The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Scott Galloway Explains Why Age Gating Social Media Is Both Necessary and Doable

After Babel • 1346 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Social media Public Health Consumer Rights
  1. Social media can be very harmful to kids, exposing them to risks like addiction, violence, and negative mental health effects. Just like age restrictions exist for alcohol and smoking, similar rules should apply to social media.
  2. Changing how social media platforms operate is key to protecting children. This means having laws that ensure kids can't access these platforms without parental oversight or age verification.
  3. Forcing social media companies to bear the costs of the harm they cause can help change their behavior. If they hurt someone, they should be held accountable, just like in other industries.

At least five things for your weekend (#30)

Noahpinion • 15235 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Energy Social media Urban planning
  1. Consumer sentiment may not always align with economic fundamentals like interest rates or unemployment, showing the influence of 'vibes' and media narratives.
  2. Tokyo and Seoul have a unique city development pattern with gradually sloping density, allowing for more people without feeling crowded, achieved through upzoning suburbs and excellent train systems.
  3. The age of energy abundance is upon us as technologies like solar power and batteries become cheaper, alongside increased fossil fuel drilling in the U.S.

Desire Digest 001

Many Such Cases • 1698 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Beauty Social media Relationships Trends
  1. The term 'hawk tuah' became popular online from a viral clip where a woman casually talks about her sexual desires. It shows a fun, carefree attitude towards sexuality, even if it gets commercialized later.
  2. Beauty products are increasingly marketed to signal desire rather than encourage real experiences of intimacy. For example, lip colors are now designed to evoke a feeling of sexiness but might not reflect actual sexual interactions.
  3. Feeld's new feature lets users connect with multiple partners, which aims to embrace non-traditional relationships. However, it raises questions about whether we need more labels when exploring unconventional dynamics.

Local news has invented another fake TikTok challenge

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3433 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Challenges Youth Misinformation
  1. Local news often creates fake stories about TikTok challenges that don't actually exist, causing unnecessary panic among parents.
  2. These false reports can lead to harmful legislation aimed at social media, ignoring the real issues kids face online.
  3. Misinformation about TikTok challenges highlights a gap in understanding between parents and their kids, making it harder to effectively address online safety.
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in the belly of the MrBeast

Never Met a Science • 394 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Entertainment Influencers Content creation
  1. MrBeast focuses on making videos that work specifically for YouTube. He believes that success comes from understanding the platform and its audience, rather than traditional video-making skills.
  2. His success relies on a deep study of metrics like viewer engagement. The more people watch a video, the better it does, which is crucial for growing his channel.
  3. MrBeast aims to stay true to himself while being highly responsive to audience feedback. His content is shaped by what viewers want, blurring the lines between creator and audience.

Open Thread 365

Astral Codex Ten • 2890 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Humor Community Discussion Social media Events
  1. You can participate in discussions on various topics in the open thread. Feel free to ask questions or share ideas.
  2. There is a remote job opportunity for contractors in AI-related fields with flexible hours. You can earn $100 per hour while helping measure performance between AI and humans.
  3. Additional comments and discussions are available on a range of topics including national IQ, political party systems, and cultural insights. It's a chance to learn from different perspectives.

Could Trump Buy TikTok?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Government Social media
  1. Trump, who initially started the anti-TikTok movement, now supports a plan to save the app. This shows how opinions can change based on circumstances.
  2. There is a looming deadline for TikTok's future, which has sparked conversations about its potential sale or shutdown. Time is running out for a resolution.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is important, and it helps provide access to in-depth stories and commentary on significant issues. Subscribing can help maintain this kind of journalism.

America Enters the Samizdat Era

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13143 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Social media Freedom of Speech Government Control
  1. The Internet is transitioning from a space of free exchange to one of top-down control over information and narrative.
  2. Alternative ways of distributing dissenting ideas are becoming necessary due to digital suppression of politically undesirable content.
  3. It's crucial to raise awareness about the challenges to freedom of speech and find new ways to share truth in the face of increasing control over information.

Why Australia is Setting a Minimum Age of 16 for Creating a Social Media Account

After Babel • 1272 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Internet Safety Mental health Social media
  1. Australia plans to set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts. This is to help protect young people from online harm and encourage them to enjoy real-life activities instead of getting lost in social media.
  2. Research shows a big increase in mental health issues among young Australians, which coincides with the rise of smartphones and social media. The government believes that limiting social media use can help improve young people's mental wellbeing.
  3. The new law will hold social media companies responsible for checking users' ages. If they fail to enforce this rule, they could face hefty fines, which will help make sure children's online experiences are safer.

