The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Why I’m Taking A Break From Twitter

Matt’s Five Points • 459 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Social media, like Twitter, can make people more like 'spectators' of politics rather than active participants. Many focus on national issues and forget about local politics that also matter.
  2. People tend to only seek out information that supports what they already believe, which can limit real thinking and understanding. This 'soldier mindset' can be reinforced by the way social media works.
  3. Multitasking caused by constant notifications from apps can reduce our ability to focus and really think about things deeply. Setting aside time to read and write can help bring back that focus.

Where are you from?

Men Yell at Me • 176 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The discussion post feature on Substack is changing, so traditional newsletter discussions will return in the comments section.
  2. There is an anniversary sale going on, offering 30% off for a yearly subscription, which is ending today.
  3. Only paying subscribers can participate in these discussion posts and chats.

I posted 300+ Threads in 3 days

Both Are True • 531 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The author posted over 300 threads in 3 days on Threads app, narrating the experience and reflecting on the impact.
  2. Threads can be a platform for sharing thoughts and experiences, but the author also highlighted its distractions and questioned the significance.
  3. The text encourages reflecting on the meaning and impact of digital platforms like Threads, urging readers to consider their choices and values.

I'm Beginning to See the Light

Kneeling Bus • 479 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Social media shapes the physical world, reframing local nuances as viral trends.
  2. The internet's abundance in one domain creates bottlenecks in others, like overtourism and housing crises.
  3. The internet is a marketing strategy for reality, blurring the lines between online and real life.

What Substack is hiding

escape the algorithm • 359 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Websites often control what you see, avoiding randomness which entails relinquishing control.
  2. Using a random Substack button can lead to insights not typically visible on the platform, such as controversial content or hidden gems.
  3. The experience of exploring random Substack newsletters is like wandering into different worlds with varying vibes and content.
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Lonesome soul?

In Bed With Social • 217 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Having a robust support network can reduce the risk of mortality by 45%.
  2. The advent of technology and AI may contribute to distancing people rather than bringing them closer together.
  3. Dating apps face challenges of authenticity and re-humanizing interactions through features like live video and professional matchmakers.

Internet Morality Can't Be the Same as Meatspace Morality

Default Wisdom • 103 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. People online often create fake personas to gain attention or money. Trusting influencers for moral guidance can be naive, as their main goal is usually to entertain or sell something.
  2. Not everyone we meet online is meant to be friends in real life. It's important to be careful about what personal details we share and to maintain boundaries between online and offline relationships.
  3. Jealousy can happen when partners are attracted to fictional characters or idealized versions of people. This type of jealousy feels more intense because it involves competing with something that doesn’t even exist in reality.

The Year Narrative Ate Reality

Kyla’s Newsletter • 128 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
💼 Business Social media
  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.

Elon Musk Gives Anti-Semites a Chance to Rewrite History

Weaponized • 52 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Elon Musk is allowing his followers to suggest 'politically incorrect' facts to rework history. This includes some dangerously false claims about sensitive topics like the Holocaust.
  2. Many responses include outright Holocaust denial, where people try to minimize the number of Jewish people killed. This shows how misinformation can spread easily online.
  3. Musk has been linked to antisemitic behavior before, and his recent actions might give a platform to harmful ideas that try to erase historical truths about events like the Holocaust.

Ghosting Substack

Alex's Personal Blog • 361 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Substack's content moderation decisions impact its users and the platform's image.
  2. Allowing Nazis on a platform can drive away non-Nazi users.
  3. Seeking alternative platforms that align with personal values is a valid response to disagreements with moderation policies.

Hellban

72 Degrees North • 79 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Hellbanning is a common practice on social media where users are banned without warning or notification.
  2. Quality content is harder to find on social media platforms due to an abundance of junk and ads.
  3. The internet has not fulfilled its promise of democratization, instead leading to a world where exposure and success require payment and connections.

🚀 Becoming a space explorer: digging into problems and opportunities as a new founder

Nadia’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 06 May 24
💼 Business Social media
  1. Exploring different spaces based on passion and curiosity can lead to uncovering new problems and opportunities without the pressure to immediately solve them.
  2. Empowering women involves addressing issues like confidence gaps, promotion disparities, and burnout, as well as creating supportive environments for career growth and flexible work options.
  3. Reducing sadness and depression can be tackled by promoting wellness lifestyles, creating diverse engagement spaces, and addressing negative impacts of social media on mental health.

Narrative Oversaturation

Superfluid • 106 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. There's too much talk on popular topics right now, making it hard to tell what's real and what's just noise. Everyone seems to have their own strong opinion that might not really match their true beliefs.
  2. Investors often change their views based on their financial interests. This leads to a confusing situation where opinions are driven more by money than by true conviction.
  3. The current environment makes it difficult for genuine ideas to stand out, as people chase after viral opinions instead of focusing on meaningful discussions.

