The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Halloween has gone full brain rot

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2597 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Social media Holidays Festivals
  1. Halloween costumes are now often based on internet memes, reflecting how much online culture influences our lives. Instead of traditional costumes, many people dress as viral moments or characters from social media.
  2. The trend of meme costumes can create confusion and alienation at Halloween parties. Costumes that depend on obscure references can make it hard for people to connect and enjoy the holiday together.
  3. Despite some people wanting a return to classic costumes, meme costumes allow for more creativity and self-expression. They let us remember and reflect on our shared experiences in today's internet-driven world.

Odds and ends

Disaffected Newsletter • 1418 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🎙 Podcasts Content creation Social media Communication Education Personal Growth
  1. Many fans of content creators develop a strong emotional connection and may feel betrayed if they disagree on issues. It's important to recognize this tendency and keep your reactions in check.
  2. Younger generations often struggle with basic writing skills, making it harder for them to communicate clearly. This gap shows how education has changed over time.
  3. Copyright law is often misunderstood, especially with platforms like YouTube enforcing their own rules. Many people don’t realize that fair use allows for commentary and critique without violating copyright.

One of YouTube's biggest channels is opening a massive production studio

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2000 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Social media Influencers Content creation
  1. Alan Chikin Chow is opening a large 10,000-square-foot studio in Los Angeles to create content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. This shows how creators can compete with big Hollywood studios.
  2. His YouTube series, 'Alan's Universe', is really popular, getting millions of views with stories aimed at a young audience, especially girls. It combines K-drama themes with relatable storylines.
  3. Alan wants to expand 'Alan's Universe' into movies, TV shows, and more, showing that content creation is changing and that anyone with a good idea and the right skills can succeed.

The internet's "town square" is dead

The Intrinsic Perspective • 18314 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Online Platforms Content Moderation Power Dynamics
  1. The internet's idea of a centralized 'town square' is no longer feasible due to fundamental differences in people's worldviews.
  2. When individuals have too much control over speech without oversight, it often leads to corruption and abuse of power.
  3. The rise of new platforms like Threads and shifts in social media dynamics reflect a fragmentation of the 'town square' into multiple platforms with differing moderation policies and user bases.

The great silent majority of American basicness

Garbage Day • 3341 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Trends Social media Pop culture Music Internet culture
  1. The rise of the Stanley Quencher cup as a popular item is a result of savvy marketing and internet buzz
  2. Short-form videos like TikTok are influencing the way content is created and shared online
  3. The concept of monoculture in media is evolving, with Spotify playlists reflecting carefully constructed branding rather than true diversity
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Surveillance Capitalism 2024, Wrapped

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1587 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Surveillance Data Privacy Social media Corporate Influence Digital Culture
  1. Big Tech companies are constantly watching and tracking us online to influence our choices. Unlike birdwatching, which doesn’t affect the birds, their surveillance has a real impact on our lives and decisions.
  2. Many tech companies try to make us feel comfortable with their data collection by presenting it as a personal service. They package our surveillance data in a fun way, like Spotify's yearly 'Wrapped' feature, making it seem like something we actually want.
  3. This 'wrapping' makes us expect and accept surveillance as normal. It's similar to being trained to respond to signals, and it can change how we behave, often without us realizing it.

Leading journalist calls Zuckerberg's free speech announcement "an invitation to genocide," EU parliamentarians petition for actions to mitigate the "systemic risk" of Elon Musk, and other lunacies

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 182 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social media Censorship Corporate Influence
  1. Mark Zuckerberg announced a shift in Facebook's content policies, saying he wants to focus on free expression and simplify rules. He plans to phase out fact-checkers and bring back more political content.
  2. Some European leaders are expressing strong concerns about this approach, fearing it might lead to more dangerous speech online. They worry that American social media giants might undermine rules in Europe.
  3. There's a growing tension between American social media companies and European regulations, which could lead to major changes in how the internet operates in those regions.

#205: My TikTok Shop purchase history

Maybe Baby • 1214 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Consumer behavior Social media Lifestyle Product Reviews
  1. TikTok Shop has become a popular place for online shopping, making billions in sales since its launch. Many people, despite initial hesitations, are drawn to its simplicity and variety.
  2. While some purchases from TikTok Shop can be enjoyable, many items end up being low quality or unnecessary. It's easy to impulse buy when seeing products advertised by relatable users.
  3. Reflecting on buying habits can reveal a lack of thoughtful choices. Sometimes, the urge to shop online can lead to regret and a realization that we didn't really need those items.

Tech's reality problem

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Digital Culture Social media User Experience
  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.

Tim Cook’s Apple Has Been Meta’s Best Friend. Completely By Accident.

