The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Harry Potter and the Magical Phone

After Babel • 1471 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  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.
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Four unpersuasive arguments against TikTok

Read Max • 1132 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  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.

Ti Amo

Venture Prose • 259 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Launch fast and don't be afraid to release early in the world of social consumer apps
  2. Successful founders in social consumer apps focus on building products intentionally with a deep understanding of user behavior
  3. Social consumer applications revolve around status, communication, and entertainment, where people post, communicate, and get entertained

Underutilized.

Cybernetic Forests • 279 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Generative AI is essentially a new form of Big Data, emphasizing pattern analysis to automate processes.
  2. The expansion of data is essential for the existence of generative AI tools, demonstrating a rebranding of data analytics into AI.
  3. The tech industry's focus on data monetization and predictive analytics has led to virtual interactions that distance us from real human connection and community.

The end of COVID, the end of Twitter

Logging the World • 318 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. COVID-19 has not completely disappeared despite initial hopes and expectations. Immunity wanes, new variants emerge, and the impact lingers on.
  2. Twitter's influence may be declining over time due to fewer interesting user interactions and issues with the platform's experience. The network effects that once made it influential are fading.
  3. Legacy brands like Twitter may persist even after a decline, existing in a different form and continuing to have some relevance in the future.

Fig, Pear, and Onion Flatbread

The Jewish Table • 294 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Social media
  1. The recipe for Fig, Pear, and Onion Flatbread takes inspiration from traditional Jewish dishes for a unique and flavorful combination.
  2. During times of stress on social media, it's important to consider the impact of our words and consider apologizing for hurtful comments to promote understanding and connection.
  3. The author shares upcoming tour stops, inviting readers to join events in various cities for more food and cultural experiences.

The Forbidden Fruit of Politically Volatile Dick

Default Wisdom • 506 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The Gender War on social media shows how right-wing men and left-wing women attract each other based on their perceived strengths and weaknesses. This tension often leads to extreme views and oversimplified narratives about gender roles.
  2. Many discussions about the Manosphere and movements like the 4B are too simplistic. The realities of these movements are often misrepresented in popular media, failing to capture the cultural and contextual nuances behind them.
  3. Relationships between people from opposing sides (like leftists and rightists) often explore themes of power and vulnerability. These dynamics can highlight underlying attractions that aren't just about politics but also psychological complexities.

Why memes make millions

Hot Takes • 314 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
💼 Business Social media
  1. Memes are a powerful tool for marketing and sharing ideas.
  2. Understanding and using memes can help businesses gain attention in a crowded market.
  3. Spending time on social media and being funny online can lead to profitable opportunities.

Citizen Journalism on Twitter: A New Age

The Rabbit Hole • 314 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Twitter is empowering Citizen Journalists with features like Community Notes, Verification, and Creator Monetization.
  2. Trust in traditional media has declined, creating a space for Citizen Journalism to thrive on social media platforms like Twitter.
  3. Citizen Journalism on Twitter can democratize fact-checking, offer financial opportunities through monetization, and inspire a new generation of truth-seekers.

Is The Truth Out There?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 14 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. People turn to conspiracy theories when life feels scary or unfair; anxiety, isolation, and normal thinking biases make hidden explanations seem satisfying.
  2. Belonging and status drive belief too — being "in the know" bonds people into groups, and social media and echo chambers amplify and spread those beliefs.
  3. Conspiracy beliefs cause real harm like lost trust, public-health failures, and political extremism, but they often grow from genuine grievances about economic decline and failing institutions.

Why we need an insufferable liberal elite

Wrong Side of History • 503 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. People are moving to new social media platforms like Bluesky to find communities that share their values. They are looking for a place where they feel understood and accepted.
  2. The discussions on Bluesky feel less harsh compared to Twitter, but the problems of online bullying and toxic behavior still exist. It's like changing from one bad situation to another with similar issues.
  3. Echo chambers on social media might not be as bad as they seem. Sometimes, people are more affected by seeing too many extreme views rather than just talking to others who agree with them.

Playing pretend

Erifili • 159 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. There is a rise in 'TikTok psychology' that promotes disingenuity and calculated behavior for human connections, especially among Gen Z.
  2. Being genuine and open in human connections leads to more fulfilling and rewarding experiences, contrary to what is often portrayed in quick psychology tips on social media.
  3. Embracing openness and authenticity in communication saves time and energy, fostering real connections and personal growth.

German police conduct coordinated nationwide raids for the pseudo-crime of "hate posting" in their ongoing battle against freedom of expression

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 180 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. German police are doing raids across the country to target what they call 'hate posting' on social media. This is part of their efforts to control freedom of speech.
  2. The raids are meant to intimidate people who express their opinions online, especially if those opinions are critical of politicians.
  3. The current crackdown on online speech seems to be driven by a political elite that feels threatened by public dissent and is using these actions to maintain their power.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #174

Creative Destruction • 15 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Politics and public life are increasingly performed for online attention, where actions are shaped to create viral content rather than durable policy.
  2. Smartphones create a false sense of home and intimacy that captures attention, so treating them more like tools than personal sanctuaries helps you reclaim control.
  3. Tech makes escaping real life easy, producing a craving for genuine, friction-filled experiences and sparking a growing push back toward more embodied, inconvenient living.