Trump's Rob Reiner Tweet Technically Could Have Been Worse

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. The apparent murder of Rob Reiner and his wife is horrific and tragic, and Reiner was a talented, well-loved filmmaker whose loss will be deeply felt.
  2. The president’s public message about the killings came off as callous, and the White House amplifying it suggested institutional approval that a communications team should have prevented.
  3. It’s plausible the posted message was a sanitized version of something far worse, highlighting a pattern of vindictiveness and a communications staff trying to limit damage.

Bullet Points: 2025 is going great so far

The Future, Now and Then • 121 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. An explosion of a Cybertruck in Las Vegas might symbolize the wild unpredictability of 2025. It reflects how many unexpected and chaotic events define the year.
  2. Meta is trying to push AI chatbots that seem out of touch with what people actually want. This decision raises questions about the company's direction and understanding of its users.
  3. A recent debate about Elon Musk's management of Twitter showed how polarized opinions can be. Many arguments are rooted in personal biases, rather than objective analysis of the impacts.

I'd like an AI mediator, please

techandsocialcohesion • 39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Imagine the potential of AI mediators to assist in conflict resolution alongside human mediators, offering objective perspectives and solutions.
  2. Digital technologies have the power to enhance inclusion in mediation and peace processes by addressing barriers like distance, language needs, and limited access to information.
  3. Social media analytics and digital technologies are increasingly being integrated into peace agreements to address harmful social media content and amplify voices for peace.

Instagram wants Gen-Z. Advertisers wants budget. You want less ads on streaming &...

The Social Juice • 53 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
💼 Business Social media
  1. Instagram is trying hard to attract younger users like Gen-Z. This is important for keeping the platform fresh and popular.
  2. Advertisers are looking for budget-friendly options as they adjust their spending. This means they want effective ways to reach their audience without overspending.
  3. There's been a rise in ads on platforms like Amazon and YouTube, which might make the user experience feel more crowded. People are hoping for fewer ads on streaming services instead.

Finding the right attention span : A constant battle

Uneasy’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. It's tough to focus in today's world filled with distractions. We often choose short-term pleasures over long-term goals.
  2. Setting up routines and limiting phone use can really help improve focus and productivity. Trying to get things done without your phone can be a game changer.
  3. Boredom isn't bad; it's actually important for growth. Embracing boredom can lead to greater achievements down the line.

Shiny Objects

KERFUFFLE • 33 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. People are getting upset about silly things that don't really matter, like an actress being called a Nazi for a joke in an ad. It shows how some issues today are made up and don't reflect real anger.
  2. Back in 2020, people genuinely cared about culture wars and social media outrage, but now it feels forced and fake. It's like a cycle of making drama for clicks.
  3. There's a desire among some people to create the same kind of controversies we saw a few years ago, even if it means coming up with wild claims that don't have much basis in reality.

مستاجرها! هرچه زودتر باید خانه بخرید قبل از این‌که خیلی دیر شود

DiGiTalk Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Social media
  1. Consider transitioning from renting to homeownership sooner rather than later
  2. Not all businesses benefit equally from social media platforms like Instagram; some should explore alternative communication channels in their marketing strategies
  3. Constant algorithm changes, increasing competition, slow growth, and rising advertising costs on social media platforms can pose challenges for many businesses

On Following

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The word 'follower' is important today because it shapes how we see social media and the people we follow. It can mean being part of a group or just going along with what others do.
  2. Following someone online can go deeper than just liking their posts. It can be about looking for meaning or connection, similar to a journey of belief or personal growth.
  3. As society changes, people might form smaller, more personal groups or communities instead of sticking to one big idea or belief. This can lead to a mix of different views on what is truly important in life.

China’s rumored new internet regulation has pro-government influencers worried about safety

Wenhao’s news blog • 78 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Social media
  1. China is rumored to introduce an internet regulation requiring influencers to display their real names, causing concern among pro-government figures.
  2. The potential new rule may impact influencers who create content on politics, finance, or entertainment.
  3. There are worries that the real name display requirement could lead to cyberbullying, harassment, and potential safety threats for influencers and their families.

sunday vibe check

bad cattitude • 95 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Memes are a fun way to express positivity and humor in our daily lives. They can lift our spirits and make us smile.
  2. Taking a moment to check in on how we feel is important for our mental health. Being aware of our moods can help us handle the day better.
  3. Enjoying the little things on a Sunday can set a nice tone for the week ahead. Relaxation and good vibes can really recharge us.

TWITTER FILES: Twitter Provided Privileged Access to Banning Queen, Taylor Lorenz

The DisInformation Chronicle • 520 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Twitter provided privileged access to Taylor Lorenz for banning accounts and monitoring online conversations about her.
  2. Taylor Lorenz had a pattern of reporting accounts and individuals she disagreed with, resulting in suspensions.
  3. Lorenz faced allegations of doxing and influencing social media platforms to take action against her critics.

