Stanley tumbler.
  2. The shift in caffeine consumption among Mormons in 2012 led to the growth of a soda culture, influencing trends like 'dirty sodas' and impacting products like Stanley tumblers.
  3. Mormon women's strong emphasis on family, combined with the openness of the internet, allowed them to become influential mommy bloggers and shape internet content with a focus on lifestyle and family values.

Experiences Quitting Twitter

Something to Consider • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Quitting Twitter can be easier than you think. After a short period of craving, you might find more freedom and productivity.
  2. Removing social media entirely might be more effective than just cutting back. It's like going on a strict diet; all or nothing might work better for habits you want to change.
  3. After cutting out Twitter, you might feel an initial sense of anxiety but it can quickly turn into a sense of relief and focus, helping you pursue more meaningful activities.

This Week in Marketing: TikTok changes policy, Meta pauses AI, and Elon opens X’s algorithm

The Social Juice • 56 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. AI features are exploding across platforms, with creators and companies adopting AI likenesses, tools, and agentic shopping. That growth is sparking safety, privacy, and regulatory concerns, especially around teens and deepfakes.
  2. TikTok’s U.S. joint venture and new tracking tools (precise location pixels and Shop logistics changes) are reshaping how user data and commerce are handled. Those moves are increasing privacy and age‑verification worries for regulators, advertisers, and parents.
  3. Major platforms are changing business models and opening up parts of their tech — for example X’s partial open‑source algorithm and new ad formats from Meta, YouTube, Apple and Google. This shift raises competition and transparency while putting pressure on creators and advertisers to adapt.

Open Thread 353

Astral Codex Ten • 2821 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. People are questioning the optimism around solar power's future, showing that not everyone agrees on its potential. This discussion is happening after a recent conference.
  2. There's a bootcamp for learning about quantitative trading happening soon, but it's not designed to make you rich or improve job prospects in that field. It's more for those who just want to learn out of interest.
  3. The host is planning to limit advertising for events unless they're really important. This is to keep things focused and avoid overwhelming everyone with promotions.

Emperor Elon

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2082 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Elon Musk has gained power in a unique way, without violence or conflict. He built a strong following through innovation and technology.
  2. His influence spans many industries and affects political agendas around the world. People seem to eagerly support him, almost like he's a leader.
  3. The transformation of Twitter into 'X' marked a big change, showing how Musk can reshape platforms and communities. This shift surprised many who thought it would fail.

New: Shocking From Taibbi

FOIA Around And Find Out • 1493 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Some Twitter accounts were banned without a clear explanation, leading to suspicion of being flagged for political reasons.
  2. State Department officials requested Twitter to remove accounts based on claims of being Russian-controlled, without concrete evidence.
  3. The situation raises concerns about information warfare and the targeting of accounts for sharing content related to Russiagate or Hunter Biden.

Self-aware villains, tech secessionists and a theory for why everything's getting worse

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 718 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The Facebook party album from 2008 was a unique sociological spectacle that reflected youth relationships and friendships
  2. Social media platforms have evolved in how they enable users to navigate and express their friendships, from Facebook to Instagram Stories
  3. Modern digital signals of relational closeness, like group chats and Instagram grid posts, continue to play significant roles in mapping friendships

Psychopathy and low cognitive ability

Klement on Investing • 8 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🔬 Science Social media
  1. A large survey across eight countries found people with higher cognitive ability were generally more likely to take part in online political discussions.
  2. However, among people with lower cognitive ability, those with higher psychopathic traits were especially likely to participate. People with high psychopathy and low cognitive ability are overrepresented in online political debates.
  3. Social media and message boards often become toxic and are dominated by extreme, loud personalities, so when someone online triggers you it's often best to assume they fit that pattern and move on.

The newest AI slop on Facebook exploits suburban fear

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2746 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  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: Stephen Totilo

Embedded • 825 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Stephen Totilo, the Game File founder, is not into comedy.
  2. He enjoys watching TikToks, specifically a guy in Japan pretending to be an NPC in Grand Theft Auto.
  3. Stephen Totilo focuses on journalism about gaming, relying on Twitter for news and finding joy offline.

Childhood and Education #8: Dealing with the Internet

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🚌 Education Social media
  1. Smartphones in schools are a big distraction, and many people think they should be banned. Too many notifications from social apps during class just makes it hard for kids to focus.
  2. Social media can harm kids, especially girls, by exposing them to things like cyberbullying and unwanted advances. Many parents want more safety and protection for their children online.
  3. There's a scary trend called sextortion where scammers take advantage of kids online. It's important for parents to talk to their kids about it so they know how to handle such situations.

