The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The Anatomy of a Viral Tweet: Rage Farming Edition

Weaponized • 33 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Social media platforms are being exploited by bad actors for monetizing hate through tactics like rage farming.
  2. Rage farming involves posting provocative content to stoke outrage, often among political adversaries, and is prevalent on major social media sites.
  3. Engaging with outrage content online, even negatively, fuels further spread and monetization of that content through algorithmic amplification.

The Worst Takes on the LA Fire, Distilled

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. People affected by disasters don’t need to hear dumb comments online. It makes their situation even harder.
  2. Social media often spreads wrong ideas and blame instead of focusing on helping victims. It's important to be sensitive during crises.
  3. Both political sides sometimes oversimplify complex issues, which leads to unfair blame. It’s crucial to understand the whole picture before making claims.

Trending topics and word salad

Conspirador Norteño • 20 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Trending topics on social media can be manipulated by spam posts containing random words instead of coherent sentences.
  2. Accounts participating in spam trends can show signs of being hijacked and may switch focus from personal topics to spam suddenly.
  3. Past spam campaigns involving hashtags and random word mashups have been successful in manipulating social media trends.
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Eight Pro-Social Platforms that Didn't Work

techandsocialcohesion • 1 HN point • 21 May 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Building platforms for civil discourse online is challenging due to the nature of public information spreading too quickly.
  2. Creating pro-social platforms requires finding existing behaviors that are great and painful enough to justify widespread adoption of a new app.
  3. Facilitating smaller and private conversations online tends to lead to more civilized discussions compared to public platforms like Twitter.

AI art and T-shirt spam

Conspirador Norteño • 24 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Network of accounts use generative AI for AI art and T-shirt spam.
  2. Accounts interact by reposting each other's content, mostly images.
  3. Accounts in the network reply with links to websites selling T-shirts, targeting popular influencer accounts.

TikTok Has Clarified the "Are Social Media Companies Publishers or Platforms?" Question

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. TikTok is under scrutiny for its data collection practices, raising concerns about privacy and security. It's important to understand what information TikTok gathers from its users.
  2. There is a big debate about whether social media companies should be seen as publishers or platforms. This classification affects potential regulations and legal responsibilities.
  3. The situation with TikTok highlights issues related to government control and influence over social media. It's a complicated topic that mixes technology, privacy, and politics.

Why Did the Groups Change?

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Social media created spaces where only left-leaning views are accepted. This led some activists to wrongly think their opinions match what most people think.
  2. The way political groups interact with leaders has changed over time. They used to have clear agendas that could be satisfied, but that is no longer the case.
  3. There isn't one simple reason for these changes. Various decisions and cultural shifts all influenced the current dynamics in politics.

Psychic Shields

Theofuturism • 31 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Practice self-control and moderation in consuming information online.
  2. Strengthen your mental defenses to filter out unnecessary information.
  3. Consciously choose which sources of information are important to you.

Beyond the attention economy, true power lies in access to individuals

storyvoyager • 7 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Access to individuals is the key to power in today's digital world. Just like past authoritarian regimes used information to control people, social media platforms use our data for economic gain.
  2. TikTok's popularity raises concerns about privacy and power. Its ability to collect user data makes it a potential national security threat, highlighting how digital platforms can influence politics and society.
  3. The future of social media could either deepen inequalities or promote positive change. As technology evolves, we need to decide how we want to use these platforms to influence our lives and the world.

Wandering through Twitter

escape the algorithm • 19 implied HN points • 24 May 22
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The essay about wandering through Twitter is also an interactive tool for exploration.
  2. Join the Deep Sea Diving on Youtube workshop for a unique experience - it's like trivia night with a twist!
  3. The workshop promises a fun time with no wrong answers, an internet scavenger hunt, and a unique escape room experience.

Here's What Happened; Meta's bye to News, X's free reach & the future of TikTok Shops

The Social Juice • 19 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Meta plans to stop showing Facebook news in the US and Australia, affecting social media and content access.
  2. TikTok introduces a feature where creators can identify similar products to promote their TikTok shop, expanding e-commerce opportunities.
  3. X (Twitter) is implementing algorithm changes, ensuring all followers see your pinned post, improving content visibility.

A brief and partial history of generative AI on social media

Conspirador Norteño • 24 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Deceptive uses of generative AI technology have increased on social media platforms in recent years.
  2. StyleGAN was one of the first generative AI technologies used on mainstream social media platforms to create synthetic faces.
  3. AI-generated text poses challenges in detection and has the potential for misuse to create spam and deception on social media.

Flashback Friday: Taxi!

Conspirador Norteño • 20 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. A network of taxi and real estate-themed social media accounts were used to boost political content on Twitter through automation.
  2. The botnet consisted of at least 98 Twitter accounts with automated posting schedules that operated 24/7.
  3. The botnet retweeted content based on hashtags, focusing on small accounts and political tweets rather than popular ones.

Those aren't "Tweets", Those Are Your Thoughts

CJ The X • 5 HN points • 18 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Twitter is designed to capture your attention and sell it to advertisers, making your thoughts and experiences lucrative commodities.
  2. Your phone and social media are like appendages, designed to blur boundaries between real life and online worlds, shaping your thoughts and behaviors.
  3. To protect your consciousness, be intentional about engaging in real-life experiences and forming genuine connections rather than allowing social media platforms to manipulate your attention and self.

Where were you

Internal exile • 31 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Resist confusing control with care when it comes to digital technologies.
  2. Surveillance technology can alter our expectations of privacy and attention.
  3. Social surveillance blurs the lines between being cared for and being controlled.