The Unchecked Libidinal Energy of Politics: A Review of Nancy Mace’s Twitter Account

Default Wisdom • 392 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Nancy Mace's Twitter account mixes politics and playful engagement, using flirtation and humor to connect with her audience. This shows a shift in how politicians can interact with the public.
  2. Her approach breaks traditional political boundaries, inviting more lighthearted and personal exchanges between constituents and their leaders. This changes the way people view and relate to their representatives.
  3. While Mace’s social media tactics are innovative, her actual political proposals need to keep up to make a real impact. Balancing fun online with serious policy-making is key for her success.

What we can infer from OpenAI’s latest hire

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. OpenAI hiring a senior Salesforce/Slack exec signals a move to monetize more aggressively with enterprise customers, protected-data products, and pricier, finely graded packages, and it may bring a more sales-driven corporate culture.
  2. National moves like Australia’s ban on under-16s from major social platforms show the Internet is getting age-gated and more closed off, which will curb youth access but raises privacy and anonymity concerns and won’t stop all kids.
  3. SpaceX preparing for a possible 2026 IPO with big Starlink-driven revenue forecasts and a potential $1.5 trillion valuation highlights huge investor appetite, but that price would be very rich and faces growing competitive pressure.

Fixing the Web without the Stanford Internet Observatory?

Unmoderated Insights • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The Stanford Internet Observatory did important work to study online abuse and misinformation, helping inform lawmakers and create tools for research.
  2. Unfortunately, it closed after facing legal troubles, which affected its ability to continue funding and operations.
  3. Despite the closure, some projects and research from the Observatory are being handed over to other organizations to keep the work going.

The Iron InfoTech Law of Master & Servant: The Biggest Threat from MAMLMs Is Not Malevolent Machines, But Our Own Accidental Self-Pwnage

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 146 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The biggest danger from AI isn't evil machines, but rather how we let them influence our thinking and behavior. We need to be careful to not become too dependent on technology.
  2. As technology gets better, we need to adapt and find new ways to work with it. This means changing how we think about roles and tasks in society to ensure technology helps us rather than controls us.
  3. It's important to build our skills in critical thinking and information filtering. With so much information available, we need to be smarter about what we consume and how we understand it.

Back to the Corecore

escape the algorithm • 299 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Reflecting on nostalgic online spaces like Myspace can evoke existential thoughts on our insignificance in the vast digital landscape.
  2. Considering the impact of AI-generated content and online manipulation leads to questioning the authenticity and purpose of online interactions.
  3. Engaging in unconventional internet navigation challenges, like exploring Instagram through tagged photos, can provide unique perspectives and experiences.

The British Influencer Invasion!

Vittles • 159 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Social media
  1. A new wave of British food influencers is gaining popularity in America, showcasing their unique style and charisma in the food scene.
  2. These influencers often share a similar background, which helps them connect with an audience that is fascinated by their British charm.
  3. Despite lacking traditional talent or skills, their confidence and entertaining content allow them to thrive in the competitive social media landscape.

Stuff I found interesting in October

Samstack • 1422 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Be open to asking dumb questions and embrace both thinking and doing.
  2. Stay updated with insightful articles and media, like the New Yorker pieces or the book 'Going Infinite'.
  3. Consider exploring various subjects like education's impact on IQ, political science degrees, and the performance of Bank CEOs.

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

Substack • 605 implied HN points • 20 Sep 24
🕹 Technology 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.

Introducing direct messaging on Substack

Substack • 1072 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Substack now offers direct messaging, allowing users to have one-to-one private conversations with other writers and readers in the network.
  2. Direct messages on Substack can be used to build subscriber loyalty, connect with fellow writers for collaboration, and cultivate reader community by engaging directly with the audience.
  3. DMs are a new feature that can enhance relationships within the Substack community, providing opportunities for more personal and meaningful interactions between users.

What the Hell Is Going On With Donna Briggs?

Default Wisdom • 140 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. There's a viral figure named Donna Briggs who has sparked conversations about identity and transformation on social media. People are curious about her story and the changes she's undergone.
  2. The concept of 'transracialism' is discussed, suggesting that there may be deeper reasons behind why some individuals feel they belong to a different race than the one they were born into.
  3. Personal anecdotes reveal a sense of nostalgia and longing for past experiences and emotions, highlighting how life can change as we grow older.

Culture and Kit

Doc Hammer's Anvil • 294 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Different opinions on the impact of technology and culture are causing discussion.
  2. The evolution of technology has changed cultural activities and interactions.
  3. Excessive use of smartphones and social media can lead to a dangerous and isolating culture.

Update, Links, and the Future: March 2023

Anarchonomicon • 294 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The author has experienced significant growth in their online presence and newsletter subscribers, with plans to make it a full-time job.
  2. There are upcoming articles focusing on historical cycles and geopolitics, with the need to reframe and divide content.
  3. The author discusses topics like the decline of literature due to academia, challenges faced in writing, and the dominance of certain tabletop RPGs in different markets.

Inside baseball

A Small and Simple Thing • 294 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🍲 Food & Drink Social media
  1. In a world of hyperbole, everything is either the best or the worst.
  2. Critiques and recommendations lack nuance and balance, with extreme ratings becoming the norm.
  3. Being the favorite is more important than striving to be the best.