The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Online jellyfish

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Google Translate has become more accurate and useful in global communication, especially in conflict situations.
  2. Efforts like Squad3o3 aim to combat propaganda by sending messages to random Russians, using tools and Google Translate.
  3. Although Google Translate has improved, it still has flaws in communicating important or complex information in various languages.

Turns out the internet is real life after all

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 04 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. TikTok's recommendation algorithm and user engagement lead to content that is titillating and participatory, influencing the way users consume information.
  2. The increase in social media users has led to a higher volume of content being created and shared, impacting how information and narratives spread, especially in times of conflict.
  3. The perception of social media has shifted significantly over the years, with mainstream media now acknowledging the importance of the social media narrative in shaping public opinion and influencing beliefs.

Not-so-obvious

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 25 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Hank the Tank, a 500-pound bear, is breaking into homes near Lake Tahoe for snacks, gaining fame and support from people.
  2. Potato controversies, like Mr. Potato Head losing the 'Mr.' title, show how common sense can clash with scientific explanations, sparking debates.
  3. Fun science facts, like monkeys in Japan preferring salty sweet potatoes or evidence that knives made from frozen feces don't work, highlight the importance of funding research for interesting discoveries.

Not much seems to have happened

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The concept of virtual embassies in the metaverse raises questions about their practicality and purpose.
  2. Virtual embassies like those in Second Life were more about generating publicity than providing actual diplomatic services.
  3. The idea of virtual embassies evolving to offer e-visas and utilize blockchain technology, while more practical, may still struggle to provide significant utility compared to traditional websites.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The 'magic formula' still eludes us

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Predicting hit songs is a complex challenge that algorithms struggle with, even with large datasets and advanced models.
  2. A 'magic formula' to accurately predict the success of music hasn't been discovered yet, despite efforts by researchers and data scientists. Popularity is influenced by numerous unpredictable factors.
  3. Even with advances in AI and machine learning, the ability to forecast the popularity of music remains elusive, showcasing the complexity of human preferences and cultural influences.

Puzzling digital doppelgangers

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Purchasing items online can lead to encountering identical products with different brand names and prices, ultimately coming from the same manufacturer.
  2. Many third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon utilize white label manufacturing, where generic products are branded and sold as different items at varying prices.
  3. During supply chain challenges like the pandemic, the popularity of white label goods, including furniture and home items, has increased significantly.

New (?) and hip (?)

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Web3 is a new internet concept aiming to decentralize control through cryptocurrency systems.
  2. Presearch is an example of a Web3 service offering users payments for data and computing power contributions.
  3. Web3 is gaining attention as the potential future of the web, with support from influential figures and tech lobbyists.

Digitally pickled

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Few things live up to the hype that precedes them, like the metaverse being just Mindcraft in different packaging.
  2. The newsletter recommends intriguing articles like the one about the cultural revisionism industry and Jake Paul's profile in The New Yorker.
  3. South Korea's evolution into a global cultural force, marked by state policies, YouTube metadata, and Gangnam Style, is explored in detail.

Respect the ratio

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 29 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Focus on the key articles and opinions, like those on Facebook's impact, sexfluencers blurring lines between sex work and influencing, and corporate transitions to support gender identity.
  2. Explore thought-provoking topics like the influence of social media and internet culture, historical events, movie recommendations, and tech industry news.
  3. Consider lifestyle discussions, such as the Buy Nothing movement, challenges in the housing market, dating trends post-Tinder, and coping with the pandemic through memes and music.

It's a no bones day for me

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 22 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The newsletter features a mix of intriguing topics like rebrands and social phenomena, such as teen tics possibly linked to social media exposure.
  2. An analysis of different rebrands (including Facebook and Q) and their repercussions provides a fascinating insight into the world of changing corporate identities.
  3. Exploration of closed online communities like Raya and efforts to combat conspiracy theories in Germany point towards evolving digital landscapes and societal challenges.

A queasy sense of prophecy and prescience

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The movie 'The Social Network' has been recognized for its prophetic depiction of attitudes towards Facebook, contrasting with initial criticisms.
  2. Explore intriguing reads: the disappearance of alt-lit figure Marie Calloway, TikTok's focus on trauma responses, and the impact of vaccine denial stories on empathy.
  3. Consider the implications of constant personal data tracking and the paradox of freedom in a world where every move is monitored.

Let’s not get meta about it

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The newsletter mentions interesting articles to read, like one about a scamming influencer and another about 'main character energy'.
  2. There is an article highlighted on parasocial friendships that readers might find intriguing.
  3. The newsletter also touches on evolving social media trends, like the shift in trolling practices and the rise of 'anti-MAGA trolls'.

Everybody can own themselves

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. People can buy shares in others on platforms like BitClout, leading to a trend of 'financializing people.'
  2. Monetizing every aspect of someone's life raises questions about incentivizing behavior and the impact on undercompensated individuals.
  3. The rise of platforms like BitClout and NFTs leads to creators making money from previously unpaid actions like having interesting ideas and avoiding scandals.

Too pretty, too famous

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Thompson, a famous beekeeper, faced criticism on social media for the way she presents herself, sparking discussions on authenticity and stereotypes in beekeeping.
  2. People portraying their lives on social media often present a glamorized version of reality, leading to questions about authenticity and representation.
  3. Criticism based on appearances can be problematic and may reflect deeper societal issues, as seen in various online controversies related to famous individuals.

