The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Is This Really Happening?

New World Same Humans • 91 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Social media Politics Trends Society
  1. 2025 is expected to be a significant year for change, especially with new political alliances forming around technology.
  2. There's a growing divide between those wanting to speed up technological advancements and those wanting to slow them down due to concerns about their impact on society.
  3. AI is becoming more powerful, possibly leading to major shifts in many aspects of life, and we might soon agree that we are nearing a stage called Artificial General Intelligence.

When the Internet Was for People

Path Nine • 12 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Internet Creativity Content creation Social media
  1. The internet used to be a place for genuine creativity, where people shared their thoughts and ideas without worrying about making money. Now, it's more about popularity and profit.
  2. AI is changing the way we create, often leading to superficial content instead of meaningful work. This trend can make us lose interest in real, deep creativity.
  3. To bring back real creativity, we need to be picky about the content we engage with, support authentic voices, and focus on making things that truly matter, not just what's trendy.

Bullet Points: 2025 is going great so far

The Future, Now and Then • 121 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Social media Content creation
  1. An explosion of a Cybertruck in Las Vegas might symbolize the wild unpredictability of 2025. It reflects how many unexpected and chaotic events define the year.
  2. Meta is trying to push AI chatbots that seem out of touch with what people actually want. This decision raises questions about the company's direction and understanding of its users.
  3. A recent debate about Elon Musk's management of Twitter showed how polarized opinions can be. Many arguments are rooted in personal biases, rather than objective analysis of the impacts.

Israel Attacked: Pushing Back on Right Wing Disinfo

The Message Box • 3793 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Terrorism International relations Media Social media
  1. Fast-moving events are fertile ground for disinformation, especially when shared without context or confirmation.
  2. The claim that the U.S. funded the attack in Iran is false; the unfrozen funds were for humanitarian assistance only.
  3. Claims circulating that U.S. weapons were used in the attack are also false; the photo shared is from 2021 in Afghanistan, not Israel.

Pessimistic prospects for a democratic resurgence

Brain Pizza • 860 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Technology Psychology Social media Disinformation
  1. Democracy is facing tough challenges, especially from technology and social media. These platforms can create confusion and division among people.
  2. There is a concern that neuroscience and psychology are being used against us in a way that harms democratic values. This means that our minds can be influenced to think in ways that aren't helpful.
  3. While some believe there is a chance for improvement in democracy, the outlook remains pretty negative right now. It's hard to see how we will overcome these obstacles.
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Technology to the Rescue!

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1844 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Social media Communication Consumption Human behavior
  1. People have always believed that technology will solve human problems, from the telephone to AI. But no matter the advancements, our fundamental human nature remains the same.
  2. Many technologists share a faith in technology similar to religious beliefs, seeing it as a way to achieve progress and even redemption for humanity.
  3. Connecting people through technology, like social media, often leads to conflicts instead of harmony, reminding us that simply being connected doesn't guarantee understanding or peace.

Narcissistic Wounding Behind Media Disinformation On Liz Cheney, Trump Rally, And Vaccines

Michael Shellenberger • 1536 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Disinformation Public Trust Political Rhetoric Social media
  1. The media is increasingly deceptive, making false claims about events, like Trump's rally and vaccine issues. This creates distrust among the public.
  2. Legacy journalists seem angry about new voices on social media that challenge traditional narratives. They react negatively to this shift in authority.
  3. Accurate reporting is essential, but misinformation can spread quickly and impact public perception. It's important to verify facts before believing them.