Don’t follow conversation leaders

Thoughts on Writing • 359 implied HN points • 22 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Don't blindly follow conversation leaders - question their motives and the direction they steer the conversation.
  2. Brands often use conversations as a marketing tactic to boost engagement and brand awareness.
  3. Social media has distorted conversations, often for the benefit of advertisers, leading to polarized views and lack of meaningful dialogue.

Doomchatting

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 3 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Pleasure-focused tech and endless entertainment can lull people into passivity and distraction, acting as a subtle form of control.
  2. Modern AIs and social platforms are engineered to be sycophantic and attention-grabbing, which makes them persuasive, habit-forming, and prone to creating echo chambers and fake interactions.
  3. You can push back by using AI deliberately: keep chats short and factual, tweak system prompts to discourage obsequiousness, favor calm non-chat tools, and stay alert to dark patterns that steal your attention.

Spam in the firehose

Conspirador Norteño • 128 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Monitoring the Bluesky firehose can help quickly spot fake accounts. By looking for repeated names and profiles, it's easier to identify spam activity.
  2. A large number of spam accounts often share similar biographies. One group had over a thousand accounts with variations of the same few phrases.
  3. Many spam accounts use stolen images as profile pictures. This makes them look less authentic and easier to identify as spam.

This palace is the work of the gods

Banana Peel Pirouette • 79 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The post discusses the concept of the internet today losing sight of its original purpose, being centralized, and driven by profit rather than fun or creativity.
  2. It compares the current state of the internet to a chaotic, uncontrollable space where compulsive engagement is promoted for its own sake, leading to negative impacts on culture, community, and conversation.
  3. The change in the internet over the past twenty years has made residency in the digital world almost compulsory, especially for younger generations, impacting social interactions and personal well-being.

The Network Effect- The phenomenon enabling trillion dollar social media industry [Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The Network Effect refers to a concept where the value of a product/service increases as more people use it, making the network more valuable for each participant.
  2. The power of the Network Effect can be understood mathematically; as more individuals join a network, the connections exponentially increase, making the system more useful for outsiders.
  3. Businesses/systems built around the Network Effect are powerful due to factors like increased value with more users, a growing network, and the ability to reshape industries and drive innovation.

Join me on Notes

The Recovering Academic • 79 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Joshua Doležal has a new space called Notes on Substack for sharing links, short posts, quotes, and more.
  2. Readers of _The Recovering Academic_ automatically see Joshua's notes, and they can also like, reply, or share them.
  3. The Notes space is intended for sharing thoughts, ideas, and interesting quotes from various sources.

Plans for the Content Going Forward

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Devansh is switching careers and leaving AI and software development to pursue rafting, aiming to gain success through a unique approach by interacting with successful people in his boat.
  2. Devansh will no longer be writing about tech, and the newsletter will now only make you an 8.9x engineer, emphasizing the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest trends for success.
  3. Devansh is seeking someone to take over his content and has laid out specific criteria like sharing a morning routine, AI tools, journaling importance, and examples of copy-pasting LinkedIn posts to continue with the modern solutions approach.

Links for 2023-02-20

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. GitHub Copilot is generating over 46% of developers' code on average across all programming languages.
  2. AI skeptics are revisiting the p-zombie argument to question AI uniqueness and capabilities.
  3. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has the potential to revolutionize labor, automation, and wealth distribution.

The World In Fragments

KERFUFFLE • 43 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. It's tough to focus on family and real life when news of serious events often pulls our attention. Sometimes, it's okay to pay attention to important news, especially during times of crisis.
  2. Today, we receive major news mixed in with less important content in a distracting way. This blurs the line between serious issues and everyday gossip, making it hard to feel the impact of what we see.
  3. Many leaders may be out of touch with real-life events due to their engagement with social media. This raises questions about whether world events are driven by real needs or by the desire for online approval.

Tony Stark vs. the World

Everything's Broken • 78 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Elon Musk has been making controversial decisions on Twitter that have impacted the platform and its users.
  2. Musk's actions have shifted the focus of Twitter towards his personal preferences and away from its original purpose.
  3. Twitter under Musk's leadership is becoming more personalized around him, raising concerns about the direction of the platform.

A Modern Look at an Old Banking Risk

The Sunday Morning Post • 78 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
💰 Finance Social media
  1. Bank runs can still happen today, triggered by various factors like social media rumors and liquidity issues
  2. The FDIC, established in 1933, guarantees a certain amount of depositors' funds to prevent bank runs and provide stability to the banking system
  3. Modern banking faces new challenges like swift fund transfers, online activism affecting stock prices, and the need for regulators to adapt to the changing landscape