The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Israel Attacked: Pushing Back on Right Wing Disinfo

The Message Box • 3793 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Exploring the Knives Out Universe

Can We Still Govern? • 278 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The stories center kind, decent outsiders who get thrown into dangerous situations and are guided by Benoit Blanc as they face manipulative groups.
  2. The films criticize unearned privilege and toxic co-dependence, showing greedy, entitled people who exploit others and cling to status.
  3. Social media and performative politics warp motives and relationships, and the series contrasts that cynicism with themes of faith, grace, and genuine care.

Grok Grok

Don't Worry About the Vase • 4211 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Grok can search Twitter and provides fast responses, which is pretty useful. However, it has issues with creativity and sometimes jumps to conclusions too quickly.
  2. Despite being developed by Elon Musk, Grok shows a strong bias against him and others, leading to a loss of trust in the model. There are concerns about its capabilities and safety features.
  3. Grok has been described as easy to jailbreaking, raising concerns about it potentially sharing dangerous instructions if properly manipulated.
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America Enters the Samizdat Era

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13143 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  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.

The RedNote honeymoon won't last

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4986 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. RedNote, a new app, is gaining popularity as users look for alternatives to TikTok. It focuses on social shopping and creating content about products.
  2. Despite its rapid rise, RedNote might struggle long-term because it has a language barrier and isn't as globally popular as TikTok.
  3. As users enjoy RedNote now, conflicts may arise as happens on most social media platforms. This could change users' perceptions of the app over time.

On Recent Developments at Substack

Welcome to Garbagetown • 2599 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  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

The Facebook scam economy

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2776 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Meta platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, are dealing with a huge problem of scams, with many advertisers promoting them. This is partly due to the rise of cryptocurrency and AI.
  2. Despite employees reporting these scams, Meta has been slow to act because they prioritize ad revenue over user safety. They allow scammers to continue operating for too long before taking action.
  3. Scams on Facebook are affecting vulnerable people, including workers in Southeast Asia who are often trapped in abusive conditions. This brings up serious concerns about the ethics of the platform's operations.

Why Threads Won't Solve the News Crisis

The Message Box • 3557 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
📰 News Social media
  1. Threads, a new app from Meta, may not be the solution to the news crisis.
  2. There is no longer a central place for people to get their news, leading to a fragmented media landscape.
  3. Social media platforms like Meta/Facebook have contributed to the problem by prioritizing engagement over accuracy and news content.

Twitter is dead and Threads is thriving

Platformer • 3262 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  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 Social media
  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.

My Best Premium Tweets

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 321 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. A curated collection shares the best subscriber-only tweets from recent months, gathered for paid readers.
  2. The content is mostly off-the-cuff and idiosyncratic — short insights, stray observations, hot takes, and personal (sometimes weird) opinions.
  3. Access is paywalled with clear calls to subscribe or sign in, and there’s a link to a previous collection for more.

Meta unspools Threads

Platformer • 3518 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  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.

AI is making us all talk the same

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1552 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming really popular and are changing how we communicate. People are starting to use similar words and phrases because of these tools.
  2. Researchers looked at lots of YouTube videos and podcasts to see how language is changing post-ChatGPT, finding that certain words are being used more often.
  3. A new book called _Algospeak_ explores how the internet and AI affect our language. It shows how chat technology is shaping what we say and how we say it.

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

Noahpinion • 13411 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  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.

Instagram vs. Palestine, Part I

Pen>Sword • 2496 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics 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.

Political Psychology Links, 12/20/2025

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. A large genetic study finds that many psychiatric disorders share most of their genetic risk, grouping into several overlapping factors and a general "p-factor" that helps explain why people often have multiple diagnoses.
  2. Generation Z is a digitally native, alienated cohort whose political energy often plays out online as viral trends, which risks being short-lived and having limited real-world staying power unless it is organized offline.
  3. Volkish thought was a romantic, anti-modern nationalism that idealized rural life and culture while demonizing urban, scientific, and commercial modernity, and it scapegoated Jews as a supposed 'anti-type,' laying cultural groundwork that preceded Nazism.

Elon Musk Declares War on Independent Writers

The Message Box • 3439 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Elon Musk's recent actions may negatively impact independent writers on Substack.
  2. Restrictions on sharing Substack content on Twitter can hinder writers' ability to connect with their audience.
  3. Diversifying platforms may be essential for writers to safeguard against potential tech industry upheavals.