The 2024 state of social media

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3732 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Entertainment Education Branding
  1. Social media is now more about fun and learning than personal chats. People want to be entertained as they scroll.
  2. Instagram is the top platform for engaging brand content. Many users love to see brands posting more there.
  3. YouTube is still important, especially for longer videos. Users enjoy in-depth content, even from brands, making it stand out in a world of short clips.

Mostleastremarkablegate And The Nature Of Online Harassment

Astral Codex Ten • 6469 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Online behavior Social media Digital ethics Public Discourse
  1. Online harassment can take many forms and often feels overwhelming. It's important to recognize its impact on individuals.
  2. Communication and understanding are key in addressing these issues. Talking openly about experiences can help build a supportive community.
  3. Everyone can play a role in reducing online harassment. Being respectful and standing up for others can make a difference.

Don't Snooze on Substack Notes. The Opportunities for Writers Are Stupid Crazy | Interview with David Mcllroy

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 3037 implied HN points • 02 May 24
💼 Business Writing Social media Content creation Marketing Entrepreneurship
  1. Substack Notes is a great place for writers to grow their audience without the hassle of traditional social media. It allows you to own your following and make real connections.
  2. Many writers are not using Substack Notes effectively, missing out on its community benefits. Engaging with this feature can lead to rapid growth in subscribers.
  3. Substack Notes is ad-free and helps writers discover one another, creating a refreshing social media experience focused on writing and community.

Applying The Bradford Hill Criteria To Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health

After Babel • 787 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Addiction Social media Adolescents Public Health
  1. Heavy social media use is linked to poor mental health in teens, like depression and anxiety. This effect is often stronger in vulnerable groups, especially girls.
  2. The Bradford Hill criteria help us explore if social media actually causes mental health issues instead of just being correlated. It's a framework to understand more about how risks might affect health.
  3. Not all social media use is harmful; some might even be okay. The key is moderation and understanding the potential risks, especially for those who might be more affected.

Two years of Artificial Ignorance

Artificial Ignorance • 92 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Writing Substack Social media Content creation
  1. Consistency in publishing is key. Writing regularly helps build your voice and keeps your audience engaged.
  2. Feedback from readers is really important. It's tough to improve without knowing what your audience enjoys or wants.
  3. Trying new things is a part of the journey. Some experiments, like podcasts or workshops, might not go as planned, but they teach valuable lessons for the future.

The Fakers

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Activism Free speech Judiciary Political Commentary 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.

My Smartphone Was Ruining My Life. So I Quit.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 936 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Personal Experience Influence Art
  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.

The memefication of the Olympics

The Leap • 339 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Social media Sports Communication Entertainment
  1. Memes play a big role in how we experience events like the Olympics. Even if people don't watch, they can still feel connected through the memes circulating online.
  2. Social media is a main source of information and entertainment during major events. It allows people to stay updated without watching the events live.
  3. The way people engage with the Olympics has changed with technology. Memes are a fun and easy way to share moments and reactions from the games.

Open Thread 364

Astral Codex Ten • 2615 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Discussion Social media Online Platforms Substack
  1. This is an open thread where you can talk about anything. Feel free to ask questions or share random thoughts.
  2. There are online communities like a subreddit and Discord where you can connect with others. These platforms help create a sense of community.
  3. Most of the content is free, but there's a small portion that requires a subscription. You can choose to support it if you enjoy the content.

How to Regulate Social Media

Erik Explores • 61 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media Algorithms Moderation Regulation Ethics
  1. Social media algorithms often promote extreme or divisive content to keep users engaged, which is harmful. Creating ethics boards to oversee these algorithms could help focus on more positive and informative content instead.
  2. Moderation of social media content does not always balance free speech with the need to prevent harmful misinformation. It's important to have clear processes for content removal and to empower users in the moderation process.
  3. Users need better tools to evaluate and discuss opinions without just liking or disliking them. A system that rewards thoughtful, respectful discussions can shape healthier online interactions.

At least five interesting things for the middle of your week (#27)

Noahpinion • 13411 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Social media Bipartisanship Poverty
  1. There are signs of Americans pushing back against the divisive thinking of the past decade, with small acts like a country music singer performing a duet to bridge divides.
  2. Political leanings between young men and women may not be diverging as dramatically as suggested by viral charts, indicating a need to be cautious with data interpretations.
  3. Unions and semiconductor companies have found ways to cooperate, showing that determined industrial policy can overcome labor disputes with significant financial incentives.