On Recent Developments at Substack

Welcome to Garbagetown • 2599 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Online Platforms Social media Free speech Community Building
  1. Acknowledgement of issues with Substack's management of diverse opinions and policies on monetization
  2. The dilemma of deciding whether to stay on Substack despite hosting problematic content or to leave and potentially lose audience
  3. Concern about the online space being dominated by harmful voices if good actors continually leave platforms hosting problematic content

Leftist Men Are Pussies

Default Wisdom • 244 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics Online Communities Political Commentary Cultural criticism Social media
  1. Many people learn about political ideas online, with platforms like Tumblr shaping modern identity politics more than traditional classrooms. This shift influenced how journalists and young adults view these topics.
  2. The conversation around political beliefs can shift quickly, especially when people explore new ideas. It's easy to get caught up in finding identity through opposing viewpoints, whether on the left or the right.
  3. Understanding differing opinions can be enlightening, even if you don't agree with them. Engaging with various perspectives helps refine your own beliefs, but it can also be uncomfortable or lead to deep personal questions.

Twitter is dead and Threads is thriving

Platformer • 3262 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Social media Tech industry Digital Content Artificial Intelligence Software Development
  1. Twitter underwent significant changes after Elon Musk's takeover, leading to a decline in daily users and financial setbacks.
  2. Musk's plan to pivot Twitter towards paid subscriptions failed, with less than 1% of users signing up for the premium service.
  3. Former Twitter employees have accepted the company's demise, with concerns about the future of the platform integrity at X.

It's time to change how we cover Elon Musk

Platformer • 3537 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🕹 Technology AI Social media Digital Media Antitrust AI Ethics
  1. It's important to approach coverage of Elon Musk with skepticism due to his history of broken promises and exaggerations.
  2. Journalists should be more skeptical and critical of Musk's statements, especially those that could impact markets or public perception.
  3. Musk's tendency to make bold announcements without following through highlights the need for increased scrutiny in media coverage of his statements.

Meta unspools Threads

Platformer • 3518 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Apps Decentralization Content Moderation Data Privacy
  1. Meta released Threads, a new app challenging Twitter, with a focus on content moderation and decentralization.
  2. Threads is a text-based messaging app similar to Twitter, allowing easy following of Instagram users with limited features.
  3. The success of Threads will depend on cultivating a vibrant community and continuous improvements to user experience.

Dingus of the week: Mark Zuckerberg

Men Yell at Me • 753 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tech Policy Social media Misinformation Free speech Political Commentary
  1. Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta is shutting down its fact-checking department, claiming it's biased. This means users can share their opinions without being corrected.
  2. Misinformation on social media has led to real violence and harm, raising concerns about the consequences of this new policy. People have been hurt or even died because of false information spread online.
  3. The community has shown kindness by supporting important causes, like abortion access. Together, people can make a difference and help those in need.

The Momfluencer Who Went to Jail

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 867 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Parenting Influencers Abuse Childhood
  1. Ruby Franke, a social media influencer, was arrested for child abuse after her son showed signs of neglect. This case shines a light on the darker side of online parenting.
  2. Her daughter Shari has shared her experiences growing up, highlighting the difference between Ruby's public persona and the reality at home.
  3. The situation raises questions about the impact of sharing family life online and how it can hide serious issues beneath the surface.

Instagram vs. Palestine, Part I

Pen>Sword • 2496 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Censorship Palestine Instagram Israel Social media
  1. Instagram is actively suppressing Palestinian voices and their allies, enforcing this censorship online.
  2. Instagram's suppression tactics include flagged accounts, disabled features, restricted reach, and suspended accounts, particularly targeting pro-Palestinian content.
  3. Instagram's strategic partnerships with Israeli government bodies like the Israeli Cyber Unit reveal a deep collaboration that supports digital suppression against voices in and for Gaza.

The AI is eating itself

Platformer • 3419 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI Social media E-commerce AR Cybersecurity
  1. Generative AI is dramatically impacting the internet with a variety of changes to platforms and services.
  2. The increasing use of AI-generated content poses challenges such as misinformation, disruption, and a dilution of human wisdom.
  3. Research shows that relying on AI systems to generate data can lead to degradation and collapse of models, raising concerns for the future of the web.