Gamifying the Self for Status and Profit

Freddie deBoer • 5847 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Web 2.0 principles underlying online platforms can be toxic and damaging to journalism and media.
  2. The pressure for individuals in the reporting and opinionating business to be on Twitter created a culture where tweeting was perceived as necessary for existence in the industry.
  3. Twitter and similar constant mass-broadcasting services can lead to peer pressure, conformity, and hinder independence of thought in journalism and commentary.

How to Want Things Again

The Algorithmic Bridge • 785 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Our brains love the endless cycle of scrolling through social media more than actually watching content. We get hooked on the idea of what's next rather than what we're currently seeing.
  2. To change this habit, we can trick our brains into wanting healthier activities by consciously choosing to replace old vices with new, positive ones like reading or exercising.
  3. Fear of losing out on a fulfilling life can push us to take action. Reflecting on what we might lose if we don't change can motivate us to move away from a zombie-like existence.

How to Create a Strong Online Reputation for Your Business

Nail It and Scale It • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
💼 Business Social media
  1. Having a strong Google My Business page is crucial. It helps people find your business and leaves a good first impression.
  2. Make sure to gather positive reviews on key sites like Glassdoor and Trustpilot. These reviews can really influence potential customers and new employees.
  3. Regularly check your online reputation and respond to any negative comments. Keeping an eye on your brand helps you maintain a good image and shows you care.

Obsessed with virtue signalling

antoniomelonio • 106 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. People substitute gestures for real change, performing moral purity with slogans and selfies instead of building long-term power or policy.
  2. Protests, charity, and public outrage are often curated performances—consumable, brand-safe acts that release guilt but avoid risk, organization, or structural disruption.
  3. The result is political sterility: righteous signaling and binary demonizing destroy leverage, neutralize dissent, and prevent meaningful reforms.

Offer accepted

Off to Lunch • 687 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💼 Business Social media
  1. Barratt Developments is acquiring Redrow in a £2.5 billion deal, creating the largest housebuilder in the UK
  2. The all-share deal values Redrow's shares at a 27% premium, with Barratt shareholders owning 67.2% of the new company
  3. The merger expects to save up to £90 million in annual costs and position Redrow as the premium housing brand within the group

Halloween has gone full brain rot

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2597 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Halloween costumes are now often based on internet memes, reflecting how much online culture influences our lives. Instead of traditional costumes, many people dress as viral moments or characters from social media.
  2. The trend of meme costumes can create confusion and alienation at Halloween parties. Costumes that depend on obscure references can make it hard for people to connect and enjoy the holiday together.
  3. Despite some people wanting a return to classic costumes, meme costumes allow for more creativity and self-expression. They let us remember and reflect on our shared experiences in today's internet-driven world.

On Speaking Up Against Racism

The Soup • 727 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The author reflects on a past experience of being called out for racism
  2. The incident led to a moment of humility and self-reflection
  3. The author acknowledges the importance of understanding and learning from such experiences

The Price of Pursuing the Truth About Transgender Medicine. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2045 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Jesse Singal faced threats on Bluesky after writing about youth gender transition, showing that even in 'kind' social networks, anger exists.
  2. Abigail Shrier, also targeted for her work on transgender issues, has seen her concerns validated as more countries and states impose restrictions on gender treatments for minors.
  3. The Kurds worry they might be abandoned again by the U.S., fearing violence from Turkish-backed forces as their relationship with America continues to be tested.

The Facebook Boomer reactor core

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 865 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Meta is launching a new AI feature that shares private conversations from users, which can be quite personal and sensitive.
  2. This tool shows that there's a mix of excitement and concern about privacy on social media, especially with big platforms like Facebook.
  3. It highlights the ongoing struggles we face with technology—balancing connection and privacy in our online lives.

A reflection on my journey to LinkedIn Top Voice [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 778 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business Social media
  1. Sharing your work and thoughts on platforms like LinkedIn can have a positive impact on your career by positioning you as a reliable source of high-quality information.
  2. Approach building your presence on different social media platforms individually as each has its own nuances and strategies for success.
  3. Reflect on your experiences and learnings regularly to adapt and refine your approach to maximizing your presence on platforms like LinkedIn.

The Censors’ Henchmen

COVID Reason • 1963 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Censorship is about denying citizens access to information.
  2. The Censorship Industrial Complex involves powerful government agencies, NGOs, and corporations.
  3. Government officials like Rob Flaherty have suppressed free speech for political power.

The Brand Savior Complex and the New Age of Self Censorship

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
💼 Business Social media
  1. Brands are trying to become media and 'save' communities by farming attention with events and content, but that’s a short-term patch that won’t build durable value and often replaces real public solutions.
  2. People are self-censoring and changing how they speak to avoid sounding like AI or performative, driven by algorithms and social policing, which undermines honest feedback and makes social listening less reliable.
  3. Real brand growth needs distribution, product experience, and meaningful actions rather than celebrity stunts, irony, or nostalgia — the flood of gambling ads shows how careless marketing can normalize harm.