The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Twitter and Content Moderation

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content Moderation Misinformation Politics Elon Musk
  1. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have changed how fact-checking is done on their platforms. Instead of having official fact-checkers, they are relying on community input.
  2. Many suggested corrections on these platforms seem to just be people having different opinions. Often, they don't provide clear facts and can be more about arguing than informing.
  3. The interaction with these community notes doesn't seem to attract much attention. Most users appear to prefer the regular replies over community notes, which might indicate a lack of interest in these corrections.

Marshall McLuhan on Why Content Moderation is a Red Herring

After Babel • 2883 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media Childhood Content Moderation Online safety Tech Ethics
  1. Content moderation is essential, but focusing solely on it overlooks larger issues related to the harmful effects of platforms on kids
  2. The harmful impact of social media on children is not just about the content they consume, but also about the changes in childhood due to excessive screen time
  3. Implementing norms like delaying smartphones until high school could help in restoring a healthier, play-based childhood for kids

The Viral Yard Cleanup Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing YouTube Entrepreneurship Content creation Social media
  1. YouTube can be a platform where people showcase unique services, like yard cleanup videos. This combines marketing, good deeds, and entertainment all in one.
  2. Some lawn care businesses gain popularity by documenting their free work on overgrown properties. This not only helps others but also helps them grow their online presence.
  3. Creating content that viewers enjoy is essential in modern marketing. It's better to show entertaining ideas rather than strictly promoting services.

I Joined TikTok Refugees on RedNote. Here’s What It’s Like.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 686 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Migration Censorship Communication
  1. Many people are moving from TikTok to a new app called RedNote due to concerns about a potential ban. This shift shows how social media changes quickly based on user needs.
  2. RedNote is a Chinese app that feels different from TikTok, with most content in Mandarin. Users are finding it hard to adjust since it mainly caters to a Chinese audience.
  3. Despite the differences, both American and Chinese users on RedNote are engaging together, often humorously referencing their cultural differences. This highlights how social media can connect people across boundaries.

The Internet Takes the Amazon

The Analog Family • 399 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Internet Digital Rights Indigenous issues Social media Cultural impact
  1. The introduction of the Internet in remote Amazon villages has both benefits, like staying in touch with family, and drawbacks, such as young people losing interest in traditional crafts and customs.
  2. Some tribe leaders are noticing that excessive screen time is hurting community interactions and daily life, prompting them to set limits on Internet usage.
  3. Reactions to this change highlight hypocrisy in our own technology use; while we express concern for Indigenous cultures, we often ignore the negative effects of screens in our own families.
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The independent truth service

Gray Mirror • 76 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Fact-checking Public Discourse
  1. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter need to create independent truth services. This would help them figure out what information is reliable and what isn't.
  2. Currently, our trusted sources of truth, like newspapers and universities, are becoming less reliable. We need better systems to ensure that the truth is accurately represented.
  3. Building a solid and powerful truth signal can change how we see and understand facts. If we create a strong, trustworthy source of information, it could help improve the way people perceive what's true.

How Do You Make Email and Texts Steal Less Time?

Culture Study • 2654 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Communication Productivity Social media
  1. Emails, texts, and messaging apps can make us worse at maintaining deep friendships by offering false comforts and distractions that replace meaningful connections.
  2. Efficiency in emails and texts is important, but it's crucial not to let these tools take over our lives and prevent us from engaging in activities we truly value like hanging out with friends or pursuing hobbies.
  3. The goal is to communicate in more present and meaningful ways, where our attention isn't constantly divided. Finding a balance between digital communication and real-life interactions is key.

My Thoughts on Getting Paid on Substack

Lore Ferguson Wilbert • 2594 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Social media Digital Platforms Personal Finance Content creation
  1. Subscription models for writers can provide a way for readers to support them financially.
  2. Freelance writing often pays very little in relation to the amount of work that goes into it.
  3. Being supported by reader subscriptions can allow writers to focus more on their writing and less on social media and algorithms.

Social Learning Links

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education reform Freedom of Speech Social media Public Policy Higher education
  1. We need to make big tech companies more open about how they control what we see online. It's important for users to understand how decisions are made about content.
  2. There's hope for improving free speech in colleges, thanks to changes in culture and organizations pushing for reform. College leaders have a critical role in shaping this positive change.
  3. The current problems in education can be traced back to how ideas have been taught in schools. We might need to rethink who we trust in academia and lift up the better thinkers.