The majority of news influencers are conservative men, study finds

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4448 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political Bias Gender Issues Social media Public Discourse
  1. Most news influencers are men, and they often have conservative views. This creates a lopsided perspective in the news people consume online.
  2. Social media algorithms tend to favor sensational and emotionally charged content, which means that conservative voices get more attention. This can shape public opinions unfairly.
  3. TikTok is different from other platforms like Facebook and YouTube, as it has a more balanced gender representation among news influencers and doesn't favor conservative views as much.

The Snoopy fan account political war

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 6061 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Social media Nostalgia Political Influence Art history
  1. A Snoopy fan account recently endorsed Donald Trump, which surprised many due to Snoopy's typically positive and innocent image. This sparked a lot of backlash from fans who felt it contradicted the character's values.
  2. Snoopy has become very popular among younger generations, leading to a surge in merchandise and online fandom. People love Snoopy for his creativity and joyful personality, making him a relatable figure.
  3. Many fan accounts are shifting to political messaging, showing how beloved characters can be used to spread different viewpoints. However, this can backfire if the message doesn’t match the audience's values, as seen with the backlash against the pro-Trump post.

We Are Not Okay

The Audacity. • 5621 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Isolation Social media Therapy Healthcare
  1. Social media can often be a place where sincerity dies, with people sharing their struggles and miseries.
  2. There is pressure to always appear okay, even though many people are dealing with isolation and various problems.
  3. Despite progress in discussing mental health, there are still challenges like expensive therapy and inconsistent insurance coverage.

Life is better in real life

City Quitters • 839 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Life Social media Youth Trends Mental health Minimalism
  1. Real life gives us real experiences that phones can distract us from. When we spend too much time on our devices, we miss out on what’s happening around us.
  2. There's a growing desire for people to unplug and enjoy life without smartphones. Many are seeking ways to rediscover experiences like hanging out or exploring nature without capturing them on their phones.
  3. Kids today spend an incredible amount of time on screens, which can affect their social skills and creativity. Finding ways to encourage boredom and real-life interactions is important for better mental health.

‘We the People Are for TikTok’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 176 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Influencers Legislation National Security
  1. TikTok faced serious legal issues that could have led to its ban in the U.S. due to national security concerns. Many influencers were worried about losing the platform.
  2. Donald Trump announced a temporary delay on the TikTok ban, allowing the app to continue operating for now. This news sparked celebrations among influencers and supporters.
  3. During a TikTok-sponsored party, influencers celebrated the app's reprieve, showcasing a community that heavily relies on the platform for their fame and income.

Ghost Exits

Kneeling Bus • 352 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Streaming services Digital Culture
  1. If TikTok disappeared, people might find new activities to fill their time, but likely, other platforms would just take its place. This shows how dependent we are on social media.
  2. We need stronger institutions instead of just relying on platforms like TikTok and Spotify for our connection and content. Better structures could provide more value to users without the downsides.
  3. Spotify makes us feel like we have endless music options, but it often benefits ghost artists instead of real musicians. This highlights how platforms can exploit users while pretending to offer abundance.

Let's check in on MrBeast

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3732 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Influencers Social media Pop culture Digital Media Youth Trends
  1. MrBeast, a huge YouTuber, is facing a lot of controversies that could hurt his career. Allegations about his team and business practices have made people question his character.
  2. He’s trying to fix his public image by doing interviews and promoting his new Amazon show. He wants to reassure fans and investors that everything is okay.
  3. The way he handles this situation is important for his future. If he fails, it could change how people see him and affect his many business deals.

We need to start recognizing stan psyops

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4807 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Media Literacy Social media Entertainment Political Discourse
  1. Stan accounts are really good at creating viral content to stir up strong emotions online. They use clever tactics to get people talking and sharing posts, often about celebrities.
  2. These stan tactics are not just in pop culture; they can affect politics too. Influencers and political accounts may use similar methods to manipulate public opinions and sway important discussions.
  3. It's important to recognize these strategies when we see them. Understanding how both entertainment and politics can be influenced by these tactics helps us navigate online content more wisely.

Baby's first PR crisis

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 4017 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Cancel Culture Social media Political Discourse Public Relations Friendship
  1. Cancel culture can quickly turn a person's life upside down. It often feels more like bullying than actual justice.
  2. People can change their opinions and turn against someone really fast to fit in or make themselves look better. This back-and-forth can hurt businesses and reputations.
  3. It's important to stick by friends during tough times. Real support means standing strong together, even when facing mob mentality.

