The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Elon Musk's big plans for Twitter

Jon’s Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
💼 Business Social media
  1. Elon Musk wants to make Twitter more like subscription services such as LinkedIn and YouTube. He sees a future where Twitter earns up to $10 billion from subscriptions by 2028.
  2. Currently, Twitter relies heavily on advertising for its income, but Musk is looking to change that. He plans to reduce the ad revenue percentage from over 90% to around 45%.
  3. If Musk's plans succeed, Twitter might go public again. Some experts think this could happen as soon as 2026, and the company's value could rise significantly.

LA wildfires disinformation reveals limits of fact-checking

Weaponized • 37 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Meta is ending its fact-checking program, and many are worried this will make it harder to fight disinformation. However, fact-checking wasn't very effective in tackling deeper issues of intentional misinformation to begin with.
  2. Disinformation today is more complex, with factors like social media and human biases making it hard for fact-checking to keep up. People often prefer simple narratives over nuanced facts, which leads to the spread of misleading information.
  3. Just because Meta is stepping back from fact-checking doesn't mean it's going away. Other organizations will still work to debunk false claims, and we need to rethink how we approach the problem of disinformation in our online world.

What happened in marketing: RIP TikTok, Instagram's weird redesign and next social media app

The Social Juice • 36 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Social media
  1. TikTok is facing a potential ban in the US, but the app is still trying to keep its users engaged. Creators are moving their audiences to other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
  2. Instagram's redesign has not been well received. Many users are complaining about the new changes, particularly how it displays liked Reels.
  3. Google is facing antitrust issues and struggles with maintaining its search market share. Their new policies and updates are causing confusion among advertisers.

Fight to Repair Weekly: Week of November 21, 2022

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 24 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. When discussing Right to Repair with family, focus on personal connections and positive experiences rather than getting into politics right away.
  2. Different approaches to talk about repair with different people: car lovers, tech enthusiasts, politically-minded individuals, environmentalists, or those seeking cost-efficient solutions.
  3. Interesting news like Apple potentially removing iPhone ports due to EU regulations, India creating an online repair portal, and barriers to repairable products in Canada are noteworthy updates in the fight for repair rights.
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Spam in the firehose, part III

Conspirador Norteño • 32 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. There is a large network of fake accounts on Bluesky, all created to follow real users quickly and in groups. These accounts look almost identical, using default profile images and very little personal information.
  2. The spam accounts often follow a mix of different types of real accounts, including celebrities and businesses, but they usually don't have much content themselves. They mainly repost or reply with very simple comments.
  3. The way these fake accounts behave, like following in large swarms, makes it easy to spot them. They create a clear pattern that shows they aren't real users.

TikTok in Romania

Never Met a Science • 44 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  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.

The best blog posts of 2023

{grow} by Mark Schaefer • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
💼 Business Social media
  1. The selection of the best blog posts of 2023 was determined by the number of page views.
  2. The top themes of the year were AI and Gen Z.
  3. Several posts delved deep into topics like AI marketing strategy, community-based marketing, and social media addiction.

AI as the Worst Parasocial Relationship

From the New World • 177 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. AI can displace problems with lesser problems in various aspects of life, including machine learning and relationships.
  2. AI's ability to mass-produce intimate relationships raises concerns, but similar issues already exist in politics and media.
  3. AI's impact on empathy and parasocial relationships leads to discussions on societal values and preferences for real vs. artificial connections.

For You

Conspirador Norteño • 44 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  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.

Disinformation Handbook: A Concise Guide to Countering Disinformation (2)

Natto Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The post discusses disinformation and how it can harm individuals and society.
  2. Tips are provided to detect and avoid disinformation, including advice on how to investigate sources and spot deepfakes.
  3. Various professionals like litigators, intelligence analysts, fact-checkers, and historians, provide valuable insights for countering disinformation.

A Quick Warning

Story Club with George Saunders • 49 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Be cautious of fake messages claiming you've been randomly selected for a personal conversation. These messages are not real.
  2. If you receive such a message, it's best to delete it immediately. Don't engage with it or the sender.
  3. Stay safe online by being aware of scams and only trusting verified sources.

Genes for Memes

Reboot • 12 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. He Jiankui, a scientist who edited genes in babies, faced huge backlash and legal trouble for his actions. Now, he's trying to reinvent himself online, using social media to attract attention and followers.
  2. Silicon Valley's current culture is more open to risky scientific ideas, pushing the boundaries of ethics in technology. This change allows controversial figures like He to gain popularity among those who admire boundary-breaking innovation.
  3. Concerns are growing about who will benefit from advancements in gene editing. If these technologies are only accessible to the wealthy, existing inequalities could worsen, making it critical to address these social implications.