Big Technology • 10007 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media Augmented reality Advertising Messaging Market Impact
  1. Apple's Tim Cook unintentionally became a key asset for Meta through various business moves.
  2. Apple's Vision Pro launch helped boost Meta's mixed reality efforts by establishing it as a category.
  3. Apple's ad tracking restrictions unintentionally harmed Meta's competitors, giving Meta an advantage in the advertising space.

"Cisgender" Is No More A Slur Than "Straight" Is - Elon Musk Restricts Term On Twitter

Erin In The Morning • 5287 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender identity Transgender rights Conservative Views Social media
  1. Elon Musk declared that 'cis' is not a slur on Twitter.
  2. The term 'cisgender' is an important descriptor in conversations about gender identity and has a long history.
  3. Using terms like 'cisgender' is essential for clear communication in medical, psychological, and social contexts.

Is Bluesky Just as Bad as Twitter?

Nonzero Newsletter • 417 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology Foreign Policy Public Opinion Social media International relations Legislation
  1. Bluesky and Twitter may not be very different when it comes to spreading outrage. Both platforms create an environment that encourages people to engage more when they're angry.
  2. Social media can intensify our natural tendencies toward tribalism and outrage. Studies show that interactions like likes and shares can teach people to express more anger over time.
  3. The challenges with social media algorithms aren't just technical; they point to deeper issues in human nature. People often share content that reinforces their beliefs, which can amplify misinformation and conflict.

Facebook Has an Animal Torture Empire

Webworm with David Farrier • 2496 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📰 News Animal Welfare Social media Investigation
  1. Animals are being tortured on Facebook, with hundreds of thousands of accounts engaging with the content.
  2. Facebook's algorithm plays a significant role in serving disturbing content to users, leading to increased engagement.
  3. Despite efforts to report and remove the content, issues of animal abuse videos on Facebook are still prevalent and widely accessible.

The Intimate World and the Remote World

In My Tribe • 789 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Communication Relationships Identity Community
  1. We are connecting more with strangers online than with people we know in real life. This shift is causing us to lose touch with our close relationships and communities.
  2. Social media blurs the lines between public personalities and intimate friends. This can create anxiety and make us feel insecure about our own social lives.
  3. To feel happier and healthier, we need to focus more on rebuilding our real-life connections. Being connected to family and friends in person is essential for our well-being.

Shallow Feedback Hollows You Out

Nothing Human • 180 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Intellectuals Feedback Writing Communication
  1. When thinkers have a large audience, they often repeat the same ideas instead of generating new ones. This can happen because they aim to please the crowd instead of exploring their original thoughts.
  2. To keep your thinking fresh, it's better to share ideas with a close friend or someone who understands you deeply. This one-on-one communication allows for more honest and thorough discussions.
  3. In academic spaces, there's a need to protect innovative ideas from becoming overshadowed by popular ones. Maintaining separate status hierarchies helps ensure that truly original contributions are still recognized.

What Prevents & What Drives Gendered Ideological Polarisation?

The Great Gender Divergence • 2751 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Gender Issues Social media
  1. Men and women tend to think alike in close-knit, interdependent, religious communities where conformity is encouraged.
  2. Economic frustration, social media filter bubbles, and cultural entrepreneurs are driving gendered ideological polarisation in economically developed and culturally liberal societies.
  3. Shared cultural production and mixed-gender friendships can help suppress the gender divide.

Trump vs Kamala: Who's winning online?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2179 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Social media Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. Trump is getting a lot more social media attention compared to Kamala, with nearly double the mentions. This shows he has a strong online presence.
  2. Most social media talks about the candidates are negative, but older voters seem to have a more positive view of Kamala. Younger people prefer Trump.
  3. Trump's approach focuses on longer content like podcasts, which helps him connect better with his audience. Kamala's shorter, snappy content may not build the same strong relationships.

There’s Now a New Way to Grow Your Substack

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 2877 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups Marketing Networking Collaboration Social media
  1. There's a new 'Spreadsheet Directory of Publications' to help writers find collaboration partners. It makes networking easy and fun.
  2. Many creators are looking for ways to work together to grow their subscriber base. Networking can lead to more followers and success.
  3. Creators can also use the new Creator Network by ConvertKit to find others with similar audiences. This can help them reach and engage more subscribers.

The Bright Forest: Social Media, Trans Activism, and a No-Truth World

The Bigger Picture • 1437 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Gender identity Online behavior
  1. Recognize the impact of social media on mental health, especially among young people, and the rising trend of seeking authenticity online.
  2. Understand the need to balance our online and offline lives, and the importance of reconnecting with reality and the present moment.
  3. Highlight the significance of gender dynamics online, including the influence of social media on cultural norms and the importance of embracing a balance of masculine and feminine qualities for emotional well-being.

