The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Microsoft, Google Q1 results

Martin’s Newsletter • 668 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
💼 Business Social media
  1. Microsoft and Google had good Q1 results, which is positive news for corporate America.
  2. Microsoft excelled in the 'more personal computing' division and investors are focused on the Cloud.
  3. Google's advertising business had a flat quarter and faces challenges with product development in AI.

My Fake AI Problem

John’s Substack • 17 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. AI-generated fake videos can be so convincing that even people who know the subject well may be fooled.
  2. This is a widespread problem affecting many public figures, and platform enforcement struggles mean removing fakes often feels like a whack-a-mole effort.
  3. There may not be a clear solution yet, so everyone should stay alert and verify videos before trusting or sharing them.

Do politicians need Legos to explain housing on social media?

The New Urban Order • 219 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Using creative and simple methods, like Legos, can effectively convey complex topics like housing supply and demand to a wider audience on social media.
  2. Politicians can make their housing messages more engaging by focusing on simple but impactful messages, avoiding getting lost in technical details.
  3. Creating approachable and visually appealing social media content can help elevate the dialogue around housing issues and engage a broader audience in the conversation.

Don't Let The Vampire In

Reactionary Feminist • 30 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Engagement-driven algorithms reward strong emotions—especially anger, fear, or sex—which makes addictive, attention-seeking content spread fastest.
  2. Getting pulled into online fights or drama gives a quick ego hit but drains your focus, joy, and peace, so replying often costs more than it’s worth.
  3. Prevention is better than cure: set personal rules and stay grounded in real life (regular routines, physical activity, quiet or spiritual practices) to avoid getting sucked in.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Momfluencer Who Went to Jail

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 867 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Ruby Franke, a social media influencer, was arrested for child abuse after her son showed signs of neglect. This case shines a light on the darker side of online parenting.
  2. Her daughter Shari has shared her experiences growing up, highlighting the difference between Ruby's public persona and the reality at home.
  3. The situation raises questions about the impact of sharing family life online and how it can hide serious issues beneath the surface.

Pessimistic prospects for a democratic resurgence

Brain Pizza • 860 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Democracy is facing tough challenges, especially from technology and social media. These platforms can create confusion and division among people.
  2. There is a concern that neuroscience and psychology are being used against us in a way that harms democratic values. This means that our minds can be influenced to think in ways that aren't helpful.
  3. While some believe there is a chance for improvement in democracy, the outlook remains pretty negative right now. It's hard to see how we will overcome these obstacles.

Why Every China Watcher Must Be on WeChat

Pekingnology • 305 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. WeChat is the main app for communication in China. If you're not using it, you might miss important conversations and connections.
  2. WeChat is not just for chatting; it combines many apps into one. You can read news, share content, shop, and even pay for services all through WeChat.
  3. A lot of information and discussions happen only on WeChat, so being outside of it means missing out on key updates and insights from Chinese society.

Inside the Manosphere (2026)

The Author Is Dumb • 1 implied HN point • 15 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. He used to excel at humanising fringe subjects while still holding them to account, but in recent specials he shifts toward harder journalism and often produces reductive films that don’t capture complex contexts.
  2. The manosphere film struggles because its subjects are media‑savvy and rarely slip up, it misses key figures and an intended arc, and the longer runtime feels padded with filler.
  3. Most importantly, it fails to grapple with the real harm the manosphere does to young men, so the documentary understates the danger and the broader social impact.

Ready to Rock 2024? Share Your Questions about the Future of Substack!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 379 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. You can ask questions about the future of Substack in an interview with Christina Loff. This is a great chance to find out more about what's coming for the platform.
  2. Sharing your thoughts helps improve the Substack community. By asking questions, you can help shape the discussion about new features and growth strategies.
  3. Substack is focusing on community engagement this year. Getting involved can help you make the most out of the platform, whether you're a writer or a reader.

Open Thread 317

Astral Codex Ten • 2340 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Some users who were supposed to be unbanned were not truly unbanned, leading to a need for them to reach out to get it fixed.
  2. Substack acknowledges issues with page and comment loading speed, with plans to improve that in the future.
  3. GPT-6's training might require only 0.1% of the world's computers, according to Ben Todd's findings, a significant discrepancy from previous estimations.