"Beautiful USA", operated from Romania

Conspirador Norteño • 28 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Many US-themed Facebook pages are run from outside the United States, with administrators in various countries and only a minority based in the U.S.
  2. They mainly publish AI-generated patriotic images and plagiarized photos, often duplicating content across pages and stuffing posts with hashtags to boost engagement.
  3. Several pages intermittently share right-leaning political content, which suggests the network may be trying to promote conservative views rather than just distribute image spam.

The AI is eating itself

Platformer • 3419 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  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.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 94 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
😂 Humor Social media
  1. A lot of people and society could use a time out to rest and regroup.
  2. Stepping away from constant demands can give needed relief and clearer thinking.
  3. This message is presented as paid subscriber content, aimed at a paying audience.

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 Social media
  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.

EXCLUSIVE: US To Deny Visas To Foreign Officials Who Try To Censor US Social Media Platforms

Michael Shellenberger • 2214 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. The US is denying visas to foreign officials who try to censor American social media. This means that if someone from another country tries to limit free speech online, they may not be allowed into the US.
  2. This new policy also applies to the families of these officials. So, not only the person who censors but their immediate family could be affected.
  3. The US sees protecting free speech as an important part of its foreign policy. This move is part of a larger effort to fight against what they call the global censorship-industrial complex.

Today I Wrote Nothing

Public Universal Friend • 59 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  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.

Bluesky's big moment

Platformer • 3341 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  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.

Mostleastremarkablegate And The Nature Of Online Harassment

Astral Codex Ten • 6469 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  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.

Compare and despair!

Austin Kleon • 3297 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  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.

Elon Musk's secret alt?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4777 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. There are claims that Elon Musk might be using a secret Twitter account named Adrian Dittmann to defend himself. Many believe this account has a similar style and voice to Musk.
  2. Some people say they've heard proof that Dittmann is actually Musk's burner account, but the credibility of such claims is questionable.
  3. Regardless of whether Adrian is Musk or not, it raises interesting questions about social media and the behavior of public figures online.

Meet the Censored: Me?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 22417 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. The project to uncover Twitter Files revealed a complex and organized system of content policing involving various government agencies and tech platforms.
  2. Suspension of journalist accounts for sharing information about Elon Musk's private jet highlighted the tensions between free speech and censorship.
  3. Elon Musk's involvement in the transparency of Twitter was met with conflicting reactions, ultimately leading to unexpected clashes with platforms like Substack.

It's Time To Stop Blaming Misinformation for Cynicism and Mistrust

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4072 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Misinformation doesn't change people's minds as much as we think. Most people don't consume or believe it that much.
  2. The ones who share misinformation are often driven by strong political beliefs, not ignorance. They want to support their views against the opposing party.
  3. Fighting misinformation online might not help restore trust in institutions. Instead, we should focus on the deeper reasons why people lose faith in them.

Open Thread 363

Astral Codex Ten • 4542 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. You can share anything you'd like in the open thread. This is a space for questions and discussions about various topics.
  2. There's a survey available for feedback that closes soon, so make sure to participate if you want your voice heard.
  3. The blog recommendations have been updated for the New Year, focusing on new writers and changing recommendations yearly.

New cracks emerge in Elon Musk's Twitter

Platformer • 3164 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  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 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.

Social Media Shortens Your Life. Here’s How to Get Time Back.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1344 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Social media can waste a lot of your time without you even noticing. You might log in just to check something and suddenly realize you've spent half an hour scrolling.
  2. Time feels different depending on what you're doing. When you're more aware or focused on something, it seems to take longer, but with social media, you often lose track of time.
  3. Being aware of how social media affects your sense of time can help you manage it better. It's important to keep track of how long you're using these apps to take back your time.

Statistical Methods Links,12/07/2025

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🔬 Science Social media
  1. Certain personality traits like being assertive and energetic can lead to higher earnings, while traits like being anxious or preferring routine work are linked to lower earnings.
  2. A small correlation in data, such as between social media use and depression, can significantly impact outcomes, but it's important to analyze data correctly and not rely solely on models.
  3. Current fertility rates among older Millennials appear similar to older generations, but the context matters; using outdated comparisons can be misleading, and true trends show a decline in fertility.

Two Drinks with. . . a Very Modern Lover

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 343 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. A long, once-happy marriage can end without being a failure. Partners can part lovingly and see separation as the final, respectful act of a good relationship.
  2. Suggesting separation can be healthy provoked strong online backlash, with many people calling such choices selfish or self-absorbed.
  3. The argument has kicked off a wider cultural debate about modern love and whether divorce must always be viewed as a tragedy or can be a healthy choice.

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
  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 internet's "town square" is dead

The Intrinsic Perspective • 18314 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  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.