Agents 4 All

DARK FUTURA • 2869 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Augmented reality Deepfakes Social media
  1. AI plays a significant role in tracking and manipulating consumer behaviors to maximize profits for corporations.
  2. The development of full-time AI agents as personal assistants is the next phase of AI innovation, focusing on handling daily tasks and expenditures.
  3. DARPA is exploring the development of human-presenting AI agents for influencing social and behavioral systems, indicating potential dangerous implications.

Where Did TikTok Come From?

The Honest Broker • 7879 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social media Entrepreneurship Algorithm Digital Platforms Innovation
  1. TikTok's success can be attributed to a strategic focus on teens as the main users of the platform, creating a significant legal and social impact.
  2. Zhang Yiming, founder of TikTok, capitalized on the algorithm's power over user control to pave the way for the platform's global success.
  3. TikTok's uniqueness lies in its outsider status in China, where a similar app exists, showcasing its worldwide appeal and massive user base.

Gamifying the Self for Status and Profit

Freddie deBoer • 5847 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Media Journalism
  1. Web 2.0 principles underlying online platforms can be toxic and damaging to journalism and media.
  2. The pressure for individuals in the reporting and opinionating business to be on Twitter created a culture where tweeting was perceived as necessary for existence in the industry.
  3. Twitter and similar constant mass-broadcasting services can lead to peer pressure, conformity, and hinder independence of thought in journalism and commentary.

The Meme Fossil Record

Kneeling Bus • 381 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Internet Social media Cultural Commentary
  1. Memes can live on longer than expected, like Hawk Tuah, which has become a part of our culture even as social media changes. People may not forget them easily, showing how our online history keeps coming back.
  2. The blending of natural and manmade elements, like plastiglomerate, reflects how our digital content also mixes elements from the past and present. This process creates a new kind of cultural landscape shaped by everything that has come before.
  3. As we interact more with AI and technology, we might feel like we're stuck in a loop of consuming the same content repeatedly. This could impact how we express ourselves and might lead to a feeling of overload from the internet.

How an IG famous squirrel became a MAGA martyr

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1970 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Social media Government Overreach Election Dynamics
  1. Peanut the Squirrel was a popular social media pet whose death sparked political outrage on the right. People are using his story to criticize government actions and rally support for Trump.
  2. The incident highlights the way online communities can create narratives that may not resonate outside their circles. Many people don't seem to care about this story in the wider world.
  3. As the election approaches, some see the focus on Peanut as a sign of desperation from Trump supporters. They may be missing more serious issues by fixating on a squirrel's fate.

Seven Predictions For Tech in 2024

Big Technology • 9632 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Virtual reality Social media Market Analysis Autonomous Vehicles
  1. Generative AI will advance in 2024 with new capabilities like better conversation retention and reasoning.
  2. The year 2024 is predicted to be significant for mixed reality advancements, integrating AI avatars and assistants.
  3. Tech industry forecasts include Elon Musk selling X, Meta's market cap reaching $1 trillion, and NVIDIA facing increased competition.

Why Fake Kidnapping Stories Are Everywhere These Days

Shatter Zone • 4618 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
📰 News Crime Social media Scams Safety
  1. Fake kidnapping stories are prevalent in media due to their viral nature, not necessarily because they reflect real threats.
  2. Some individuals fabricate kidnapping stories online to gain followers or spread fear, contributing to misinformation and scams.
  3. Stories of kidnapping and human trafficking can be easily sensationalized and exploited for engagement on social media, leading to real-world consequences like paranoia and scams.

Culture Study Meets Bama RushTok

Culture Study • 9605 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Identity
  1. Rushtok videos on TikTok showcase the rush process for sororities at universities like Alabama, revealing a behind-the-scenes look at recruitment and Greek life.
  2. Greek life appeals to students seeking social structure and friendship, offering connections, community, and a pathway through college.
  3. Sorority recruitment still reflects historical exclusions based on race, class, and gender norms, influencing the images and performances seen on social media.

Corporate Simulacra

Teaching computers how to talk • 152 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Social media Corporate culture Media Critique Digital Identity
  1. Meta faced huge backlash when it was revealed they created fake AI profiles pretending to be real people. They acted quickly to shut down these profiles but didn't apologize.
  2. One notable AI was 'Liv,' a fake character claiming to be a queer Black mother. This raises ethical questions about representation and whether it's appropriate for a mostly white team to create such characters.
  3. The whole situation shows a troubling trend of companies using AI to create fake interactions instead of fostering real connections. This approach can lead to more isolation and distrust among users.