A long-time open secret

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 28 May 21
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The writer finds little joy in personal internet use, despite being an internet writer for a decade
  2. Finding comfort after a loss in an unexpected online dog community showcases the power of shared experiences online
  3. Shared interests can lead to strong online connections, even in unexpected places like workout groups or pet groups

Watch out for Wikipedians

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 04 Sep 20
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Marriage may bring unexpected challenges like societal perceptions and online identity editing - a cautionary tale about Wikipedia incident
  2. Interesting reads on debt, yoga real estate schemes, protest video ethics, and spiritual consultants in capitalism
  3. Engaging with diverse content like essays on grief, storytelling in protests, and profiles on unique aspects of modern life brings depth and insight

It's not you, it's us

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 20
📰 News Social media
  1. Facebook trends track user engagement, not quality info shown, revealing issues with human behavior on social media.
  2. Various social platforms struggle to fully control misinformation and problematic content due to user evasion tactics.
  3. An email communication reappraisal highlights the challenges of asynchronous messaging in modern times.

Friction is for losers

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jun 20
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Friction is for losers - The idea discussed is about using chat bots as conversational partners to work through emotional challenges without burdening friends or family.
  2. Chat bots provide comfort and support - These bots are designed to mimic human conversation, offer empathy, and help individuals question their thought patterns.
  3. AI chatbots are evolving - The technology behind chat bots has advanced significantly, showing improvements in conversation abilities and understanding emotions.

Is 2020 over yet?

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jun 20
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. People and brands posting black squares on social media faced criticism for making it about themselves rather than the cause. It's important to question if online actions complement offline efforts for social justice.
  2. The internet's translation challenge in providing COVID-19 information in multiple languages is a significant issue affecting over half of the world's population.
  3. Venezuelans turning to selling Runescape currency for income showcases an interesting shift to a virtual economy during real-world economic challenges.

A fireball of chaos and internet drama

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 22 May 20
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Digital technologies have blurred the distinction and meaning of individual places, allowing tasks to be done from anywhere.
  2. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in our relationship with geographic place, with the potential for remote work to reshape urban landscapes.
  3. Remote work flexibility may lead to people moving away from expensive cities and reevaluating the importance of physical proximity to others.

Amid the noise of picture-perfect Barbies

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 15 May 20
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Alison Roman gained popularity not just for her recipes, but for appearing 'relatable' and 'authentic' on Instagram.
  2. Social media influencers often construct elaborate performances of 'authenticity' and 'realness' for their audience.
  3. The concept of 'realness' and 'authenticity' may not always be the best metrics for evaluating food influencers or cultural figures.

Oh man, I miss 2011

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 20
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The author reflects on the current world situation, expressing interest in more dystopian stories that mirror the present fears and explore different responses.
  2. The text includes useful links for wellbeing apps, supporting shuttered clubs, and a source of joy on Twitter related to bookcase credibility.
  3. Book and movie recommendations such as 'Minority Report' and 'Station Eleven' are made for those interested in exploring themes of technology and personal legacies.

You’re going to have to gaslight this man.

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 20
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. We are constantly manipulated by websites using various tactics like 'dark patterns' to steer our actions.
  2. Some websites are adapting their designs to actually encourage positive behavior, like Instagram showing inspiring photos and Amazon discouraging needless shopping.
  3. The pandemic is accelerating the shift towards online shopping, potentially leading to more gig work and changing market dynamics.

Boom times for boredom

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 03 Apr 20
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. It's important to be cautious about relying on Facebook 'disaster' groups, considering the platform's own issues
  2. The political landscape is rapidly shifting to a digital space, with Democrats facing challenges in reaching voters online
  3. There's a fun read available on the legacy of Myspace music, catering to subscribers who appreciate a deep dive into nostalgia

Chasin' the lulz

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 03 Nov 16
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The Internet has made it easier for people to lose touch with reality by overwhelming us with information, causing us to gravitate towards what confirms our beliefs.
  2. During the Trump/Clinton election, it seemed like everyone became trolls, focusing on humor that was mean-spirited and cynical.
  3. People are flocking to remote areas they see on Instagram, causing issues for those places and sometimes displaying disrespectful behavior.

Is this the future we want, you guys?!

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 16
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The pre-Internet history of social media was kinder and better, with no commercial mandates or indexes.
  2. Research shows people are becoming less satisfied with dating apps, raising questions about the fault lying in ourselves, phones, or stars.
  3. Silicon Valley is disrupting various aspects of life, including food with innovations like DNA-based meal planning.

Basicallyyy visions of armageddon

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 20 Oct 16
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. In the attention economy, our focus is the real commodity, and we often end up as the losers.
  2. Creators of addictive apps like BJ Fogg question whether they're truly improving the world or just aiming to make money.
  3. Understanding how Russia executed a significant election hack sheds light on the complexities of the ongoing situation with Wikileaks and the US election.

Tinder is the Night

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 23 Sep 16
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Moderating online speech is extremely challenging for platforms, highlighting varying social norms on speech and the importance of consistent moderation standards.
  2. Technology has deeply influenced our lives, making it difficult to live without constant online connection.
  3. Predicting bestsellers through algorithms may benefit the publishing industry but could potentially impact literature negatively.