Why Tesla Robotaxis Are a Fantasy

lawrence’s Substack • 159 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Tesla robotaxis may not be a feasible reality, according to informed commentators. Full Self-Driving is far from being ready for autonomy tests.
  2. Michael McGrath explains why Tesla's Full Self-Driving is technically infeasible and flawed as a business model, offering a critical perspective.
  3. Matthew Enthoven and Edward Niedermeyer also provide valuable insights and critiques on Tesla's autonomous driving ambitions.

Market Manipulation Through Social Media

DeFi Education • 759 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🔮 Crypto Social media
  1. Social media bots can create fake hype around cryptocurrencies, leading to market manipulation. These bots make it hard for regular investors to know what's really happening with price movements.
  2. The use of bots in financial markets isn't new, but the scale at which they are being employed today is greater than before. This raises concerns about trust and authenticity in crypto investing.
  3. It's important for investors to be careful about what they see online. Double-checking information with others can help avoid getting caught up in hype driven by bots and manipulated trends.

Buzzfeed, Gawker, and the end of the 2010s

Read Max • 4162 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The 2010s are still recent and it's unclear what cultural trends from that decade will last.
  2. The digital media landscape changed in the 2010s with the rise and fall of publications like Buzzfeed and Gawker.
  3. The shift from ad-based revenue to subscriptions signals a new direction for digital media.

FLOWER MOON 2023

The Lunar Dispatch • 609 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Our phones are more than just devices, they are listening and judging through targeted ads.
  2. Beware of potential surveillance from various sources, including the Moon and secret spy satellites.
  3. Consider the idea that our world might be a simulation, and how our physical frailty could be our ultimate defense.

#194: On grief and posting through it

Maybe Baby • 1097 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Grief doesn't have a 'right' way to be expressed. It's okay to feel a mix of emotions and thoughts during this tough time.
  2. Sharing about loved ones on social media can feel awkward, but it also offers a chance for connection and support from friends.
  3. Wanting attention or recognition for your feelings is natural. Seeking out comfort from others can be a healthy part of your grieving process.

We Obviously Shouldn’t Ignore Left-Wing Online Radicalization

Singal-Minded • 830 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Left-wing online radicalization is a growing concern and shouldn't be overlooked. We need to pay attention to how these ideas spread online.
  2. Social media can create echo chambers where certain beliefs are heavily reinforced. This can lead people to think their supportive views are more popular than they actually are.
  3. Recent research indicates that younger people may support controversial figures more than older generations. This highlights a shift in perspectives that could shape future political discussions.

... And Justice for All?

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Some politicians want Lucy Connolly released from jail for her tweet, but she remains imprisoned. Many feel mixed about whether she deserves to be there.
  2. There's confusion about why she was charged and denied bail, especially since a jury might not have given her a harsh sentence. People want to know who made these choices and why.
  3. While saying something harmful online can lead to jail, not all tweets warrant such serious punishment. Context matters when discussing freedom of speech.

Tribunal respects ‘anti-Zionism’

A Lawyer Writes • 294 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Social media
  1. An employment tribunal recognized that anti-Zionist beliefs are protected in a democratic society.
  2. The tribunal suggested that the professor should have faced disciplinary action instead of being dismissed.
  3. The University of Bristol was disappointed with the tribunal's decision but is committed to fostering a positive working and learning environment.

The Fakers

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. SCOTUSblog has shifted from being neutral to more activist, particularly after controversial decisions like Dobbs. This change has disappointed some readers who valued its previous objectivity.
  2. There's a belief that angry reactions from people, especially on social media, are revealing their true, more extreme selves. This behavior sometimes leads to violent responses.
  3. The idea of 'free markets' is highlighted; when one platform leaves, another may fill the gap, showing that alternatives exist and can thrive based on demand.

The rise and fall of "fact-checking"

Silver Bulletin • 824 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Facebook is getting rid of fact-checkers because they were seen as biased. They will be replaced with a community notes system, letting users help decide what is true.
  2. Fact-checking has always been part of journalism, but it became a separate role after the 2016 election. Many thought it was necessary to fight misinformation, but it also created trust issues.
  3. There are concerns that community-driven fact-checking might not work well on a large platform like Facebook. The idea is that everyone should be checking facts, not just a few designated people.

💡Friends vs Stranger Feeds

First 1000 • 589 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. TikTok introduced algorithmic feeds of strangers, which was a novel idea.
  2. Twitter followed suit with their version of the 'For You' page.
  3. TikTok is experimenting with more specific feeds, such as topic-specific and friends-only feeds.