Disintermediation, Dollars, and Dopamine

Reactionary Feminist • 13 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Audience capture happens when creators change their content based on what their audience wants. This can make them exaggerate their personalities and lead to extreme or bizarre behavior.
  2. The pressure to stand out online pushes people to be more radical or shocking. This quest for attention can change how people communicate about politics and other serious topics.
  3. In today's fast-paced online environment, feedback is immediate and intense. This creates a powerful effect on creators, making it harder for them to keep their own opinions and not just follow trends.

I Hate That When Some Dickhead Sets a Car on Fire, We Have to Talk About It for a Week

I Might Be Wrong • 16 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. When something shocking happens, like a car being set on fire, it tends to dominate the news and social media for a long time. This can overshadow other more important topics.
  2. The media loves dramatic visuals because they grab attention. Exciting footage makes boring news feel interesting, even if the actual story might not be as big as it seems.
  3. People often react strongly to these events, but it's important to keep perspective. Sure, vandalism is bad, but we shouldn't let one person's actions derail our discussions about bigger issues.

Threads Isn't Toxic Enough

The Ruffian • 147 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Threads presents itself as a nice alternative to toxic Twitter, but nice agreement can be just as frustrating.
  2. Threads aims to avoid political conflict, but this may make it uninteresting like Clubhouse.
  3. Twitter, despite its flaws, still offers value with certain features and content, like the For You feed.

Companionship Content is King

Working Theorys • 97 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Companionship content, like long-form video, is more durable and king compared to short-form content.
  2. Short-form videos are becoming saturated and may plateau in terms of consumer attention.
  3. YouTube is a key platform for companionship content, embracing long-form video and the natural, human engagement it offers.

A selfie trend of pandemic proportions

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 199 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Some people are taking 'vaxxies' - photos of themselves before or after getting vaccinated, which can be both informative and potentially boastful on social media.
  2. Vaccination photo shoots aim to educate and encourage vaccination, but they can sometimes come off as self-centered, particularly on social media platforms.
  3. There are concerns that 'vaxxies' might inadvertently discourage people who haven't received the vaccine, leading to further division and disparities in access.

Curation vs. Consumption

Kyle Chayka Industries • 183 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Curation is replacing creation as a mode of self-expression.
  2. In a world of constant curation, it's important to truly appreciate and dive into what we consume.
  3. Too much focus on projecting an image of the self through curation may lead to narcissism.

Tiktok Versus Econ 101

From the New World • 32 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Bytedance has not sold TikTok despite pressure and a law requiring it to do so. This uncertainty could significantly drop the company's value.
  2. The Chinese government might see TikTok as valuable for its ability to gather data and influence opinions, which could outweigh financial gains from a sale.
  3. If TikTok is forced to sell, there may be concerns about hidden data management practices and potential risks of Chinese access to user information.

Athletes Doing the Trump Dance, Sports Journos Going to BlueSky

House of Strauss • 41 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Social media
  1. There is a growing separation between athletes and sports journalists. It seems like journalists are feeling pushed out or disconnected from the athletes they cover.
  2. Many sports journalists are leaving Twitter/X for a new platform called BlueSky. This shift shows concerns about the current social media landscape and its impact on communication.
  3. The changing dynamics in the sports world reflect broader societal shifts. Athletes are taking control of their narratives while traditional media is struggling to keep up.

An Introduction to PAWG Politics

Many Such Cases • 199 implied HN points • 22 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The term 'PAWG' has gained popularity since 2010, reflecting changing beauty standards and preferences for body shapes. More people are searching for it, especially related to online content.
  2. Race and ethnicity play a big role in discussions around PAWG, influencing how different body types are perceived, especially in pornography. This raises questions about cultural appropriation and preference.
  3. While PAWG is often used humorously and has entered mainstream chat, it also encourages us to think about body politics and how people's views on bodies can change over time.

Thank you for your trust and support!

Unreported Truths • 46 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. The lawsuit Berenson v Biden is about claims of censorship by the government, particularly involving Twitter and vaccination discussions.
  2. There is evidence suggesting that officials pressured Twitter to silence Berenson’s views on Covid, raising concerns about free speech.
  3. The case is still in the early stages, and more evidence is expected to come to light as it progresses, focusing on whether the censorship violated rights.