✅ Monday briefing: Wadds Inc. fundraiser, media problems, business news, executive education, PR professionalism, PR and climate crisis, media law, Twitter deal off, World PR Day, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
💼 Business Social media
  1. There are many challenges in the media today, like clickbait and misinformation, which are harming the quality of news.
  2. Public relations professionals need better training and standards to meet the expectations of their roles and succeed in management positions.
  3. Twitter's deal with Elon Musk has fallen through, which could lead to a legal battle over financial losses for Twitter.

Monday briefing #8: Agency start-ups, Enero posts growth, PR proof, chart tool, link attribution, AI reader comments, value gap, news habits, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 17 Aug 20
💼 Business Social media
  1. Innovation in the PR industry is strong, with many new agencies starting up during the pandemic. If you're considering freelancing or starting an agency, there are important tips to think about.
  2. Enero, a marketing services group, posted significant revenue growth recently. This shows that some companies are thriving even in challenging times.
  3. Many consumers now prefer to follow the news on TV rather than social media. This shift indicates changing habits in how people consume news.

Monday briefing #7: Absentee journalists, paywall infowars, Twittok, Insta reels in Tiktok, ecommerce entrepreneur, search listening, Madison Avenue manslaughter, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 10 Aug 20
📰 News Social media
  1. Many journalists are not present in their communities, leading to a lack of local coverage and engagement.
  2. There's a gap between high-quality news that you pay for and the free misinformation that spreads easily.
  3. Social media services are copying features from each other, like Instagram's Reels that are similar to TikTok.

The Truth About Content Creators (It's Not What You Think)

The Software Engineering Times • 3 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
💼 Business Social media
  1. Most content creators earn very little money, often less than $1,000 a year. They create content out of passion and the desire to help others, not just for financial gain.
  2. There are different types of content creators. Some focus on selling products, while others create for pure enjoyment. The ones who succeed in making good money are very rare.
  3. Creating content is usually a big commitment and often feels like a second job. Many creators start to build their brand or help others, and the money doesn't come until much later, if at all.

Monday briefing #6: TikTok drama, LinkedIn earned media, antitrust, deepfake copy, debunking AI, creativity and reputation, a creative challenge, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 03 Aug 20
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Australia is trying to make Google and Facebook pay news companies for using their content. This could change how news is shared online.
  2. LinkedIn is being used for more than just networking; it's now also a place where people can share news and engage with journalists.
  3. Many young people are spending less time on social media and taking steps to protect their privacy online.

Monday briefing #5: A love letter to regional media, paid Twitter, PR foul play, bot catcher, women in PR research, community support, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 20
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Local media is really important for communities because it tells the stories that matter most. Investigative reporting helps uncover important issues.
  2. Social media platforms like Twitter are exploring subscription services to improve the quality of content. Paid services might help manage the issues related to misinformation.
  3. There is a growing focus on research in the PR industry, particularly regarding the experiences of women. This research could help shape a better future for the field.

Identitätszwang

Internal exile • 32 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Social media has become less about personal connections and more about commercialized content
  2. Platforms like social media aim to reshape social interactions into consumable products
  3. Users of social media may feel compelled to conform to the platform's structures and metrics

RIP Twitter

GOOD INTERNET • 27 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Elon Musk rebranded Twitter to 'X'
  2. Twitter was a platform for collective consciousness but warped by algorithms
  3. The addictive nature of Twitter led to 'Twitter poisoning'

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, Digital news report, local reporting, climate politics, CSR debunked, SEO insights, AI tool audit, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 22
📰 News Social media
  1. Many people are avoiding the news because they don't trust it anymore, especially after events like COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine.
  2. Local news is struggling as social media takes its place, which makes it harder for communities to stay engaged and informed.
  3. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts aren't working well and can distract from what businesses really contribute to society.

Yes Yes Yum Yum No Spicy

GOOD INTERNET • 27 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. NPC streamer meme involves young women on TikTok mimicking behavior of NPC in video games for audience
  2. Collective intelligence studies large networks of humans collaborating in organized ways
  3. Influencers on platforms like TikTok are self-aware in adapting to attention economy

Introducing Substack Notes

Substack Blog • 32 HN points • 05 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Substack is introducing Substack Notes to allow short-form content and recommendations within the platform.
  2. In this subscription-based network, creators are rewarded for valuable work and the focus is on converting casual readers to paying subscribers.
  3. Substack aims to create a constructive discussion space by allowing users to control their subscription universe, keeping out trolls and encouraging valuable contributions.

Creative Advertising

Madhur’s Writings • 28 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Smartphones changed advertising by allowing personalized targeting with specific ads quickly.
  2. Streaming services like Netflix reduced incentives for companies to create amazing ads.
  3. Social media has shifted focus to quick, placement-focused ads due to user behavior and algorithms.

✅ Monday briefing: Socially Mobile, news startup, language test, sportswashing, brand activism, growing pains, childcare crisis, Johnson SEO woe, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jun 22
📰 News Social media
  1. Socially Mobile offers a 10-week program to help people improve their skills and earning potential. It's a great opportunity for those looking to boost their careers.
  2. Many businesses, like Ryanair and Ben & Jerry's, are taking strong stances on social issues. This shows how brands can influence conversations around important topics.
  3. There's a growing need for skilled workers in the public relations field. Despite the industry's growth, many positions remain unfilled due to a talent shortage.

Things in Culture that might help you as a marketer

The Social Juice • 17 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Language interpretation is crucial in marketing, as different cultures may interpret the same message differently.
  2. Understanding the cultural context is important in marketing, like how certain ads at the Super Bowl may not resonate with everyone.
  3. Embrace hate as an opportunity, like Taylor Swift's success in leveraging negative narratives for positive outcomes.