The Best Medium Publications of 2024 (to Quadruple Your Followers and Earnings)🤑

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 639 implied HN points • 18 May 24
💼 Business Writing Earnings Publications Social media Marketing
  1. Medium has a unique publications system that helps writers reach more readers. Getting published in the right ones can boost your visibility and earnings significantly.
  2. There are thousands of publications on Medium covering a wide range of topics. With so many options, it's important to find the top ones that align with your interests and goals.
  3. Recent changes in Medium's programs allow editors to support writers more effectively. This means writers can earn more and gain better access to their target audience.

Today I Wrote Nothing

Public Universal Friend • 59 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Art Social media Community Creativity
  1. Writing on Substack feels better than other social media. It encourages creativity and connection with people you know.
  2. The platform's design helps with writing, making it easy and rewarding to create. Watching your own writing grow is satisfying.
  3. A regular writing practice helps maintain a sense of community and keeps you engaged in your thoughts rather than being a passive consumer.

We Obviously Shouldn’t Ignore Left-Wing Online Radicalization

Singal-Minded • 830 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Radicalization Public Opinion Social media Political violence Research
  1. Left-wing online radicalization is a growing concern and shouldn't be overlooked. We need to pay attention to how these ideas spread online.
  2. Social media can create echo chambers where certain beliefs are heavily reinforced. This can lead people to think their supportive views are more popular than they actually are.
  3. Recent research indicates that younger people may support controversial figures more than older generations. This highlights a shift in perspectives that could shape future political discussions.

Bluesky's big moment

Platformer • 3341 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media AI Crypto Business Ethics
  1. Bluesky, a decentralized social network similar to early Twitter, is gaining popularity and could offer a unique alternative to mainstream social media platforms.
  2. Bluesky should focus on maintaining its decentralized nature while making it user-friendly, encouraging developers to build on the platform, and embracing the platform's quirky and fun atmosphere.
  3. Bluesky can potentially address issues in the Twitter ecosystem, such as content moderation and API accessibility, to differentiate itself further and attract a wider user base.

Compare and despair!

Austin Kleon • 3297 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Creativity Social media Procrastination
  1. Comparing yourself to other artists can lead to feelings of inadequacy. It's easy to feel like you should do what they do instead of focusing on your own path.
  2. Reading about how others work can distract you from your own projects. Instead of creating, you might end up shopping for supplies or changing your methods unnecessarily.
  3. Your mindset influences how much you compare yourself to others. When you're feeling vulnerable or unsure, it can be tempting to try what others do, even if it doesn't fit your style.

Social media is a machine that destroys empathy

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1069 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Empathy Human behavior Healthcare Capitalism
  1. Social media can lead to a loss of empathy. People often say things online that they wouldn't say face-to-face.
  2. When anger about issues like healthcare rises, some people turn to violence and support it. This shows a breakdown of empathy and understanding.
  3. There's a need to focus on changing the systems causing these problems, rather than blaming individuals. We should hold companies accountable while also working to fix the root issues.

New cracks emerge in Elon Musk's Twitter

Platformer • 3164 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Social media Software E-commerce Search Engines AI
  1. Twitter employees faced disruptions like Slack going down and Jira not working, causing frustration and questions about payment.
  2. Elon Musk announced plans to open source Twitter's algorithm, but doubts arise among employees about the transparency and actual release of the code.
  3. Twitter's performance has been degrading, with issues like increased latency during peak usage times, including events like the Super Bowl and a Twitter outage in Asia.

if he wanted to, would he really?

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank • 1867 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Dating Gender Feminism Relationships Social media
  1. Men's behavior in relationships is not always as simple as 'If he wanted to, he would.'
  2. Slogans like 'If he wanted to, he would' may have underlying anti-feminist implications and oversimplify modern dating dynamics.
  3. In today's dating scene, understanding and compassion for both genders can help avoid misunderstandings and improve relationships.