Self-indulgent anniversary post

Logging the World • 518 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
📰 News Social media
  1. The author reflects on their first year on Substack, the experience of a post going viral, and their content on COVID and other topics.
  2. The post discusses the author's favorite non-COVID topics including a clever idea, an education policy, and the joys of walking.
  3. The article highlights the impact of a post on Dominic Cummings boosting views, emphasizes the unpredictable nature of virality, and teases future discussions on the UK COVID Inquiry.

My Smartphone Was Ruining My Life. So I Quit.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 936 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Social media can create a false sense of connection, making people feel isolated even with many followers. It's easy to focus on appearances rather than real relationships.
  2. Taking a break from smartphones and social media can be liberating. Disconnecting can help you find clarity and happiness away from constant online pressures.
  3. Personal well-being should come first. Prioritizing mental health over online validation is important for a fulfilling life.

Why Harris Lost Uninformed Voters

The Discourse Lounge • 987 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. The way people get their news has changed a lot. Now, many young people rely on social media for their information, which can create a divide in opinions.
  2. Republicans have cleverly used social media to spread their messages and appeal to specific demographics, especially young men and women.
  3. Democrats need to adapt their strategies to this new media landscape because just stating facts isn't swaying voters like it used to.

The Viral Yard Cleanup Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Social media
  1. YouTube can be a platform where people showcase unique services, like yard cleanup videos. This combines marketing, good deeds, and entertainment all in one.
  2. Some lawn care businesses gain popularity by documenting their free work on overgrown properties. This not only helps others but also helps them grow their online presence.
  3. Creating content that viewers enjoy is essential in modern marketing. It's better to show entertaining ideas rather than strictly promoting services.

Encore Anxiety

Working Theorys • 299 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Encore anxiety is the fear of letting down people who expect great work from you after you've impressed them before. It can be more stressful than simply worrying about not impressing anyone at all.
  2. Success can create pressure that makes it harder to create freely. When you have an audience, you start to worry more about their expectations than your own creative ideas.
  3. To combat encore anxiety, focus on making work that feels true to you, rather than trying to please others. When you prioritize your own creative honesty, you’ll find more joy in the work.

The Innovation Bargain

The Absent-Minded Professor • 314 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Innovation always comes with tradeoffs - think about whether they are worth it.
  2. The Innovation Bargain is about freedom and limitation - new technologies enable us but also limit choices.
  3. Understanding the Innovation Bargain is crucial in our technology-driven society - be mindful of the impact of technology on human flourishing.

Elon Musks Degradation Engine

GOOD INTERNET • 37 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. A mainstream platform added a nudify feature that let an AI undress and sexualize people’s photos at scale, producing thousands of nonconsensual sexual images — including of minors.
  2. Turning sexual imagination into an automated publishing tool industrializes the male gaze, creating a constant swarm-like pressure that degrades women’s dignity and harms identity formation, especially for teenage girls.
  3. Enabling and monetizing this tool shows a disregard for privacy and dignity, and has provoked regulatory backlash, legal risks, and calls for bans or stronger enforcement.

Q&A: Big changes for teens on Instagram

Techno Sapiens • 334 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Meta is implementing new restrictions on content related to self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders for teens on Instagram.
  2. Jacquelines Nesi, a clinical psychologist and professor, shared insights on these changes for teen mental health.
  3. Readers can access more information and Q&As by subscribing to Techno Sapiens.

How I Engage the AI

In My Tribe • 303 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Long conversations with AI lead to better results. The more you discuss, the more useful the AI's responses become.
  2. Using real-world examples helps illustrate complex ideas. It makes discussions more relatable and easier to understand.
  3. Balancing tension in discussions is important. Starting with a calm tone and saving disagreements for later keeps people engaged and open to learning.

Stop saying "imply"

INDIGNITY • 294 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. The concept of implication in arguments has become complicated and the word 'imply' is functionally useless.
  2. Understanding implication is crucial for interpreting messages, but in today's context, it is challenging to determine fair and accurate interpretations.
  3. In discussions, focus on what is explicitly said rather than discussing what someone may have implied.

Eight predictions for 2024

Read Max • 2344 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
💰 Finance Social media
  1. The chatbot bubble may burst as they are not very useful for most people
  2. Internet atheist culture could see a revival due to a desire to counteract obscurantism online
  3. At least one big e/acc influencer on Twitter may have a meltdown and lock his account