The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Why So Many People Told Me To Kill Myself This Weekend

Singal-Minded • 1644 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
📰 News Online Harassment Journalism Podcasts Social media Ethics
  1. The author received harsh and disturbing responses online, including calls to kill themselves, after tweeting about an issue they disagreed with.
  2. There was a situation where a podcast misinterpreted and misrepresented a doctor's recommendation regarding hormone treatment for a transgender individual, leading to a Twitter controversy.
  3. The author faced escalating online harassment and suicide-baiting from certain individuals and their followers, highlighting the toxic nature of social media interactions.

Fixing the Web with Warning Labels?

Unmoderated Insights • 59 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Public Health Policy Analysis Censorship
  1. The U.S. Surgeon General is suggesting that social media should have warning labels. This idea is controversial because it assumes social media only causes negative effects, while it can also have positive impacts.
  2. Warning labels might not stop people from using social media and could even backfire by making them more curious or anxious. Past experiences with fear-based campaigns show that they don't always work as intended.
  3. These warning labels might shift focus from the companies responsible for harmful designs to the users, putting pressure on parents instead of changing how social media platforms operate.
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One year of Substack Notes—now with video and external embeds

Substack • 702 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Social media Publishing Content creation Digital marketing 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.

‘I Would Prefer Not To’...

Breaking the News • 1603 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Economy Media Coverage Supreme Court
  1. James Fallows prefers not to sign up with Threads due to reasons like ownership concerns, user interface preferences, and lack of critical mass in comparison to other platforms.
  2. James Fallows prefers not to write further about the 'Lab Leak', citing coverage by David Quammen in the New York Times Magazine on Covid's origin mysteries and the importance of the origin question.
  3. James Fallows prefers not to write about where the economy is headed or media coverage related to the economy at this time.

Who Is Reading Even for Anymore?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 881 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Books Social media
  1. Books serve a dual role: for story and as performance props, influencing how we are perceived.
  2. Reading has shifted from a private activity to a public performance, especially influenced by social media and digital culture.
  3. There is a growing divide between readers who quietly enjoy books and public readers who read for an audience, shaping modern book culture.

The Last Days of Discourse

Unpopular Front • 78 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Public Discourse Social media Civil Society
  1. The media landscape seems diverse but is actually dominated by sensationalism and noise, making it hard for people to have meaningful discussions.
  2. There's a belief among some tech leaders that technological progress must come with a strict social order, rejecting equality movements like civil rights and feminism.
  3. Social media might actually be creating new forms of community rather than weakening them, but the political elite is struggling to adapt to these rapid changes.

What happened in marketing: Reddit is more AI, Instagram is better and Agency chaos: IPGxOmnicom

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media Technology Trends
  1. Reddit is improving its search features with AI, making it easier for users to find answers and content. This change could enhance the overall experience of using the platform.
  2. Instagram is rolling out new features, like Trial Reels, to engage users more effectively. These updates aim to keep the platform fresh and appealing.
  3. The agency landscape is changing with big mergers, like Omnicom acquiring IPG. This could mean more competition and innovation in marketing strategies.

TikTok in Romania

Never Met a Science • 44 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Influence Social media Elections International relations Sovereignty
  1. Control of social media platforms is critical for national politics. Countries need to ensure they can manage the information shared on these platforms to protect their sovereignty.
  2. Influencers can significantly impact political campaigns, especially on platforms like TikTok. Targeted content can boost a candidate's visibility and sway public opinion quickly.
  3. The global reach of social media poses risks to smaller countries. Many nations may lack the resources to effectively combat misinformation or foreign influence on these platforms.

What’s up with…? - Part 4: Douyin Local Services

Tech Buzz China Insider • 279 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media E-commerce Updates
  1. Douyin, the Chinese sibling of TikTok, has expanded its reach by offering local services to its huge user base.
  2. The competition between Douyin and Meituan highlights the aggressive nature of Chinese internet companies.
  3. This update showcases a possible future for TikTok as it follows the path charted by Douyin in monetizing and expanding its services.