Performative hydration has gone too far

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 838 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Wellness Social media Fashion Art Podcasts
  1. Performative hydration in wellness culture has become excessive, with water being portrayed as a solution for various health and beauty issues.
  2. The trend of performative hydration is closely tied to the rise of wellness culture in the past 15 years, where water has been turned into a fashionable accessory.
  3. Public health attempts to promote water consumption have evolved into a market of exclusive and expensive water products, potentially detracting from the original goal of encouraging healthy hydration choices.

Parler is Back!

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Health Freedom Social media Censorship Political Discourse
  1. Parler is back online, aiming to be a safe space for free speech and open discussions about health and politics. It's a platform where people can express their views without the fear of censorship.
  2. Over the years, Parler faced challenges and was even deplatformed by major tech companies, highlighting the struggle for free expression in today's digital age. This situation raises questions about how much control big tech should have over public conversations.
  3. Now, with a renewed focus on health freedom and individual rights, Parler wants to encourage open dialogue and protect the right to speak up. It stands as a reminder of the importance of free speech in society.

🚨 This Week in Cybersecurity 🚨

Vigilainte Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 16 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Social media Data Privacy Legal issues Digital Infrastructure
  1. A teenager was arrested for a cyberattack on London's transport system, showing that young people are increasingly involved in serious cybercrimes.
  2. Australia is setting age limits for children on social media to protect them from online dangers like predators and inappropriate content.
  3. Apple dropped its lawsuit against NSO Group, which developed spyware to target individuals like journalists and activists, indicating a shift in its legal approach.

My Smartphone Was Ruining My Life. So I Quit.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 936 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Personal Experience Influence Art
  1. Social media can create a false sense of connection, making people feel isolated even with many followers. It's easy to focus on appearances rather than real relationships.
  2. Taking a break from smartphones and social media can be liberating. Disconnecting can help you find clarity and happiness away from constant online pressures.
  3. Personal well-being should come first. Prioritizing mental health over online validation is important for a fulfilling life.

German retiree facing criminal charges for retweeting a meme implying that the Minister of Economic Affairs is a moron

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 294 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political criticism Legal issues Social media Government Action
  1. A German retiree is facing criminal charges for retweeting a meme that insults a government minister. This shows how serious authorities can be about online criticism.
  2. The case highlights laws in Germany that punish anyone who insults politicians, which can lead to heavy fines or even jail time. It's a tough stance on freedom of speech.
  3. The situation reflects ongoing debates about what people can say online, especially regarding those in power. It's a reminder of how different countries handle criticism of their leaders.

Why Harris Lost Uninformed Voters

The Discourse Lounge • 987 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Voter Behavior Partisan Politics Social media Election Campaigns
  1. The way people get their news has changed a lot. Now, many young people rely on social media for their information, which can create a divide in opinions.
  2. Republicans have cleverly used social media to spread their messages and appeal to specific demographics, especially young men and women.
  3. Democrats need to adapt their strategies to this new media landscape because just stating facts isn't swaying voters like it used to.

How to Get Your Writing Featured on Google and Your Own Google Knowledge Panel

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1079 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Search Engine Digital marketing Content creation Personal Branding Social media
  1. Getting a Google Knowledge Panel can help you be recognized as a writer. It acts like an online business card that gives information about you and your work.
  2. Creating a Knowledge Panel is not too hard, but keeping it updated takes effort. You need to actively educate Google about you and your work.
  3. Using different types of content like videos and images can make you more visible. Google looks for people who write and engage in various media.

The Popehat Report Is Moving To Beehiiv

The Popehat Report • 4611 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Blogging Platforms Social media
  1. The Popehat Report is moving to Beehiiv, a different platform for blogs and newsletters.
  2. Ken White made the decision to switch platforms for several reasons, including the opportunity for design changes and a more 'bloggy' feel.
  3. The new platform will allow for easy subscription management and Ken White will still be present on Substack as a co-host on Serious Trouble.

Important information if you used my Bluesky MP follows bot

Odds and Ends of History • 737 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Social media Bots
  1. If you used the Bluesky MP follows bot, it's a good idea to change your Bluesky password for safety. There's a small chance harmful code was on the server, but it seems unlikely any personal data was taken.
  2. The issue arose from outdated Wordpress code on a server that was unintentionally exploited, highlighting the importance of keeping software updated. Neglecting updates can lead to security problems.
  3. The creator of the bot took immediate action by shutting it down and ensuring no more data was at risk. He is being transparent about the issue to help others understand the risks and best practices.