Why Bluesky feels right

GOOD INTERNET • 40 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Bluesky is gaining popularity as an alternative to Twitter because it feels more lively and engaging. Users like that it focuses on good content rather than just sensational posts.
  2. One cool feature of Bluesky is 'Starter Packs,' which let you follow curated lists of users based on interests. This helps people find new accounts to follow easily.
  3. Bluesky encourages sharing links and connections with other sites. This approach contrasts with many social media platforms that limit external links, promoting a more open and collaborative online experience.

Banned!

Unpopular Front • 150 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. The author got permanently banned from Twitter without clarity on the reason.
  2. The ban may have resulted from a misunderstood thread of tweets about guns and violence.
  3. While the ban impacts the author's reach, it also provides a break from Twitter's negative aspects.

29 things that didn’t exist last time Argentina won the World Cup.

Jon’s Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 18 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. A lot has changed since Argentina last won the World Cup in 1986, especially with technology. For example, back then, the internet and smartphones didn't exist.
  2. Major companies and services like Google, Amazon, and Netflix started many years after the 1986 World Cup. It shows how different our daily lives are now.
  3. Even social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter were created long after that victory. This highlights how we now connect and communicate in very different ways.

Tech's reality problem

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Tech companies significantly shape how we perceive reality through their platforms, as seen with the Gulf of America name change. People tend to accept information as real when it is presented on these map apps.
  2. The concept of hyperreality shows how real life and digital simulations blend together. This blurring can lead to a reality where what we see on screens holds as much weight as what exists physically around us.
  3. It's important to be aware of how technology influences our lives. We should not let apps or platforms define our reality, but rather focus on our direct experiences and relationships in the real world.

Ex Lion Tamer

Kneeling Bus • 166 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Spotify is incorporating AI and TikTok features to improve user experience.
  2. AI and TikTok are revolutionizing the traditional concept of internet search.
  3. The integration of AI and human elements is crucial for creating engaging content.

Willy Wonka and weird-ass AI

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience showcases the modern use of AI-generated content in marketing and event organization.
  2. AI can significantly lower the barrier of entry for individuals to create and promote businesses and events, potentially leading to unexpected outcomes like the Willy Wonka Experience.
  3. The story highlights the importance of having checks and balances in place when relying heavily on AI to prevent misguided or poorly executed ventures.

Chuyện Việt Nam: An ninh mạng con cờ

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 99 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Social media
  1. Criticism of poor design was met with legal threats by event organizers, highlighting a disconnect between public perception and official response.
  2. The handling of internet security issues in Vietnam seems to focus more on censorship and punishment rather than protection and defense.
  3. Suggestions include engaging young designers and students to improve event branding, emphasizing potential benefits of fresh perspectives and creativity.

Big City (Everybody I Know Can Be Found Here)

Kneeling Bus • 146 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. In the age of social media, everyone has the potential for some level of fame, even if it's just to a small group of people.
  2. Social media platforms encourage constant engagement by transforming real estate in people's minds into smaller, more frequent units.
  3. Attention on social media is securitized to keep content flowing, blurring the lines between creators and consumers.

Proposal for improving the global online discourse through personalised comment ordering on all websites

Engineering Ideas • 19 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Social media promotes tribalism and polarization, making it hard to find rational critique in comments.
  2. A proposed solution involves personalized comment ordering based on user reactions and models.
  3. Compensating users for reading and voting on comments with a token system could help combat spam and manipulation.

What Are You Selling Online? (Plus WhatsApp Attention Guide)

Day One • 259 implied HN points • 01 Jun 20
💼 Business Social media
  1. To succeed in making money online, focus on providing value rather than just seeking income. Value delivery is key.
  2. Consider leveraging social media platforms to create and extract value, even without a website or ads. Identify needs and offer solutions.
  3. Engage in classes or courses to learn and implement strategies for monetizing platforms like WhatsApp, focusing on building attention and providing value.

Second Winds

SatPost by Trung Phan • 84 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Many famous YouTubers are quitting after about a decade due to burnout, desire for new challenges, and moving on to new things.
  2. Václav Havel's essay 'Second Wind' explores the choices an artist has after initial success: repeat past successes, build on them in the same lane, or try something completely new for a 'second wind.'
  3. YouTubers like Tom Scott, MatPat, and Seth Everman are examples of creators seeking their 'second winds' by quitting YouTube after around ten years of success.

TikTok, You Do Stop

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 80 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The author questions the need for TikTok to exist in its current form and suggests banning it due to negative impacts on society, particularly the younger generation.
  2. There's a generational divide in attitudes towards social media, with the author expressing nostalgia for pre-internet times and advocating for activities that engage with the physical world.
  3. The post highlights concerns about the dumbing down effect of social media, pointing out the potential dangers of excessive screen time and the need for a reevaluation of societal priorities.