More languages, live video previews in the feed, and new community moderation tools in the app

Substack • 635 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Product Updates User engagement
  1. Substack now offers translations in six new languages, making it easier for more people to read posts. This means readers can enjoy content in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Brazilian Portuguese.
  2. Live video previews are now part of the feed. This helps users discover and join livestreams that are open to everyone, making it easier to connect and engage.
  3. New community moderation tools allow admins to manage comments more effectively. Users can now ban commenters right from the app, helping maintain a positive discussion environment.

Selling followers where the skies are blue

Conspirador Norteño • 56 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Digital marketing Online Security Internet Trends Fake Accounts
  1. There are fake follower selling services popping up on social media platforms like Bluesky. These services exploit the platform's growth by creating fake accounts to sell followers, likes, and shares.
  2. A large number of fake accounts have been created quickly and they often share similar biographies, usually in Portuguese. This suggests they are not real users, but rather automated bots.
  3. Buying followers is not a good idea. Most accounts gained through these services have little to no genuine followers and their involvement can harm your social media presence.

I wouldn't market to Gen-Z in 2025 without knowing these stats and insights

The Social Juice • 95 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Consumer behavior Brand Strategy Digital Trends Social media
  1. Gen-Z is moving away from Google and is using TikTok more for searches. They want content that feels real and relatable, not just the same old marketing.
  2. Brands should avoid commenting on every viral post. Instead of trying to engage in comments sections, it's better to join existing conversations in places like Discord or Reddit.
  3. Gen-Z prefers authentic content over polished ads. They want brands to focus on real-life issues and community engagement rather than just selling something.

The Top 5 Most Exciting New Features on Substack (and How to Maximize Their Benefits)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 999 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social media Online Writing Content creation Digital marketing Platforms
  1. Substack has introduced exciting new features, including an updated recommendations engine and advanced layouts, that writers can use to enhance their content.
  2. It's important for writers to stay informed about these changes to avoid feeling overwhelmed and burnt out during their writing journey.
  3. Joining a community or school, like Substack School, can provide support and resources to help writers grow and succeed with their newsletters.

The Stars in Our Phones

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 466 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Astrology Technology Youth Trends Psychology Social media
  1. Astrology is becoming popular again, especially among younger people who use apps for horoscopes. They find it interesting and fun, and it gives them a sense of connection in today's tech-driven world.
  2. Historically, many famous leaders, like Ronald Reagan, have turned to astrology for guidance. This shows that astrology has always held a place in society, despite its ups and downs in popularity.
  3. The market for astrology-related products is growing rapidly. It's expected to double by 2031, indicating a significant rise in interest and belief in astrology as a tool for understanding life.

Bluesky as the Ship of Theseus

The Future, Now and Then • 291 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Culture User Experience Online Communities Platform Development
  1. Bluesky is gaining popularity as an alternative to Twitter, attracting users unhappy with changes in X under Elon Musk. It's becoming a new hub for online conversations.
  2. The platform aims for a more user-friendly experience by limiting algorithms and promoting straightforward feeds. This makes it feel like the early days of Twitter.
  3. Bluesky focuses on community and real interactions, reducing toxic behavior from users aiming for outrage. This change may result in lower engagement metrics, but leads to a better overall environment.

The believers

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 46 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Ideology Social media Politics Identity Community
  1. Facebook has become a place for reconnecting with friends and networking, especially after the pandemic disrupted many social lives.
  2. The mood on social media is often political and can feel intense, as people express strong beliefs around topics like DEI initiatives.
  3. Many people are feeling disturbed about the changing social landscape and are debating issues they never considered before.

HEY! Watch Disaffected on Twitter Sunday Night!

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎙 Podcasts Critique Media Streaming Entertainment Social media
  1. The show 'Disaffected' will be available on Twitter this Sunday at 9 pm Eastern time. People are encouraged to join and chat during the show.
  2. YouTube and Apple blocked a video from 'Disaffected', claiming it was unfairly flagged despite it being a fair use critique. This situation highlights concerns about censorship.
  3. Viewers are urged to support 'Disaffected' and help make the Twitter show a success after their struggles with other platforms.