Join me on Notes

The Fintech Blueprint • 491 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Notes on Substack is a new way to share links, posts, quotes, photos, and more.
  2. Visit substack.com/notes to join the platform and interact with content.
  3. Subscribers to Fintech Blueprint automatically see notes; can like, reply, or share.

A typology of the social media feed

12challenges • 514 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media Design AI
  1. Social media feeds have evolved towards a TikTok model, focusing on varied content over personal connections.
  2. The design aspects like full-screen, infinite scroll, and autoplay play a significant role in the success of the social media feed model.
  3. Analyzing the evolution of social media through a typology can help understand past shifts and predict future trends, like the influence of AI.

‘Pronoun Illness’ 🤔

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 99 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Data Privacy Content creation Ethics
  1. LinkedIn's AI flagged a post as unsafe, causing some users to question the technology's bias. It's raising concerns about how social media platforms control content.
  2. There are calls for developing technology in India to avoid being influenced by foreign political agendas. People want more control over their digital spaces.
  3. OpenAI is working on a new tool called Media Manager. This tool will help creators manage how their work is used in AI training, aiming for more respect for their choices.

The existential problems with Threads

Hot Takes • 471 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Privacy User Behavior Content Moderation Financial Incentives
  1. Threads faces challenges in attracting users away from established platforms due to oversaturation and user fatigue.
  2. The lack of financial incentives for users on Threads puts it at a disadvantage in a landscape where users value their time and content.
  3. Privacy concerns, trust issues, and the risk of censorship could deter users from joining Threads, impacting its success.

Dating as a Digital Performance

Many Such Cases • 879 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Dating Relationships Identity Content creation
  1. Dating apps are often treated like content platforms instead of tools for finding real connections. Many people care more about creating catchy social media posts than actually getting to know someone.
  2. Sharing personal dating experiences online can distort the purpose of dating. When everything becomes fodder for online discussion, it can lead to unrealistic expectations and self-consciousness while dating.
  3. It's okay to not want to go out with someone based on their date location. But sharing every little criticism publicly can take away from genuine experiences and may not be necessary.

Are you leaving Twitter/X?

Men Yell at Me • 168 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Trends User Behavior Online Privacy
  1. Many people have been leaving Twitter/X since the recent election. They are trying out other platforms like BlueSky or Instagram.
  2. Some people are considering taking a break from social media altogether. Others might even think about disconnecting completely and going off the grid.
  3. The post invites readers to share their own plans for social media over the next four years, encouraging a conversation about online presence.

Polarization and social media : how it works and what we can fix

techandsocialcohesion • 199 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media Algorithm Design Tech governance Peacebuilding
  1. Companies on social media make money when users stay longer, often through engaging and polarizing content.
  2. Algorithmic extremism on social media rewards and amplifies extremist content, resulting in more polarization in conversations.
  3. Promoting pro-social design governance and tools on social media can help build cohesion, encourage understanding, and bring out the best in humanity.

Why I’m staying on Twitter/X

The Path Not Taken • 198 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Social media Election Impact Public Opinion
  1. Some people are leaving Twitter/X because they are unhappy with Elon Musk's influence, especially regarding politics. Many worry about the site's changes and direction.
  2. Staying on the platform allows users to engage with its diverse community, which has existed even before Musk. There's a belief that leaving could give up the chance to shape conversations that happen there.
  3. Critics of Musk should be careful not to isolate themselves. A lot of people still use Twitter/X for non-political content, and staying might help keep progressive voices active on the platform.

Import AI 335: Synth data is a bad AI drug; Facebook changes the internet with LLaMa release; and Chinese researchers use AI to figure out chip design

Import AI • 459 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Data Social media Semiconductors AI Ethics
  1. Synthetic data during AI training can be harmful if not used in moderation, as shown by researchers from Rice University and Stanford University
  2. Chinese researchers have successfully used AI to design semiconductors based only on input and output data, demonstrating the potential for economic and national security implications
  3. Facebook has released Llama 2, a powerful language model with freely available weights, potentially changing the landscape of AI deployment on the internet

Rage against the machine

Logging the World • 458 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Monetization Audience Building Online behavior
  1. The competition for attention on social media has evolved over time, with platforms now offering monetary rewards for content creators based on ad views.
  2. Twitter's new payment system incentivizes generating 5 million page impressions in 3 months, potentially leading to a culture of provocative and controversial content for profit.
  3. Platforms like Substack provide an alternative space for creators to build an audience and share longer, thoughtful pieces outside the cycle of inflammatory content and hate clicks.