The Death of Twitter and Generalized Identity

The Discourse Lounge • 797 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Political Discourse Identity politics Cultural Shifts Voter trends
  1. Twitter is losing its importance and is now filled with misleading content and bots. Many users have moved to other platforms that promote better quality discussions.
  2. While Twitter helped popularize many leftist ideas, it also made some views seem more common than they actually were among broader communities. Not all ideas on Twitter reflect the majority opinion.
  3. The way media and politicians used Twitter as a guide for understanding diverse communities can be misleading. Terms like BIPOC gained traction on Twitter but don’t always resonate with how people identify in real life.

#194: On grief and posting through it

Maybe Baby • 1097 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Grief Social media Communication Mental health Relationships
  1. Grief doesn't have a 'right' way to be expressed. It's okay to feel a mix of emotions and thoughts during this tough time.
  2. Sharing about loved ones on social media can feel awkward, but it also offers a chance for connection and support from friends.
  3. Wanting attention or recognition for your feelings is natural. Seeking out comfort from others can be a healthy part of your grieving process.

Review: Kyle Chayka's Filterworld

Freddie deBoer • 3620 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Literature Technology Social media
  1. The book delves into how algorithms have fundamentally reshaped human aesthetic production online and offline.
  2. Algorithms heavily influence culture and trends, even extending to architecture and interior design.
  3. The author addresses the challenge of standing out in today's saturated creative landscape shaped by algorithms, emphasizing the importance of navigating and adapting to the digital environment.

Optimistic prospects for a democratic resurgence

Brain Pizza • 529 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Civic engagement Psychology Social media Education Trust
  1. Technology and neuroscience can help make political information easier to understand. This means more people can join in discussions about democracy without feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Better education focused on critical thinking will help people resist misinformation. This way, citizens will make smarter choices and be more engaged in their communities.
  3. Social media platforms are likely to change for the better, promoting respectful discussions and fact-checking. This shift can help reduce anger and division online.

Arguing with bots

Austin Kleon • 2118 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Writing Literature Online Discourse Public Opinion
  1. People often get upset about things online that aren't true. In one case, people thought they were angry at a famous author but were really just mad at a fake account.
  2. It's easy to fall for misleading quotes. Even I made that mistake without checking the original context first.
  3. Social media can often showcase poor writing. It might be better to focus on reading good stuff instead of engaging with low-quality content.

The Future, Now and Then: 2024 in review

The Future, Now and Then • 72 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis Political Commentary Media Critique Social media Current Events
  1. The author has been regularly writing a newsletter for two and a half years, and their audience has grown significantly. It's important to celebrate growth and consistency in writing.
  2. In 2024, topics covered included technology and political commentary, highlighting issues like the rise of Bluesky and criticism of university administrations. These topics engage readers and reflect current events.
  3. The author plans to shift focus in early 2025 to finish a book manuscript, but will still share thoughts on current events in the newsletter. Transitioning goals can bring new opportunities in writing.

These defenders of democracy do not exist

Conspirador Norteño • 76 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Democracy AI Technology Political Activism
  1. Some social media accounts pretend to be liberal activists but are actually fake and use AI to generate responses. They try to look real but their activity is suspicious.
  2. These accounts follow a lot of people quickly but don't gain many followers back. This pattern shows they are likely bots trying to manipulate engagement.
  3. Many of the replies from these accounts are generic offers of help or unsolicited responses. It's often clear they are automated replies, not real conversations.

The Person Behind @Elmo

Link in Bio • 1159 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Interview Content creation
  1. Social media managers speak on behalf of brands and have guidelines for maintaining the brand's voice.
  2. The social strategy for managing accounts like Elmo's involves maintaining the character while engaging with fans in a relatable and joyful manner.
  3. Creating social-first content for platforms like Instagram involves brainstorming, finalizing content, and working with production to bring concepts to life.

AI in Meta Land

In My Tribe • 455 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Social media Video Games Virtual reality
  1. Meta plans to use AI to create millions of AI-generated users on its platforms. This could change how we interact online, possibly focusing more on fiction than reality.
  2. Using AI in social media might make it feel like an immersive video game. People could interact with dynamic AI characters, making learning fun and engaging.
  3. While there are concerns about addiction and harm from interacting with bots, these interactions might actually be less harmful than current social media interactions with real people.