An influencer is suing another influencer for copying her aesthetic. Can she win?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3463 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Copyright Law Digital Content Trends
  1. An influencer is suing another influencer for copying her style and content. This case could change how online creators protect their unique aesthetics.
  2. The lawsuit raises questions about whether copying someone's visual vibe should be legally protected. Many experts think the original influencer's claim may not hold up in court.
  3. Similarities among creators are common online, but some influencers are frustrated with others who imitate their content too closely. This case could impact how influencers navigate creative boundaries.

You Have To Hype Yourself. No One Else Will Do It For You.

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1598 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing Writing Entrepreneurship Social media Personal Branding
  1. You need to promote yourself because no one will do it for you. Writing is just part of the job; marketing is also important.
  2. Many writers have talent but struggle to get noticed. Building a community and shouting about your successes can help attract readers.
  3. Don't be shy about sharing your achievements. Talking about your wins can inspire others and help you stand out in a crowded field.

Democracy dies on Instagram

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4687 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political landscape Social media Content Moderation Public Health Election Impact
  1. Social media platforms like Meta's Instagram are limiting discussions about voting and elections. This can make it harder for people to access important information when they need it.
  2. Meta's content moderation is affecting political conversations and public awareness. Their choices may keep people uninformed and less likely to participate in elections.
  3. One in five Americans get their news from Instagram, showing how important this platform is for sharing information. If political content is downplayed, it could really change how people engage with their communities.

Meta's Content Moderation Turnabout

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2443 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Content Moderation Democracy Fact-checking Social media
  1. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has decided to stop using 'fact checkers' to manage content. They believe this approach has led to too much censorship and frustration among users.
  2. A key issue in democracy is the need for accurate information while facing challenges in understanding the world. People often rely on biased or second-hand information for decision-making.
  3. The struggle for truth and reliable information is complicated by various viewpoints. Finding a balance between expertise and public freedom of expression is essential for a healthy democracy.

WhatsApp is Finally Starting to Dominate in the United States. Here’s Why.

Big Technology • 18639 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media Messaging Mobile Apps
  1. WhatsApp is experiencing significant growth in the United States, with a 9% increase in daily users in 2023.
  2. Many Americans are now turning to WhatsApp as their go-to messaging app, avoiding the blue vs. green bubble debate.
  3. This surge in popularity is attributed to the influence of Tim Cook and strategic planning efforts.

Selena Gomez’s 18 Hour Social Media Break

Hung Up • 5444 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Culture Social media Entertainment Fashion Pop culture
  1. Selena Gomez announced a social media break but only lasted 18 hours, showing that celebrities can be just like us in not sticking to resolutions.
  2. Julia Roberts' recent British Vogue cover shoot captures her glamour and self-assuredness, reminiscent of '90s icons.
  3. Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) commented on Drake's music being suitable for malls, sparking thoughts on how certain artists and genres naturally align with specific environments.

The merchification of Luigi

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2746 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture True Crime Media Commentary Social media Consumer Trends
  1. Merchandise related to controversial figures can quickly pop up online after significant events. For instance, items featuring Luigi Mangione appeared on various e-commerce platforms right after his arrest.
  2. The idea of walkouts in support of trends or individuals can easily go viral, but it's often just an internet joke rather than a real event. Observing trends in social media can help distinguish between what's genuine and what's a meme.
  3. America has a history of turning violent figures into pop culture items. Instead of ignoring this, it seems to be a long-standing part of society where people express fascination with notorious individuals.

The Tech Industry’s Playbook To Prevent Regulation

After Babel • 647 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Social media Regulation Corporate Responsibility Child safety Legislation
  1. The tech industry often blames users for any harm their products cause. They argue that it's up to individuals to control their usage rather than taking responsibility themselves.
  2. Tech companies have developed tools like parental controls, but these often fail to make a real impact on screen time. Instead, they shift the responsibility to parents, making it seem like it's their job to manage their kids' online behavior.
  3. Legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) tries to hold tech companies accountable while also giving parents some control. This is important because it recognizes that tech companies have a duty to ensure their products don't harm kids.

NonZero is Hiring!

Nonzero Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Journalism Social media Hiring Content creation
  1. NonZero is expanding and looking to hire new team members, including a full-time journalist and part-time social media specialist. They want people passionate about important global topics.
  2. The organization aims to cover a wide range of subjects, like technology, psychology, and international relations, to foster collaboration and reduce conflicts. Their mission is about helping people find common ground.
  3. They encourage creative applicants who can bring unique skills to support their mission. If you think you can help, even in ways beyond their listed jobs, they welcome your ideas.