How to Get Boosted on Medium (with Insider Interview)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 619 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🚌 Education Writing Tips Online Learning Content creation Social media Digital Platforms
  1. Medium can boost your stories, giving them more views and exposure. Some writers have seen their stories gain 100,000 views and more, meaning good potential for recognition.
  2. There are five key criteria to get a story Boosted: it should be constructive, original, share relevant experience, be well-crafted, and memorable. Using these tips can increase your chances of being seen.
  3. Adding a human touch to your writing can make a big difference. While algorithms help, connecting with readers on an emotional level is what truly makes a story stand out.

Et tu, Substack?

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Platforms User Experience Online Communities Content creation
  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.

The Work of Being Mid

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 235 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Engagement Trolling Digital Communication Viral Content
  1. In social media, using terms like 'mid' is a powerful way to engage audiences and spark conversation.
  2. Challenging people's preferences by calling something 'mid' can create personalized interactions and provoke reactions.
  3. Provocative social media tactics like 'mid' posts blur the line between criticism and trolling, garner engagement, and maintain relevance.

Artificial Inconvenience

coldhealing • 452 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Monetization User Experience Platform Competition
  1. Twitter implemented restrictions on interaction with posts containing Substack links to compete with Substack Notes.
  2. Platforms strive for dominance and monetization through user retention and restricting links to other platforms.
  3. Despite challenges and artificial inconveniences on social media, users seek diverse platforms for different purposes.

The Theory of the Leisure Class on Instagram

quite useless • 452 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Artificial Intelligence Fashion Satire
  1. The internet phase of culture is driven by recursion, accelerating social cycles and shifting tastes rapidly.
  2. Instagram has evolved from reflecting real-world consumption and leisure to a curated space for projecting digital honorific waste.
  3. Strategies such as humor, conspicuous crap, hypercuration, and outsourcing signal a shift away from the pursuit of illusory perfection on Instagram.

Introducing video to Substack Chat

Substack • 501 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Social media Video content Content creation Online Communities Digital Communication
  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.

The Year Narrative Ate Reality

Kyla’s Newsletter • 128 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
💼 Business Market Trends Technology impact Social media Automation
  1. In 2024, stories became more important than actual events. The way we talk and think about things is now shaping reality instead of just reflecting it.
  2. Social media and algorithms heavily influence our lives and decisions. They can connect us but also create anxiety and a feeling of emptiness, especially among young people.
  3. Automation and technology offer progress but also threaten jobs and meaning in our lives. It's crucial to find a balance and use these tools to enhance human creativity and connection.

Has TikTok improved its revenue share for creators?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Social media Content creation Revenue Models Digital marketing
  1. TikTok has raised its revenue share for creators, allowing them to earn more money for their popular videos. This is a big improvement compared to past payment models where payouts were very low.
  2. Many creators and entrepreneurs are finding success by selling products related to their content, showing that building a brand can lead to financial opportunities beyond just ad revenue.
  3. Platforms like Google Discover are helping publishers counteract declines in traffic from traditional search, showing the changing landscape of content distribution and discovery.

For You

Conspirador Norteño • 44 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media Algorithms Data Analysis User Experience Content curation
  1. The 'For You' feed on X shows mostly posts from accounts you don't follow. In fact, more than half of the recommended posts come from these unfamiliar sources.
  2. Elon Musk's posts are the most frequently suggested, even to users who do not follow him. This indicates that trending figures often dominate the recommendation algorithm.
  3. Connections between suggested accounts are mostly based on repost interactions. Most recommended accounts have links to the ones you already follow, showing a network effect.